Industry Insights Archives - What's New in Electronics https://www.wnie.online/category/industry-insights/ Everything Electronics: Embedded, Engineering, Design, Components and Manufacturing Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:16:29 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://www.wnie.online/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-wfav-32x32.jpg Industry Insights Archives - What's New in Electronics https://www.wnie.online/category/industry-insights/ 32 32 Driving the Future: Leading the Future of Trucking: Sensors, Intelligence, and the Road Ahead https://www.wnie.online/driving-the-future-leading-the-future-of-trucking-sensors-intelligence-and-the-road-ahead/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:16:29 +0000 https://www.wnie.online/?p=45031 By Doug Dixon The trucking industry is no longer defined by horsepower, steel, and payload alone. It is rapidly transforming into a technology-driven ecosystem where data, intelligence, and connectivity matter as much as diesel and torque once did. This transformation is redefining how fleets operate, how goods move, and ultimately, how the entire logistics chain […]

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By Doug Dixon

The trucking industry is no longer defined by horsepower, steel, and payload alone. It is rapidly transforming into a technology-driven ecosystem where data, intelligence, and connectivity matter as much as diesel and torque once did. This transformation is redefining how fleets operate, how goods move, and ultimately, how the entire logistics chain functions.

At the center of this shift is the integration of advanced sensors, electronics, and communication systems that are turning trucks and trailers into intelligent, connected platforms. For leaders in transportation and logistics, the imperative is clear: the future of competitiveness lies in embracing these technologies not as incremental upgrades, but as the foundation of a new operating model.

From Asset to Intelligent Node

For decades, a trailer was simply an asset on wheels, a container to be pulled, tracked, and maintained at the margins. That definition no longer holds. With the rapid adoption of sensors, communication modules, and onboard intelligence, trailers are becoming vital nodes in a real-time digital network.

They now provide visibility into location, load conditions, brake and tire performance, and even security status. This data flow is no longer a “nice to have.” It is a core enabler of operational efficiency, customer confidence, and supply chain resilience. Leaders who recognize the value of these insights are redefining fleet management from reactive maintenance to proactive, data-driven optimization.

The Strategic Role of Sensors

The expansion of sensor technology is reshaping the very definition of safety and reliability. Tire pressure monitors, accelerometers, thermal sensors, and object detection systems are quickly becoming industry standards. Radar and video bring situational awareness once unimaginable in commercial trucking, while lidar promises precision in low-speed, high-risk environments like docking yards or city centers.

The management question is not whether to adopt these tools, but how quickly to integrate them into operations, how to manage the flood of data they generate, and how to leverage that data for competitive advantage. Sensor fusion, the blending of radar, lidar, cameras, and telemetry, represents the next frontier in achieving both operational safety and autonomy readiness.

Electronics as the New Powertrain

Just as the engine once defined trucking performance, electronics are becoming the new powertrain of competitive advantage. Advanced control units now manage data streams, run predictive algorithms, and interface directly with cloud platforms. Harnesses and connectors are being redesigned not just for durability, but for high-speed, high-volume data transfer.

For management teams, the priority is to ensure that investments in electronics infrastructure keep pace with the exponential growth of digital capability. Trucks and trailers are no longer analog machines with a digital add-on. They are digital machines, expected to endure punishing environments while delivering the performance, reliability, and data integrity the modern supply chain demands.

Enabling Safety and Autonomy

Safety remains the moral and financial imperative of the industry. With the march toward autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, leadership must anticipate an operating environment where trucks are making decisions without human drivers. Reversing into a yard, navigating a congested intersection, or reacting to sudden obstacles will all depend on networks of sensors and intelligent decision-making systems.

The investment required to prepare for this future is significant. Yet the cost of inaction, measured in accidents, downtime, and lost contracts, will be far greater. Industry leaders must view safety technologies not as compliance costs, but as differentiators that protect brand reputation and open the door to future autonomy-driven efficiencies.

The Data Imperative

Connectivity is what transforms sensors and electronics from isolated tools into a strategic asset. Ethernet-based harnesses, wireless communication, and eventually 5G and V2X (vehicle-to-everything) links will allow trucks and trailers to exchange data not just with each other, but with infrastructure and cloud systems.

For executives, the challenge is not technology, it is governance. Who owns the data? How is it secured? How is it monetized? Those who can answer these questions decisively will be in a position to reshape logistics models around predictive maintenance, real-time rerouting, and customer-facing transparency. Data is no longer a byproduct of trucking, it is the product.

Innovation in Materials and Power

Weight reduction has long been a strategic lever for cost efficiency, and new materials are now expanding that playbook. Conductive plastics and printed electronics promise to reduce reliance on aluminum and traditional circuit boards, delivering both weight savings and manufacturing simplicity.

At the same time, energy harvesting technologies, solar panels, regenerative braking, vibration-powered sensors, are reducing dependence on batteries and wiring. Wireless power transmission is on the horizon, promising to cut maintenance costs and extend sensor lifespans. Companies who champion these innovations will not only improve performance but also position their fleets as sustainability leaders in an increasingly regulated market.

Charting the Road Ahead

The future of trucking is not incremental, it is exponential. Within the next decade, fleets will operate in a world where every vehicle is a connected, data-rich platform. Trailers will no longer be passive assets but intelligent participants in logistics networks. Autonomy will move from prototype to deployment. And the companies that lead will be those that treat technology not as a bolt-on, but as a strategic foundation.

For industry leaders, the roadmap is clear:

  1. Adopt early, adapt often. Waiting for standards to solidify means ceding ground to competitors willing to pilot, learn, and iterate.
  2. Think beyond compliance. Safety and emissions regulations are the floor, not the ceiling. Competitive advantage comes from exceeding them with innovation.
  3. Build digital-first organizations. Data fluency, cybersecurity, and system integration are as critical to trucking’s future as fuel efficiency and driver retention once were.

The trucking industry is at an inflection point. Those who embrace sensors, electronics, and connectivity as strategic imperatives will not only survive, they will define the next era of global transportation.


Doug Dixon is the CEO of 360 BC Group, Inc., a top marketing agency focused on the semiconductor and electronics industries. With more than 30 years of experience, Doug is known for developing innovative strategies that connect cutting-edge technology with market visibility. His expertise in Semiconductor Advanced Packaging, Power Electronics, Circuit Board Assembly, and Circuit Board Fabricationshapes the agency’s content and marketing efforts. Every year, 360 BC Group ghostwrites over 60 technical papers and contributes to major conferences, earning multiple Best Conference Paper Awards.

Doug is also a dedicated advocate for industry innovation, serving on the Board of Directors for both the PCEA and SMTA to help advance electronics manufacturing. Through his leadership, Doug drives growth and delivers impactful solutions at 360 BC Group, ensuring that technology and creativity work together to achieve success in a rapidly evolving market.

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50 years of productronica – world’s leading trade fair celebrates anniversary https://www.wnie.online/50-years-of-productronica-worlds-leading-trade-fair-celebrates-anniversary/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:14:00 +0000 https://www.wnie.online/?p=44864 When productronica takes place in Munich from November 18 to 21, 2025, a milestone birthday will be on the agenda. The world’s leading trade fair for the development and production of electronics is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Originally launched as an exhibition area of electronica, over the course of half a century productronica has developed […]

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When productronica takes place in Munich from November 18 to 21, 2025, a milestone birthday will be on the agenda. The world’s leading trade fair for the development and production of electronics is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Originally launched as an exhibition area of electronica, over the course of half a century productronica has developed into the leading international meeting place for electronics manufacturing. The conceptual sponsor of productronica is the industry association VDMA Productronic.

Messe München CEO Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer offers his congratulations on the event’s anniversary: “For 50 years now, productronica has been showcasing innovations along the entire value chain of electronics manufacturing. It therefore plays an indispensable role by setting the pace for the entire industry. Together with electronica, it also strengthens Munich’s position as a leading international electronics location.”

Key players have confirmed their participation

More than 1,400 companies from the fields of PCB & EMS, SMT, semiconductors, inspection & quality, future production & smart factory, and cables, coils & hybrids will present their solutions and products at productronica. Among others, key players such as ASMPT, Ersa, Fuji, Komax, Rohde & Schwarz and Viscom have already confirmed their participation in the event.

Key topics of productronica 2025

This year’s productronica will focus on three key topics. Advanced packaging, power electronics and securing the value chain through secure microelectronics.

Advanced packaging – key role in microelectronics

Compared to traditional chip encapsulation, Advanced Packaging uses innovative approaches such as 2.5D and 3D integration, chiplet technologies and wafer-level packaging to maximize the performance of modern electronic systems. These technologies are crucial for applications in high-performance computers, AI accelerators, 5G and IoT devices as well as in automotive and medical technology. Thanks to shorter signal paths, improved heat dissipation and higher bandwidths, advanced packaging not only increases the efficiency of semiconductor systems, but also helps to reduce production costs and material consumption. It therefore plays a key role in the further development of microelectronics and enables innovations in an increasingly networked world.

Innovative application examples for Advanced Packaging will be shown at the VDMA Special Exhibit area: Research institutes such as Silicon Austria Labs, or PhoenixD will be showing the latest developments, such as micro-optical systems on glass substrates for tap-proof telecommunications. Schweizer Electronic will be presenting its embedding technology as a solution for applications in power electronics, also highlighting the production techniques.

In addition to the semiconductor manufacturers themselves, research and development also plays a key role in the field of Advanced Packaging. For example, the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM has developed the Future Packaging production line, which will be part of productronica 2025. Exhibitors such as Asys, F&K Delvotec and Fuji will be taking part in the special show. The Future Packaging production line aims to examine how a higher degree of digitalization and automation can make production processes more robust against disruptions and external influences.

Power electronics – a guarantee for sustainability and resource conservation

Power electronics are essential for applications in e-mobility, renewable energies, industrial automation and power semiconductors for high-frequency and high-voltage applications. By using modern semiconductor materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), it is possible to reduce power losses and component sizes while improving operational reliability. Power electronics therefore makes a significant contribution to a sustainable and resource-saving energy supply and to the further development of innovative technologies in various industries.

Automotive, C3.501 Infineon, Halbleiter, Nachhaltigkeit, Stromversorgung

At productronica 2025, exhibitors from the semiconductor ecosystem will show how they are solving these challenges with a good instinct for the right technologies and an innovative spirit. F&S Bondtec, for example, will show how the company is using the right connection technology to manufacture high-quality machines for chiplet production that meet miniaturization requirements. Panasonic also always offers the right connection with its convincing SiC packaging solutions. Leading high-volume packaging technologies for SiC and GaN will be presented by ASMPT, for example, and Yamaha Robotics will showcase suitable robots for packaging semiconductor components.

In addition, the VDMA—conceptual sponsor of productronica—ill offer visitors to its “Special Exhibit” stand B2 in Hall 461 an insight into various collaborations for research and development in the field of power electronics. Schweizer Elektronik, for example, will demonstrate how a Si-MOSFET improves the power unit of an inverter for a starter generator. Silicon Austria Labs will show, among other things, how an energy converter control panel for wind turbines can work much more efficiently with modern power components. Elektra Solar will also present an electrically powered aircraft at productronica.

Secure microelectronics protect digital infrastructures

Secure microelectronics refers to the development and production of safe, dependable and tamper-proof semiconductor technologies along a transparent and controlled value chain. The aim is to ensure the integrity, authenticity and cybersecurity of microelectronic components – especially in safety-critical applications. This technology is of central importance for the likes of the automotive, industrial automation, medical technology and defense sectors, where the availability and protection of sensitive data and resistance to attacks are essential. By using security-certified manufacturing processes, traceable supply chains and hardware-based security mechanisms, secure microelectronics make a significant contribution to protecting digital infrastructures and technological sovereignty.

SEMICON Europa will also be held in parallel with productronica in 2025. This will occupy Halls B1, C1 and C2.

productronica.com

Exhibition guide from the first Productronica in 1975

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Defect of the Month – Pin In Hole Intrusive Reflow https://www.wnie.online/defect-of-the-month-pin-in-hole-intrusive-reflow/ Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:29:39 +0000 https://www.wnie.online/?p=44593 Hello, my name is Bob Willis and welcome to Defect of the Month with WNIE TV. Here is another video to watch. Pin In Hole Intrusive Reflow is covered this month with a short, illustrated article  to add to your collection of training material. Hopefully with my FREE eBook on Intrusive Reflow Design & Assembly […]

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Hello, my name is Bob Willis and welcome to Defect of the Month with WNIE TV. Here is another video to watch. Pin In Hole Intrusive Reflow is covered this month with a short, illustrated article  to add to your collection of training material. Hopefully with my FREE eBook on Intrusive Reflow Design & Assembly it will help your team understand process and product failures.

Pin in hole, intrusive, multi spot soldering, there are lots of terms used for this method of soldering based on location around the world. Basically its soldering through hole components, solder paste in plated through holes and making reliable connections. First thing you can do is download a copy of my FREE eBook. I wrote this book a couple of years back covering all aspects of the process and my practical experienced over the years running this process. If you’d like a copy all you need to do is, ask. In my opinion it’s a very simple process, it works, and we have lots of evidence to demonstrate the reliability of the solder joints produced.

So let’s just step back for a second rather than talk about the process because you can read the book but talk about some of the issues like damage to components. If select components that won’t stand up to the reflow soldering process, be it vapour phase or convection reflow that’s a design related issue. The design engineer needs to make sure components are compatible with peak temperature of the reflow process. Using popular low temperature solder alloys make it even easier. If you are going to be using multiple or alternative suppliers of components peak temperature needs to be understood.

Above are just a couple component examples that have been damaged and obviously won’t work very successfully, the quality guys will not like them either

The next issue I tend to find is poor solder fill, but a lot of that is due to the hole to lead ratio. If you have a large hole and a small pin, you’ve got to put a lot more paste into the hole and on the surface of the pad. What we’re trying to do is get the process properly balanced. If you go by my very simple design rule, the finished hole size should be 10 thousands of one inch greater than the maximum pin size. If it’s a round pin, it’s straightforward to measure. If it’s a square pin or an oblong, it’s measured across the largest corner, it’s that simple.

Examples of different solder fill after intrusive reflow

I have found over the years that I can use components and boards using these simple design rules with automatic SMT assembly. So you may be able to use your placement machine if it’s capable of working with odd form components, you don’t have to assemble it all manually. Follow this and you should achieve IPC Level 3 minimum standards easily for through hole fill. I’ve used intrusive reflow on high temperature, normal lead free and low temperature solder alloys. I can tell you based on results that we’ve achieved very successful and reliable results based on mechanical and environmental testing.

 

Examples of the solder beads or balls formed after reflow soldering. Mainly due to the

body or connector standoff points contacting the paste.

 

Component insertion using SMT placement equipment on Bobs Test Board

Solder balls or beads are generally caused by solder paste being displaced underneath the component body during the connector or socket insertion process. The stencil design aperture may need to be verified, with these components you can’t do it in isolation. You can work out the volume of solder paste you want, but you’ve got to look at the connector footprint and see the standoff positions of the component body to eliminate solder balls or beads. Remember if you want to use multiple suppliers, they are not all the same!!!

Outgassing and voids, now you’ve heard me talk about printed circuit boards outgassing many times. I have demonstrated my oil test, which is a classic way of demonstrating this particular phenomena of moisture outgassing, but with intrusive reflow. If you have boards that are out gassing when the solder paste goes into its liquid phase and starts to reflow in the plated through hole you may have voids. You can get solder balls spat out from the holes. Now you shouldn’t see this in a good quality printed circuit board today, but it’s worth bearing in mind it’s not the only reason for solder balls.

 

 

 

Outgassing from the PC will create voids but so will poorly defined profiles for PIHR

We can have issues of component pin solderability that we’re using in the process, but that’s a pretty standard defect that could be seen on any soldering process.

Now, if you want a copy of my book on intrusive reflow. All you need to do is ask I’d be more than happy to send you a copy bob@bobwillis.co.uk Thank you very much for reading and continuing to support defect of month and I’ll see you next month.

We have many Defect of The Month videos and WNIE Online articles which we hope will help you solve your process and product failures. We have listed a small selection from over 100 plus videos below created over many years with NPL, IPC & WNIE

BGA popcorning

Dendrite formation

Open solder joints

Solder skips

Coating bubbles

Ultrasonic damage

Missing components

Incomplete past print

Component cracking

Tombstone chips

Solder balls

Solder bead formation

Solder shorts

Sulphur corrosion

Crimp connection failures

 

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The Global Electronics Association Launches Design Village at APEX EXPO 2026 https://www.wnie.online/the-global-electronics-association-launches-design-village-at-apex-expo-2026/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:54:25 +0000 https://www.wnie.online/?p=44521 APEX EXPO, the hallmark electronics tradeshow hosted by the Global Electronics Association, announced today the launch of the Design Village, a new feature in the exhibit hall that will unite the world’s leading innovators and showcase next-generation solutions for the electronics industry. The Design Village offers companies a platform to demonstrate technologies that provide comprehensive design […]

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APEX EXPO, the hallmark electronics tradeshow hosted by the Global Electronics Association, announced today the launch of the Design Village, a new feature in the exhibit hall that will unite the world’s leading innovators and showcase next-generation solutions for the electronics industry. The Design Village offers companies a platform to demonstrate technologies that provide comprehensive design and production solutions spanning component to system-level packaging.

The addition of the Design Village reflects the industry’s accelerating demand for integrated design-to-manufacturing workflows, next-generation technologies, and sustainable electronics development, including vendors of design and simulation, digital manufacturing, innovative supply chain management, and AI-driven sustainability solutions.

At the centre of the APEX EXPO Design Village will be the all-new Technology Pavilion, which will feature three days of technical presentations, expert panel discussions, and real-time demonstrations. Design Village exhibitors will have exclusive, first-access to presentations in the Technology Pavilion and visibility to an audience of over 7,200 attendees representing more than 40 countries.

“Everything starts with design,” says Matt Kelly, chief technology officer and vice president, standards and technology. “The future of electronics depends on chip-package-board-system co-design and co-optimization. This is why we are inviting companies spanning the design value chain to participate in the Design Village to lead this conversation, showcase disruptive technologies, and amplify their offerings to industry.”

Application Process Now Open

Companies interested in joining this transformative initiative can apply immediately. Early applicants receive priority consideration for Technology Pavilion presentation slots and prime exhibition locations. To learn more, visit: Design Village and Technology Pavilion | APEX EXPO 2026

 

About APEX EXPO 2026

APEX EXPO is the largest event for electronics manufacturing in North America, featuring a technical conference, exhibition, and professional development courses. It is a comprehensive industry experience connecting professionals across the entire electronics ecosystem.  APEX EXPO 2025 welcomed 7,235 visitors from 42 countries. For information on exhibiting, contact Alicia Balonek, senior director of trade shows and events at AliciaBalonek@electronics.org.

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Manufacturers have little faith in government to plug growing skills shortage as crisis deepens https://www.wnie.online/manufacturers-have-little-faith-in-government-to-plug-growing-skills-shortage-as-crisis-deepens/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:11:20 +0000 https://www.wnie.online/?p=43782 A new study of manufacturing leaders has revealed a worrying ‘skills gap’ picture with two thirds believing the picture has got worse in the last six months. The report, conducted by personalised workwear, uniform and PPE supplier MyWorkwear, canvassed 107 companies, with 62% of firms suffering from an acute skills shortage and, worryingly, just 38% […]

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A new study of manufacturing leaders has revealed a worrying ‘skills gap’ picture with two thirds believing the picture has got worse in the last six months.

The report, conducted by personalised workwear, uniform and PPE supplier MyWorkwear, canvassed 107 companies, with 62% of firms suffering from an acute skills shortage and, worryingly, just 38% believing the government will be able to take action to solve the crisis.

The results revealed that over half (52%) admitted that they are struggling to recruit or retain existing staff, whilst, going against popular opinion, over three quarters (76%) of respondents thought the Employment Rights Bill will have a positive impact on the current skills landscape.

Other findings from the survey suggested that more industry specific training would help, and this was closely followed by a quarter of firms calling for closer links with education.

As a branded workwear provider – who partners with businesses in fifteen different sectors – MyWorkwear is seeing the impact of the skills shortage firsthand through customer ordering patterns and day-to-day conversations.

“Having been in business since 1976 and working with so many industries, we often pick up trends across a wide variety of sectors, and the skills shortage is definitely something impacting a large majority of manufacturers,” explained James Worthington, Co-Managing Director at MyWorkwear.

“There is little confidence from industry that the government’s approach will solve the crisis we’re seeing, and this is undermining confidence with 66% feeling the situation has worsened over the last six months. You can’t really make the most of new opportunities, if you don’t have the talent in place to meet customer requirements.”

He continued: “A lot of the measures introduced have fallen on deaf ears so far and I believe there’s a lot of scepticism around the latest Industrial Strategy and whether it will actually benefit small to medium-sized company.”

The MyWorkwear report did show some positivity for the workwear industry, with almost 80% of businesses stating that branded workwear boosts employee pride and 68% indicating that it helps them to retain staff in what is a very volatile jobs market.

For further information or to access the full survey, please visit: https://www.myworkwear.co.uk/content/86-the-myworkwear-skills-shortage

 

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Global Electronics Association Debuts; New Name Elevates IPC’s 70-Year Legacy as Voice of $6 Trillion Electronics Industry https://www.wnie.online/global-electronics-association-debuts-new-name-elevates-ipcs-70-year-legacy-as-voice-of-6-trillion-electronics-industry/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:00:20 +0000 https://www.wnie.online/?p=43691 Global Electronics Association Debuts; New Name Elevates IPC’s 70-Year Legacy as Voice of $6 Trillion Electronics Industry Electronics Standards and Certifications Leader Unveils New Vision and Mission for Supply Chain Harmonization and Advocacy, Releases Global Trade Flows Research  Today marks a new chapter for IPC as it officially becomes the Global Electronics Association, reflecting its […]

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Global Electronics Association Debuts; New Name Elevates IPC’s 70-Year Legacy as Voice of $6 Trillion Electronics Industry

Electronics Standards and Certifications Leader Unveils New Vision and Mission for Supply Chain Harmonization and Advocacy, Releases Global Trade Flows Research

 Today marks a new chapter for IPC as it officially becomes the Global Electronics Association, reflecting its role as the voice of the electronics industry. Guided by the vision of “Better electronics for a better world,” the Global Electronics Association (electronics.org) is dedicated to enhancing supply chain resilience and promoting accelerated growth through engagement with more than 3,000 member companies, thousands of partners, and dozens of governments across the globe.

“The Board’s support and approval of this transformation shows our collective recognition that the electronics industry has fundamentally changed. The Association has expanded well beyond its beginning in printed circuit boards – we’re enabling AI, autonomous vehicles, next-generation communications and much more,” said Tom Edman, board chair of the Global Electronics Association, and president and CEO of TTM Technologies. “As we chart our path forward with our new name, we will continue and elevate our efforts to build partnerships between governments and industries, foster new investment, drive innovation across the industry, and minimize disruptions in the electronics supply chain.”

As part of its new mission, the Association is increasing resources to strengthen advocacy, deepen industry insights, and enhance stakeholder communications — all aimed at advancing and elevating the industry. To champion a resilient and growing supply chain, the Association represents the entire ecosystem of diverse subsectors that contribute to this complex industry.

“Electronics today are the backbone of all industries, which makes its supply chain crucial to economies, governments, and everyday life,” said Dr. John W. Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. “Our new mission and vision position us to work more deeply with industry and our members globally to advocate for the importance of electronics in our continuously changing world.”

The Global Electronics Association will retain the IPC brand for the industry’s standards and certification programs, which are vital to ensure product reliability and consistency. The IPC Education Foundation is now known as the Electronics Foundation, continuing to focus on solving the talent challenges for the electronics industry.

Global Electronics Trade Flows

The Global Electronics Association also released an analysis of global trade flows, which now represents more than $1 in every $5 of global merchandise trade. The report highlights key findings:

  • Electronics supply chains are more globally integrated than any other industry, surpassing even the automotive sector in cross-border complexity.
  • Trade inputs like semiconductors and connectors now exceed trade in finished products such as smartphones and laptops, with global electronics trade totaling $4.4 trillion in 2023, including $2.4 trillion in components alone.
  • Top exporters such as China, Vietnam, and India are among the fastest-growing importers of electronic inputs, underscoring the deep interdependence embedded in global electronics production.
  • This mutual reliance challenges the viability of reshoring and decoupling strategies, as rising export powers depend on components from across the world.

Mitchell concluded: “Our trade flows analysis reinforces that resilience, not self-sufficiency, is the foundation of competitiveness in the electronics age. No single company or country can stand alone. The complexities of the electronics ecosystem require collaboration and partnership with others. The Global Electronics Association is here to help create a vital and thriving global electronics supply chain through industry, government, and stakeholder collaboration.

Global Operations Supporting Entire Value Chain

The electronics value chain supported by the Global Electronics Association – from design to final product – encompasses original equipment manufacturers, semiconductors, printed circuit boards, assembly and manufacturing services, harnesses, materials, and equipment suppliers. The Association has operations in Belgium, China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, and the United States and a presence across dozens more countries to support its members.

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IPC White Paper Maps the Regulatory Terrain for Electronics Suppliers in E-Mobility Sector https://www.wnie.online/ipc-white-paper-maps-the-regulatory-terrain-for-electronics-suppliers-in-e-mobility-sector/ Fri, 09 May 2025 07:51:53 +0000 https://www.wnie.online/?p=43204 Electronics suppliers supporting the rapidly growing e-mobility sector are facing a dramatic escalation in environmental and social governance (ESG) compliance expectations. A new white paper from IPC’s e-Mobility Quality and Reliability Advisory Group provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving regulatory landscape and outlines the data infrastructure needed to stay ahead. Titled Navigating E-Mobility Sustainability: […]

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Electronics suppliers supporting the rapidly growing e-mobility sector are facing a dramatic escalation in environmental and social governance (ESG) compliance expectations. A new white paper from IPC’s e-Mobility Quality and Reliability Advisory Group provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving regulatory landscape and outlines the data infrastructure needed to stay ahead.

Titled Navigating E-Mobility Sustainability: Evolving Compliance and ESG Requirements for Electronics Suppliers – Part 1, the paper is authored by Brenda B. Baney of BCubed Consulting, Inc. and highlights “the increasing regulatory pressure for environmental compliance” across the automotive electronics supply chain.

The white paper traces key milestones from the European Union’s End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Directive through RoHS and REACH, showing how “automakers were compelled to not only adjust their manufacturing processes but also implement robust systems for tracking and reporting materials and substances used in their vehicles.”

The paper also documents how electronics suppliers have had to adapt. It notes that “suppliers, many of whom had not previously dealt with such detailed reporting requirements, faced challenges in transitioning to compliant processes,” especially in response to lead-free solder mandates and expanded SCIP database requirements.

In addition to regulatory context, the white paper dives into practical impacts, like the evolving use of the International Material Data System (IMDS) and IPC-1752 reporting systems, shifts in internal business functions, and the growing role of supply chain transparency and responsible sourcing frameworks like IPC-1755. These developments, the paper explains, are not just operational: they are “a natural part of the evolution of data systems.”

“The goal of this white paper is to help electronics suppliers not only stay ahead of regulatory trends but also leverage sustainability initiatives as a competitive advantage,” said Baney.

Part 2 of the series, which is coming soon, will provide actionable recommendations for electronics suppliers, including strategies for lifecycle carbon reporting, future-proofing compliance infrastructure, and deepening OEM collaboration to meet emerging sustainability mandates.

Download Part 1 of the white paper here: http://go.ipc.org/e-mobility-sustainabilitypart1.

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Taiwan’s PCB Industry Hits NT$816.8 Billion in 2024 Amid AI and Consumer Market Recovery https://www.wnie.online/taiwans-pcb-industry-hits-nt816-8-billion-in-2024-amid-ai-and-consumer-market-recovery/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:44:05 +0000 https://www.wnie.online/?p=42473 The Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA) hosted the “Trends Online Seminar”, unveiling the latest production and sales report for Taiwan’s PCB industry in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). The report revealed that Taiwanese PCB manufacturers achieved a global output value of NT$217.5 billion in Q4 2024, reflecting a 2.8% year-on-year (YoY) increase. […]

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The Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA) hosted the “Trends Online Seminar”, unveiling the latest production and sales report for Taiwan’s PCB industry in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). The report revealed that Taiwanese PCB manufacturers achieved a global output value of NT$217.5 billion in Q4 2024, reflecting a 2.8% year-on-year (YoY) increase. The industry’s total annual output value reached NT$816.8 billion, marking a 6.1% growth compared to the previous year.

Looking ahead to 2025, the sector is poised for further expansion, driven by increasing AI-related demand for servers and edge computing, as well as growing applications in satellite communications. The forecasted industry output is expected to reach NT$854.1 billion, representing a 4.6% YoY growth.

AI Servers and Satellite Communications Fuel Industry Growth

The PCB sector maintained steady growth in 2024, with AI servers and satellite communications emerging as key drivers. High-end HDI board demand surged, making it the fastest-growing product category. The automotive electronics market also continued its upward trajectory, while a moderate recovery in the smartphone and memory sectors contributed to the industry’s positive performance.

In terms of application distribution, Taiwan’s PCB industry in 2024 was segmented as follows:Communications: 34.2%、Computers: 22.5%、Semiconductors: 15.5%、Automotive: 12.9%、Consumer Electronics: 9.9%、Others: 5.0%

Mobile PCBs remained a dominant segment, while the shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles sustained robust demand for automotive electronics. Notably, although AI servers and satellite communications accounted for a smaller portion of overall PCB applications, their growth trajectory remained strong. In 2024, Taiwan’s server PCB production value surged by 49% YoY to NT$50.9 billion, while the satellite PCB sector skyrocketed by 83% YoY to NT$19.3 billion.

In terms of product categories:Multilayer PCBs (30.5%) and HDI boards (20.1%) experienced rising demand, driven by AI servers, automotive electronics, and satellite applications.Flexible PCBs (24.4%) saw a declining market share due to stagnant smartphone growth and weaker AI-driven demand.IC substrates (15.5%) faced growth slowdowns due to market fluctuations but are expected to rebound with the increasing adoption of AI and high-performance computing chips.

Cautious Optimism for 2025 Amid Policy Uncertainty

The outlook for 2025 remains cautiously optimistic. Global cloud service providers are ramping up capital expenditures, and sovereign AI development efforts are gaining momentum worldwide. AI server demand is projected to continue its upward trend, while advancements in knowledge distillation technology could accelerate AI edge computing adoption, further fueling HDI and multilayer PCB demand. The expanding low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite market, driven by decreasing launch costs, is also expected to boost demand for satellite PCBs.

However, policy uncertainties in the United States remain a critical factor for 2025. Potential tariff adjustments could impact global inflation trends, while shifts in EV policies, such as relaxed environmental regulations or subsidy reductions, may introduce volatility in the electric vehicle sector. Additionally, China’s ongoing deflationary risks could weaken consumer market recovery.

Another notable industry development is the increasing production capacity of Taiwanese and Chinese PCB manufacturers in Thailand, starting in 2025. While the initial scale is limited, long-term capacity expansion could intensify market price competition. Furthermore, rising international gold prices and expected electricity price hikes pose additional cost challenges for manufacturers.

Despite the seasonal slowdown in Q1 2025, AI servers and satellite communications are anticipated to sustain industry momentum. The Taiwanese PCB sector is forecasted to grow by 2.6% in Q1 2025, reaching NT$186.2 billion, with full-year growth expected at 4.6%, bringing the total industry value to NT$854.1 billion.

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Keysight trends for 2025 https://www.wnie.online/keysight-trends-for-2025/ Fri, 17 Jan 2025 06:00:12 +0000 https://www.wnie.online/?p=42020 Data Management will Drive the Sustainability Sector to Embrace AI  AI will increasingly be deployed to streamline global mandatory ESG/CSR reporting. The technology’s ability to consolidate, analyze, and output large volumes of data in multiple output formats will speed the distribution of sustainability disclosure while supporting accuracy, auditability, and transparency. In 2025, AI algorithms will […]

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  • Data Management will Drive the Sustainability Sector to Embrace AI
  •  AI will increasingly be deployed to streamline global mandatory ESG/CSR reporting. The technology’s ability to consolidate, analyze, and output large volumes of data in multiple output formats will speed the distribution of sustainability disclosure while supporting accuracy, auditability, and transparency. In 2025, AI algorithms will start to optimize processes for profitability and sustainability while driving more standardized global regulatory reporting.

    Michele Robinson – Director Corporate Social Responsibility

    1. The March Toward Renewable Energy Picks up Steam

    If clean power is to become the largest energy source by the mid-2030s, there needs to be an improvement in utility infrastructure. Legacy transmission systems will be updated to more seamlessly integrate decentralized renewable electricity into the grid. As a result, the remainder of this decade will see a slew of projects (I hope!) promoting alternative energy sources while ensuring they can be integrated. To keep up with rising power demands, existing transmission lines and grids must be able to support the integration of renewable energy from sources like wind and solar.

    Claire McCarthy, Global Director Sustainability & EHS

    ,

    1. The State of Renewable Electricity Across the Globe

    Renewable electricity generation has been uniquely adopted by each country, with several countries in Europe and Latin America leading the way. In APAC, progress has been varied, but you can expect leaps of innovation to occur due to increasingly cheaper costs of renewables and government sponsorship. For example, China is making inroads, having already deployed the largest wind power system and is on track to becoming the world’s largest market for wind power. This will help shift the needle toward more renewables. In the US, the regulatory burden is slowing the transition, with permitting determining the speed of transition to renewables. Pressure from corporate America will continue to drive the required shift.

    Claire McCarthy, Global Director Sustainability & EHS

    1. Government Incentives Vital to Encourage the Adoption of Distributed Energy Resources

    Distributed energy resources will be vital in helping solve the issue of matching renewable energy to peak demand. For example, bidirectional charging technology will transform electric vehicles into battery energy storage systems that feed power back to the grid during peak consumption periods and then recharge the car’s battery overnight. While this emerging solution to the energy crisis brings many benefits, it also requires a significant behavioral change on the part of the consumer.  Therefore, government incentives will play a vital role in helping individuals embrace distributed energy and accept the minor inconveniences.

    Claire McCarthy, Global Director Sustainability & EHS

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    German Government plans €2 Billion for chip subsidies https://www.wnie.online/german-government-plans-e2-billion-for-chip-subsidies/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 08:57:03 +0000 https://www.wnie.online/?p=41682 The German government is preparing billions of euros of new investments into the country’s semiconductor industry, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. The subsidies are expected to be about 2 billion euros ($2.11 billion), Bloomberg reported, citing two people who attended an event about the funding plans. A spokesperson from the Economy Ministry said he could […]

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    The German government is preparing billions of euros of new investments into the country’s semiconductor industry, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.
    The subsidies are expected to be about 2 billion euros ($2.11 billion), Bloomberg reported, citing two people who attended an event about the funding plans.
    A spokesperson from the Economy Ministry said he could not confirm this figure and told Reuters the ministry plans to provide needs-based funding “in the low single-digit billion range.”
    The ministry published a call for chips companies to apply for new subsidies in mid-November, for projects that contribute to a strong and sustainable microelectronics ecosystem in Germany and Europe, following the European Chips Act (ECA).
    The European Chips Act aims to reduce the continent’s dependence on Asian suppliers for advanced semiconductors by subsidising the local development of large chip factories.
    “Funding is to be provided for the establishment of modern production capacities that significantly exceed the current state of the art,” the spokesperson from the Economy Ministry told Reuters.

    Dunstan Power, Director of ByteSnap Design, commented:

    “This EUR 2 billion investment from the German government is a step in the right direction towards bolstering Europe’s semiconductor industry. We must be realistic about the scale of the challenge, however. The investment is relatively small against the value of semiconductor companies and the cost of constructing wafer fabs. Nevertheless, it’s encouraging to see such a commitment to reducing our reliance on Asian chip manufacturers and ensuring a more robust supply chain.

    “As an electronics design consultancy, we’ve seen first-hand how chip shortages can impact product development timelines in recent years. This latest move could eventually lead to more predictable lead times and potentially foster innovation in chip design and manufacturing right here in Europe. It’s a promising development for companies like ByteSnap and our clients who benefit on a steady supply of advanced microprocessors.”

     

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