Rising geopolitical tensions and defense demand are intensifying pressure on compound semiconductor supply chains powering next-generation RF systems.

The stock market’s volatility index, or VIX, has had an eventful 2026 so far, beginning with uncertainty over trade tariffs and most recently due to the conflict in the Middle East. Also known as Wall Street’s fear gauge, the VIX has been spiking around 30, which is a significant psychological threshold for investors. There have been sharper increases in the past, during the notorious financial crash of 2008 and, of course, in the pandemic. While those historical events sent investors dashing for traditional areas of cover, normally to buy bonds and sell stocks, the current situation is more complex, combining the threat of inflation and supply disruptions.

IPC-2581 v4.0 advances digital data exchange by embedding design intent, reducing handoff errors.

Momentum around IPC-2581 is building as PCB design and manufacturing teams push for a more precise, secure and truly digital exchange of product data. This month, I’ll share the latest from the IPC-2581 Consortium, highlight what we heard in the most recent adoption discussions and summarize the key enhancements coming with IPC-2581 v4.0.

Time in the industry does not slow you down; it sharpens your ability to spot what actually matters.

What’s your exit strategy?

Why are you still doing this? How long do you intend to keep doing this?

What are you doing here?

Thoughts?

AI server growth could boost PCB and copper-clad laminate demand more than 200% by 2027, straining global materials supply.

The global excitement surrounding AI has certainly caught my attention for many reasons. However, I was taken aback by an analysis indicating that increasing demand for new infrastructure will significantly boost growth rates for copper-clad laminates (CCL), which are expected to rise by over 200% in 2027, as reported by Goldman Sachs in January.