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THE LEAD
The US and Philippines plan a major industrial hub to secure semiconductor supply chains, while new quantum research suggests AI infrastructure costs could face disruption from far lower-cost computing alternatives.
TECH NEWS
Chinese researcher demonstrated a small-scale quantum system outperforming AI weather prediction centers that can cost over $100M, achieving results at less than 1 percent of the cost.
Researchers highlight non-Hermitian electronic sensors using exceptional points and parity-time symmetry to improve sensitivity, while noting challenges around noise and system complexity.
Researchers developed a microwave-based method that precisely cures conductive inks during 3-D printing, enabling circuits to be formed on heat-sensitive materials without damage.
Rosel manufactured a pilot batch of flexible-rigid “book” PCBs designed for spacecraft.
TM Soldering Solutions launches Phoenix selective soldering platform.
Just months after leaving Qualcomm, distinguished CPU and system architects Gerard Williams, John Bruno, and Ram Srinivasan have established a new CPU startup that promises no less than to “rewrite the rules of silicon.”
Wally Rhines discusses the latest ECAD market data, highlighting continued growth trends and emerging risks across design tools and semiconductor software in the PCB Chat podcast.
PCEA and the SMTA Capital Chapter are sponsoring a webinar, “Design for Sourcing,” presented by supply chain expert Ed Dodd of Cofactr, starting at 1 p.m. EDT on April 21 and May 5.
PCB East 2026 exhibition floor is sold out, with more than 85 exhibitors and expanded participation including AMD, Cadence/EMA, Indium, Lattice and Parmi.
PCEA is offering free technical sessions and a keynote at PCB East 2026, covering AI, UHDI, simulation and PCB design best practices.
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 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 April 31 deadline.
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.
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FOCUS ON BUSINESS
Trendspotting Again
While it may seem as if there is little rhyme or reason for variations in demand, the reality is that the electronics manufacturing service (EMS) industry’s repeating cycles actually make trends fairly predictable.
SUSAN MUCHA
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