Semiconductors are a critical part of the modern world, from medicine, transportation and aerospace, to energy and electronics manufacturing. It’s probably something you don’t often think about, but without semiconductors, everyday life would be very different from what it is today. Over the past 50 years, semiconductors have drastically changed the way we design and […]
As anyone in the electronics industry knows, it’s critical to mitigate the risk of purchasing and using counterfeit parts and components. There are many different ways to identify and avoid using counterfeit parts in the electronics manufacturing field, including both visual tests and x-ray inspections. It’s best to use more than one test method for […]
Prior to surface mount technology (SMT) being available, electronic components were placed on boards with what is now referred to as through hole mounting (THM). This was done either by soldering the components to a PCB or by using wire wrap mounting techniques. There are however times where though-hole components should still be used. Benefits […]
Zen is an ancient Japanese word describing a sect of Buddhism that emphasizes the importance of meditation and self-reflection, in order to reach enlightenment. After these Buddhist concepts became popularized in the West, the word transformed into a modern meaning, often describing feelings of peacefulness, calmness, and serenity. When you hear the word ‘Zen’ today, […]
The Internet of Things (IoT) is changing just about everything you can think of from how we shop, drive, communicate, not to mention how we do business. What Does IOT Mean? Simply put, devices communicate with each other via the internet. From security systems in our homes to connected manufacturing factory floors, the IoT is […]
Let’s face it: industry regulations can be an annoyance. They make things more complicated, add time and expense, and are always changing. But they do also serve an important purpose: These laws are aimed at reducing the impact to health, minimizing security threats, and being respectful to the environment. The U.S. alone has almost 200 industry […]
Corrosion is inevitable in the electronics manufacturing industry, to the point where it’s costing the manufacturing and industrial sector an estimated 17 billion dollars per year in the U.S. alone. The components of your product may take from a few months to a few decades to corrode, you need to be aware that product components […]
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are a vital part of any electronics product. They are also one of the most vulnerable—highly susceptible to the environment where they are being used. Any number of factors can affect the PCB including heat or abrupt fluctuations in temperature, humidity, water, dust, salt, solvents, and levels of UV, leading to […]
Outsourcing a PCB layout can have its benefits. Some may consider outsourcing the design of their printed circuit boards to a specialty PCB design firm simply because they are in need of a brand-new board for a brand new application, and sorting through the regulations, assembly techniques, and components necessary can be a huge drain. […]
We all want to go lean, and that’s not just a reference to the cliched New Year’s resolution about losing weight. Going lean in business can maximize resources, reduce waste, lower production costs, eliminate standing inventory, and/or increase labor productivity—all while maintaining the high-quality standards that had been achieved previously. This idea sounds pretty desirable […]
