PCB UPdate logo
facebook      twitter      linkedin      linkedin     
January 23rd, 2026
News and Resources for PCB Design, Fab and Assembly Professionals Subscribe •  Advertise •  PCD&F •  Circuits Assembly •  Tell A Friend
THE LEAD

Researchers demonstrate zinc-based circuit boards printed on biodegradable substrates – including chocolate  – while ASMPT evaluates potential paths for its SMT solutions segment as part of a broader transformation strategy.

TECH NEWS

Engineers at the University of Glasgow have demonstrated electronic circuit boards printed on chocolate using zinc-based conductive tracks.

Can AI replace engineers? A new commentary examines where artificial intelligence can support analysis and idea generation, while questioning whether it can replicate skills engineers rely on in real-world design and manufacturing.

An alleged ransomware attack on Apple supplier Luxshare has reportedly exposed confidential manufacturing and supply chain documents, raising concerns about potential vulnerabilities across Apple’s electronics production ecosystem.

Researchers have demonstrated that high-intensity focused ultrasound can mechanically remove gold from discarded PCB edge connectors in water, with low-frequency operation achieving up to 4.6× higher removal efficiency than higher frequencies.

Stackpole Electronics releases RNAN thin film chip resistors.

Luminovo introduces ElectronicsGPT AI agent.

Vishay introduces 100V Gen 2 TMBS rectifier modules in SOT-227 package.

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.

Maggie Frachioni discusses her transition into PCB design at General Motors and how PCEA’s Certified Printed Circuit Designer coursework reshaped her career path on the PCB Chat podcast.

Wally Rhines reviews the latest ECAD market data, including sustained year-over-year growth, regional sales shifts and employment trends across design and semiconductor tools on the PCB Chat podcast.

PCB West 2026 booth sales are now open to all exhibitors, with more than 60 percent of the floor already reserved following early access for returning companies.

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.

THE ROUTE
When the Robots Stop: From San Francisco, a Cautionary Tale
Many years ago, in The Dark Knight, Batman’s nemesis the Joker famously observed that nobody panics when things go “according to plan – even if the plan is horrifying.” It’s when the unexpected happens that chaos erupts.

MIKE BUETOW

Mike Buetow





















BUSINESS NEWS

ASMPT has initiated an assessment of strategic options for its SMT solutions segment as part of its broader transformation strategy, evaluating paths that could include divestiture, joint venture, spin-off, public listing, or continued internal investment.

SpaceX is reportedly expanding orders with key Taiwanese suppliers as it accelerates upgrades to its low-Earth-orbit satellite network..

Surging memory chip prices driven by AI data center demand are dimming the outlook for consumer electronics, with analysts forecasting declines in smartphone, PC and gaming console shipments this year.

Kinpo Group said it expects a return to stable growth this year, driven by rising demand for AI-related applications and data center power solutions.

Vietnam has broken ground on its first domestic semiconductor manufacturing plant, led by Viettel Group, with trial production reportedly targeted by 2027.

Global AI server shipments are forecast to grow more than 28 percent year over year in 2026.

Nano Dimension reported preliminary fourth quarter 2025 revenue of $35M to $35.5M, exceeding prior guidance by 6 percent.

Altus Group has supported Cambertronics in upgrading its SMT production with the installation of a Koh Young KY8030-3 3D solder paste inspection system.

Surf-Tech Manufacturing has added a ViTrox V510i Smart 3D AOI system.

Insight Polymers & Compounding appointed Ben Maulorico business development manager.

MATERIAL GAINS
The AI Boom is Driving Technological Change at Every Level, Reshaping Supply Chains and Business Strategies
Victor Huang has described ChatGPT’s arrival as AI’s “iPhone moment,” when the technology’s potential to change the way we live became clear to all.

ALUN MORGAN

Alun Morgan






















TECHNICAL ARTICLES

Building Relationships with AI Technology
PCD&F/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY


AI-Enhanced Sorting Enabling Direct, High-Purity Urban Mining of Tantalum: A Novel Pathway from E-Waste to Critical Materials
Resources, Conservation & Recycling


Quad-Band Metamaterial Absorber with High Shielding Effectiveness Using Bold X-Shaped Ring Resonator
Journal of Electronic Materials


EVENTS

Jan. 21-23: 40th InterNepcon JapanTokyo Big Sight, Japan
Feb. 2-5: Pan Pacific Strategic Electronics SymposiumHawaii
Feb. 3-4: EIPC Winter ConferenceAix-en-Provence/Marseille, France
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6: Certified Printed Circuit Design Training, Online
Feb. 17-19: Chiplet SummitSanta Clara, CA
Apr. 22-23: Del Mar Electronics ShowSan Diego, CA
Apr. 28-May 1: PCB East 2026Worcester, MA
May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12: Certified Printed Circuit Design Training, Online
May 26-29: IEEE Electronic Components and Technology ConferenceOrlando, FL
June 9-11: ZIW Americas 2026Dallas, TX
June 15-16: PCB Detroit 2026Detroit, MI
June 24-26: Vietnam Intcomm 2026 & Electronic Vietnam 2026Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Sept. 29-Oct. 2: PCB West 2026Santa Clara, CA


 

BOOK-TO-BILLS/MARKET TRENDS
             Nov. Trend
EMS 1.17 Down
Semiconductors         15.3% Up
PCBs 1.12 Up
Component Sales Sentiment 120.1 Down
Changes are year-over-year.    

Brought to you by the Printed Circuit Engineering Association
PCEA logo
ABOUT

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.


Subscribe •  Advertise •  PCD&F •  Circuits Assembly •  Tell A Friend •  About     twitter  linkedin  linkedin

ISSN 1555-7936, Copyright© 2026 Printed Circuit Engineering Association®, PO Box 237 Portsmouth, NH 03802. All rights reserved.
This newsletter contains copyrighted material that cannot be reproduced without permission. Printed Circuit Engineering Association® Privacy Policy