May 5, 2026

Two Hon Hai-built Satellites Launched from US Into Orbit Hon Hai launches PEARL-1A and PEARL-2B satellites from California into low Earth orbit, testing Ka-band inter-satellite links, ionospheric monitoring, and payload tech, advancing Taiwan-US cooperation and future constellation design capabilities. Taipei Times

Sponsor Simplify Your Most Challenging BGA Rework When complex BGA repairs demand precision and reliability, turn to the trusted resource used by leading military contractors for all their rework. Circuit Technology Center

SEC and Elon Musk agree to settle lawsuit over Twitter buyout in 2022 US Securities and Exchange Commission agreed to settle a lawsuit against Elon Musk over delayed disclosure of his Twitter stake, with his trust paying a $1.5 million civil penalty. The agreement awaits final court approval. CNBC

The Economics of Electronic Component Salvage and Reuse This paper explores the feasibility and benefits of salvaging and reconditioning the leads and pads of electronic components, focusing on high-value components such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, and artificial intelligence chips. Technical Paper

AI Accelerator Spec Maintains Rapid Update Pace UALink consortium updates its accelerator interconnect spec within a year, adding in-network compute, chiplet support, and improved manageability to boost AI workload performance, reduce latency & enable scalable, modular data center fabrics for faster training & inference efficiency. EE Times

Sponsor iX7059 Series by Viscom: Inline X-ray Inspection Power High-performance Inline X-ray Inspection Systems for complex electronics, semiconductors, and power modules up to 200 kg. Seamless integration, AI-powered accuracy, and maximum reliability for every application. Viscom SE

The chip industry is booming again, but only for companies building AI infrastructure Silicon wafer shipments rise 13.1% year-on-year as AI-driven data center demand surges, while PC and smartphone markets weaken. Chipmakers redirect capacity toward memory & computing chips, signaling a recovery in industrial semiconductors despite uneven consumer demand. TechSpot

Trouble With Skewed DPAK Components We are having trouble with surface mount DPAC components skewing during reflow. We checked our profile and tried a diagonal hatch aperture. Board Talk

Technical Papers ■ Scaling SMT Traceability ■ The Drawbacks of Internal Recycling Systems for Solder Dross ■ Engineering ESD-Safe PCB Assembly for High-Reliability IoT and Industrial Electronics ■ The Analysis of Variance: Drawing Conclusions from Data That Are Correct, Unambiguous, and Defensible ■ PCB Rework Evolves, With X-ray a Constant Support ■ How pH Cleaning Agents Affect Production Performance ■ A Universal AI-Powered Segmentation Model for PCBA & Semiconductor ■ RAIG Minimizes Corrosion, Allows Higher Gold on ENEPIG ■ High Reliability Lead-Free Solder Paste with Rosin and Anti-Crack Resin ■ Understanding Solder Dross: Causes and Control Strategies MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

Sponsor Gripping Systems from micro assembly to heavy lifting The first industrial-suited grippers from SCHUNK were a milestone. Since then we have brought countless newly and further developments to market. SCHUNK

Big tech is finally under the microscope England has introduced a school mobile phone ban after political pressure, reflecting growing concern about tech companies. Evidence of harms to children's learning and development is driving global restrictions and a shift toward more precautionary regulation. Taipei Times

AI cannot replace real teachers Education is evolving as students use AI and online tools to access knowledge. Teachers shift from delivering information to guiding emotional and social development, prioritizing communication, problem-solving, and human-centered skills training. Taipei Times

Effect of Bi-Addition on the High Strain Rate Properties of SnAgCu Solders This paper focuses on the effects of sustained high temperatures on the high strain rate of doped lead-free solders operating between -65°C to 200°C. Technical Paper

Sponsor AEC Grade-0 and MSL Level-1 Conductive Paste & Film Adhesives 240° Tg and ultra-high thermal stability for AEC Grade-0 applications. Proven rapid and snap curing die-attach paste for ultimate productivity. AI Technology, Inc.

Manufacturing activity picks up Taiwan's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in over three years as PMI jumped to 60.3, driven by Middle East tensions pushing raw material costs, pre-emptive orders, and strong AI and semiconductor demand, though growth remains uneven across industries. Taipei Times

Gartner Highlights Three Building Blocks for Autonomous Supply Chain Future Chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) must build autonomous-ready operations, intelligence, and workforce to navigate volatility, Gartner says. AI and humans will share decision-making, shifting from siloed automation to outcome-driven autonomy and strengthening competitiveness. Gartner

The Effect of Strain Rate on the Ductility of Bismuth-Containing Solders In this paper the authors report some preliminary results from a wider study of the effects of bismuth on the properties and behaviour of solder alloys. Technical Paper

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The Oscars just declared that AI actors and AI-written scripts can't win awards The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences bans AI-generated performances and scripts from Oscar eligibility, requiring human actors' consent and human-authored screenplays, as concerns grow over digital resurrections and AI actors like Tilly Norwood. TechSpot

Industrial Control Systems Manufacturer Eliminates Stockouts Nexus Automation and Control Systems adopts MRPeasy to manage complex multi-level BOMs, replacing spreadsheets and cutting inventory errors. It improves purchasing accuracy, reduces stockouts/overstock, streamlines operations in manufacturing. EE Times

Sponsor Discover Real Operational Strategies from Proven Global Leaders In this 4-part series we asked three experienced global leaders for their insights on the biggest challenges faced by manufacturing operations today. No Registration required. Intraratio

Manufacturing Steady in April as Inflation and Iran War Weigh In U.S. manufacturing expanded for a fourth straight month in April, with PMI holding at 52.7%, despite surging input costs and geopolitical tensions. Rising prices, slowing production, and continued job cuts highlight mounting pressure, even as demand and economic growth persist. EE Times

Reservoir Printing in Deep Cavities Guidelines for stencil designs and aperture placement in cavities are presented, including stencil design, paste material, experimentation, and results. Technical Paper

A Chinese court just ruled companies can't fire workers simply because AI can replace them A Chinese court ruled companies cannot fire or cut pay solely due to AI replacement, deeming automation a business choice, not legal grounds. The decision requires firms to negotiate, retrain, or reassign workers rather than justify layoffs with technology. TechSpot

Denmark faces data center reckoning as power grid overwhelmed by surging demand Nordic countries, led by Denmark, are reconsidering data center expansion as soaring energy demand strains power grids. A surge in connection requests has triggered pauses, sparking debates over stricter criteria, and balancing AI-driven growth with limited electricity capacity. CNBC

Sponsor SMT Line Builder Tool – Fast & Easy Skip the guesswork. Our SMT Line Builder gives you instant, expert-recommended setups based on your budget and output. Or send us your BOM—we'll handle it. Manncorp Inc.

India Targets Global Electronics Supply Chain Role with $15B Google Cloud AI Hub in Visakhapatnam Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says India is emerging as a trusted global electronics manufacturing hub, backed by policy support rising semiconductor progress and a $15B AI hub in Visakhapatnam digital infrastructure, exports, and innovation. EE Times India