Vendor Lock-In and PLM Solutions: The OEM and EMS Perspective In the vast expanse of the business ecosystem, one of the recurring fears among companies, regardless of their niche, is vendor lock-in. This concern is palpable when it comes to product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions. Let's wade into this topic, exploring the different reasons why original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies approach PLM with varied hesitations and expectations. What Is Read Article The Impact of AI on Electronics Manufacturing Artificial intelligence (AI) is a source of disruption for many industries, and electronics manufacturing is no exception. From facilitating faster product development to improving quality and fortifying supply chains, AI is revolutionizing how electronic manufacturers design, prototype, source, and build their products. For electronics engineers and manufacturing professionals, understanding these AI-driven changes is essential for staying Read Article How Chip Counterfeits Are Getting More Sophisticated Despite the quality assurance and rigor of semiconductor standards, the industry is still prone to counterfeiting, which can only have detrimental effects the longer it continues. There are various elements that should provoke electronics buyers and manufacturers to dig deeper into the procurement process to uncover any potential blemishes in products they wish to purchase. With shortages afoot in some areas of the PCB market and abundances in Read Article 0:41:13 Breaking Down Data Silos: A Practical Comparison of Altium and Cadence in Cross-Functional PCB Design Join us for a webinar that addresses the critical challenges of maintaining design data continuity across various design functions. Watch Video Signal Integrity Principles based on Altium Designer 24 Introduction to High-Speed and Signal Integrity Digital systems are one of the fundamental areas of modern electronics. The advancement in highly efficient processors or other digital systems, like FPGAs or wide-bandwidth data acquisition systems that use fast ADCs converters together with DSPs or FPGAs, requires a different approach to electronic design, especially PCB that includes interconnects between various integrated circuits or modules Read Article What Will It Take For Japan to Dominate Chip Production Again? These days the conversation surrounds three major companies: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), Samsung, and SK Hynix—the main providers of early-stage chips. However, as the industry evolved over time, many organizations had roles to play in the successful growth of semiconductor innovation and production. Japan was home to six of the top 10 semiconductor manufacturing companies in the world back in 1988—a time when the Asian island Read Article Chemical Processes Could Make Semiconductor Manufacturing More Sustainable Although essential to modern life, semiconductor manufacturing is energy- and resource-intensive, demanding higher consumption of electricity, water, chemicals, and process gases, all of which contribute to greater energy use and environmental impact—an unfortunate reality that is further compounded by the increased complexity of advanced chip manufacturing and increased demand. "If the current growth path were to continue unchecked, carbon Read Article Edge Computing and Its Impact on Real-Time Data Processing In an era when milliseconds matter, edge computing is changing how industries process data, creating unprecedented opportunities for real-time decision-making. Industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation – where split-second decisions can mean the difference between success and failure – are reaping big benefits. With forecasters predicting that most enterprise data will soon be processed at the edge, the market is experiencing Read Article When Should Buyers Use a 3PL Platform? In the fast-paced world of electronics manufacturing, sourcing components like printed circuit boards (PCBs) efficiently and cost-effectively is crucial. Buyers often face the challenge of managing complex supply chains, ensuring timely deliveries, and maintaining quality standards. One solution that has gained traction is the use of third-party logistics (3PL) platforms. But when should buyers consider using a 3PL platform? This article explores Read Article Top 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Flexible Circuit Design Designing flexible circuits presents unique challenges that even seasoned PCB designers can find difficult to navigate. While flexible circuits offer significant advantages—such as reduced weight, space savings, and the ability to conform to complex shapes—they also require careful attention to detail. This post will explore some of the most common mistakes in flexible circuit design and provide strategies to avoid them. 1. Ignoring the Bend Read Article Avoiding Costly Delays: Essential Tips for PCB Designers Have you ever experienced the frustration of having your PCB design order placed on hold by your fabricator? This is a common issue that many PCB designers face, particularly with new flexible circuits or rigid-flex designs. When an order is placed, the anticipation of a smooth production process can be quickly disrupted by an unexpected hold, often due to engineering questions or clarifications. These holds are not just minor inconveniences—they Read Article Mastering EMI Control in PCB Design: Component Placement for EMC In this second article of the Mastering EMI Control in PCB Design series, we will dive deeper into one of the key concepts for maintaining low levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Board segregation, also known as board partitioning, is a method used to organize the different circuit parts of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) to keep them separate. This improves the overall performance of the board, particularly in terms of EMI. This Read Article 0:44:12 Mastering Design Complexity: How Altium Designer Outperforms Cadence in Solving Workflow and Engineering Challenges Join our upcoming webinar to discover why engineers consistently choose Altium Designer as the standard in PCB design. Watch Video The Benefits of a Circular Economy for Electronics The concept of a circular economy for electronics is a transformative approach to production and consumption. It emphasizes the reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling of electronic products to create a closed-loop system, minimizing waste and the use of finite resources. This article explores the key benefits of advancing a circular economy for electronics, and what this translates to in tangible measures (figure 1). It also covers actions Read Article When Does a Company Need to Start Using A PLM System? Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems are integral to managing a product's lifecycle from inception through engineering design and manufacture to service and disposal. However, knowing when to implement a PLM system can be a challenge for growing companies. This article will explore five critical milestones (figure 1) in a company's growth that may indicate the need for a PLM system and four things to look for at each milestone. Figure 1 Read Article How Manufacturing Can Create Risk in Your NPI Plans Introduction New Product Introduction (NPI) is a critical phase in the lifecycle of any product, especially in the electronics industry where Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and electronic components are integral. While NPI is essential for bringing innovative products to market, it is fraught with risks, particularly in the manufacturing phase. This article explores how manufacturing can create risks in your NPI plans, focusing on parts Read Article How To Start A Chip Industry From Scratch Starting a semiconductor chip industry from scratch is a monumental task that requires a blend of advanced technology, skilled workforce, substantial investment, and supportive policies. Here’s a structured article that delves into the key features of the semiconductor chip industry and the critical conditions needed to establish and sustain it. What it Takes to Start a Chip Industry From Scratch Introduction The semiconductor chip industry is Read Article Pagination First page « First Previous page ‹‹ Page7 Current page8 Page9 Page10 Page11 Page12 Next page ›› Last page Last » Load More