China has launched an anti-discrimination probe into US chip trade policy and a dumping investigation into US analog chips, ahead of trade talks in Madrid.

Mexico’s planned tariffs on Chinese imports have led companies in PCB supply chains to delay investments, shifting some projects to alternative markets like Vietnam.

UC Davis researchers have built DeepInMiniscope, a compact brain-imaging device that replaces bulky optics with a bare PCB-mounted image sensor and custom circuitry, enabling real-time 3D neuronal recording in freely moving mice.

Zestron will host two free technical webinars in September, covering strategies to optimize PCBA cleaning processes, cut costs and boost manufacturing efficiency.

Ford has recalled over 1M vehicles after a supplier’s unauthorized change to the rearview camera’s printed circuit board caused faulty connections that may lead to distorted or blank displays.

Samsung has opened its AI Forum in Korea, highlighting AI’s role in semiconductors and agentic AI.

The Sciotronics project Stamp offers modular breakout PCBs that replace messy breadboards with neat, swappable blocks for surface-mount components.

Saelig introduces Rigol DS80000 series oscilloscopes.

MorePCB released a step-by-step soldering guide to help beginners master PCB assembly.

Yamaha has rolled out new software innovations for its SMT printers, mounters and Intelligent Factory suite.

Stephen Chavez talks about some of the issues designers are running into, is upcoming presentations at PCB West, and design-related programs at the college level, on the latest PCB Chat podcast.

Rainmaker Technology head of engineering Jackson Schultz will keynote PCB West this fall in Santa Clara, CA.

The PCEA September issue is live, covering NTI-100 rankings, PCB/EMS momentum in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia), China-plus-one supply chain shifts and more.

PCB West 2025 has sold out its exhibition floor for the 11th time in 12 years, with 100+ exhibitors set for Sept. 30–Oct. 3 at Santa Clara and a free-session expo day on Oct. 1.

Abstracts for PCB East 2026 on PCB design, fabrication, assembly and emerging technologies, are due Oct. 3.

Looking for networking opportunities? Join the PCEA Discord server, bringing together engineers and designers from around the world on a private channel for discussing technical questions and career opportunities.

Experts say the US is unlikely to see fully automated “dark factories” soon, with semi-automation remaining the more practical path forward.

Electronics components suppliers reported their August outlook declined to 113.2 from 121.6 in July, but survey participants predict a strong jump in September.

The US has added two Chinese firms to its restricted trade list for acquiring US chipmaking equipment on behalf of SMIC, part of a broader move sanctioning 32 entities tied to China’s semiconductor sector.

Jiangsu Shengyi has begun the second phase of a new flex materials plant at its site in Nantong, Jiangsu province, China.

Global smartphone output rose 4 percent in the second quarter to 300M units.

Pegatron chairman TH Tung warned that Taiwanese manufacturers face three major pressures – US tariff shifts, long-term currency volatility and rising competition from China, Japan and South Korea – stressing the need for policy support and greater automation to remain competitive.

Aimtron Electronics plans to begin construction of a new AI- and IoT-enabled facility in Vadodara by mid-2026.

HyRel Technologies highlighted its summer interns’ work on robotics, automation and PCB system integration.

SMTA names its 2025 “Members of Distinction,” recognizing outstanding technical, leadership and international contributions

Siix and Innominds have launched a joint venture to provide OEMs with full-stack ODM services.

NCAB Group promoted Shawn Rocha to program director.

Tracking Giants: Inside the World’s Top PCB Fabricators
PCD&F/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY

Electromigration in Eutectic Gold-Tin (80Au20Sn-wt%) Solder Joints
Journal of Electronic Materials

Reliability Analysis and Parameter Optimization of Board-Level BGA Packaging Structures under Thermal-Drop Impact Load
Soldering & Surface Mount Technology

EVENTS

PCB Update is a digital newsletter for PCB design, fabrication and assembly professionals, brought to you by Printed Circuit Engineering Association™. E-mail industry press releases or links to the editors of CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY or PCD&F: pr@pcea.net.