The US Department of Transportation is preparing to launch pilot operations for electric vertical takeoff and landing air taxis this summer, as China warns that escalating tensions over control of Nexperia could trigger new semiconductor shortages affecting global automotive supply chains.

The US Department of Transportation announced a pilot program allowing ultralight aircraft and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles to begin limited operations in US airspace as early as June.

A teardown of Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra reveals expanded thermal management using graphite films and thermal paste, along with design changes aimed at making battery replacements easier.

Apple is developing an ultra-thin smartphone with a 5.5mm chassis, requiring new high-density circuit designs and miniaturized cooling systems.

Yamaha Robotics extends YSUP-PG software with Print Param Decision Assist Tool.

VJ Electronix introduces Summit LT150 rework system.

Octopart introduces discover design solutions platform.

Saelig unveils Rigol DNA5000/6000 Series vector network analyzers.

Mike Buetow discusses Cadence’s acquisition of EMA Design Automation and what the deal could mean for the companies and the PCB design software market on the PCB Chat podcast.

Francisco Aguilar, CEO of Bounce Imaging, will keynote PCB East 2026, sharing how a prototype 360-degree tactical camera evolved into a mission-critical tool through iterative design and EMS collaboration.

PCB Detroit will return to Wayne State University June 15-16 with technical sessions covering ESD, EMI, RF design, thin copper impacts, thermal management, signal integrity and AI-driven PCB workflows, alongside a 14-company tabletop exhibition and networking events.

PCEA will debut the PCB Management Forum at PCB East on April 28, focusing on AI adoption, material shortages and workforce challenges.

CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY has opened registration for the 2026 Service Excellence Awards, inviting EMS providers and industry suppliers to benchmark customer service performance through direct customer feedback ahead of the March 31 deadline.

Registration is now open for PCB East 2026, the electronics industry’s East Coast conference and exhibition.

PCB East 2026’s exhibition hall is more than 95 percent sold out, reflecting strong exhibitor demand ahead of the April event in Worcester, Massachusetts.

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.

China warned that escalating tensions over control of Nexperia could trigger new semiconductor shortages, particularly affecting global automotive supply chains.

Global semiconductor sales reached $82.5B in January, rising 3.7 percent month-to-month and 46 percent year-over-year.

Victory Giant is reportedly preparing a Hong Kong listing that could raise more than $2B as early as April.

Foxconn subsidiary Fulian Precision Technology increased its charter capital by about $39M in Vietnam.

Karkhana acquired Micron EMS Tech to add PCB assembly and electronics manufacturing capacity at a 40,000 sq.ft. facility in Bengaluru.

Wistron reported record February revenue, rising 177 percent year over year.

Flex expanded its Aguascalientes, Mexico, facility to increase robotics and advanced manufacturing capacity.

AdvancedPCB promoted John Stine to chief technology officer.

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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.