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FEATURES

Conformal Coatings
Protecting Silicon with Silicone
Silicone chemistry is a unique combination: neither purely organic (i.e., carbon-based) nor purely inorganic (i.e., silicon-based), but a molecular-level hybrid of both. The nature of the Si-O bond in the polymer backbone creates low rotation barriers and large bond energies. This inorganic polysiloxane backbone provides the foundation for building materials with superior thermal properties, environmental resistance and flexibility, even at temperatures below -70oC. New systems are more robust, faster curing and require less energy than conventional chemistry.
by Brian Chambers

Parts Qualification
Detection of Counterfeit Components
During an investigation, a finding that suggests a part is counterfeit must be verified beyond the testing itself. If a construction material is identified that is not the same as that on a verified genuine comparison part, the investigators must ensure that this is not accounted for by acceptable changes made by the manufacturer. This underscores that such investigations are often not as straightforward as they may seem. This discussion by a major US prime defense contractor points out alternate, less common methods for counterfeit detection. These are important, as often components that seemingly pass incoming inspections may still be counterfeit.
by W. John Wolfgong, Ph.D., James Izzo and Mark Depriest

FIRST PERSON

• Caveat Lector
  Happy anniversary.
  Mike Buetow

• Talking Heads
  MFLEX’s Jay Desai.
  Mike Buetow

MONEY MATTERS

• ROI
  Secret to success.
  Peter Bigelow

TECH TALK

• Materials World
  Electrically conductive adhesives.
  Jie Bai

• Tech Tips
  Component whisker mitigation.
  ACI Technologies

• Getting Lean
  What’s in it for the customer.
  Steve Fraser

• Defects Database
  Blocked stencil apertures.
  Dr. Chris Hunt
  

• Technical Abstracts
  In Case You Missed It.

• View the Digital Edition

FEATURES

Cover Story
Benchmarking and Qualifying PCB Fabricators for Semiconductor Device Test Boards
Standardized test panels provide a sound basis for engaging with suppliers and participating in continuous improvement plans. Over time, test panel results objectively demonstrate if suppliers are attaining agreed-upon goals.
by William J. Mack

PCB Inspection
Using Automated 3D X-Ray Inspection to Detect BTC Defects
Bottom-termination components such as QFNs are characterized by hidden solder joints, making inspection tricky. Defects such as insufficients often have enough solder present to pass ICT and functional test, but when subjected to shock or vibration, there is a good chance this solder connection will fracture, leading to an open connection.
by Barbara Koczera and An Qi Zhao

Environmental Management
Developing a Compliance System for RoHS2
With the latest directive, RoHS is becoming more focused on validation of process, rather than inspection of results. A look at the methodology of developing a compliance system to address the electronics manufacturer’s obligations.
by Scott Mazur

Stencil Technology
What Used to be Old is New Again?
Recent developments give laser-cut stainless stencils the nod over their electroformed counterparts.
by Chrys Shea

FIRST PERSON

• Caveat Lector
  The DoD fights back.
  Mike Buetow

• Talking Heads
  Asteelflash’s Gilles Benhamou.
  Mike Buetow

MONEY MATTERS

• ROI
  Small talk.
  Peter Bigelow

• Focus on Business
  Adapting to uncertainty.
  Susan Mucha
  

TECH TALK

• Screen Printing
  Lights-out printing.
  Clive Ashmore
  

• Vapor Phase Soldering
  Save your energy.
  Jochen Lipp

• Test and Inspection
  ECU coverage.
  Cynthia Chuah
  

• Defects Database
  Solder paste contamination.
  Dr. Chris Hunt

• Technical Abstracts
  In Case You Missed It.

Digital Edition:
https://www.qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=95369

FEATURES

Productronica Recap
Evolving and Upbeat in Munich
The de facto prism through which the industry is observed suggests an industry in recovery – and in full faculty of its senses.
by Mike Buetow

PCB Inspection
Automating First-Article Inspection
Along with quality improvements that resulted from higher levels of automation in process manufacturing, emerging automated inspection technologies, now with decades of development behind them, are striving to eliminate the potential for human error.
by Paul Walsh

Component Procurement
The Great GAO Counterfeiting Sting
A US sting broke up a ring selling fake parts to the US Defense Department. But is there a better way to beat the black market?
by Dr. James A. Hayward

FIRST PERSON

• Caveat Lector
  Let’s have a chat.
  Mike Buetow

• Talking Heads
  Avnet’s Alex Iuorio.
  Mike Buetow

MONEY MATTERS

• ROI
  Where Procurement is failing.
  Peter Bigelow

• Focus on Business
  Mentoring networks.
  Susan Mucha
  

TECH TALK

• On the Forefront
  Will 2012 bring a reprieve?
  E. Jan Vardaman
  

• Selective Soldering
  Retinning new components.
  Alan Cable

• Tech Tips
  Which selective soldering type is best?
  ACI Technologies Inc.
  

• Defects Database
  Paste slump remedies.
  Dr. Chris Hunt

• Solar Technologies
  Passing markers on the road.
  Tom Falcon

• Process Doctor
  When not to clean.
  Mike Bixenman
  

• Getting Lean
  The design driver.
  Carlos Rodriguez and Hilario Apodaca

• Technical Abstracts
  In Case You Missed It.