SMYRNA, GA – A series of presentations on critical electronics assembly issues will be offered at the upcoming PCB West 2011 technical conference and trade show.

PCB West 2011 will be held September 27 – 29 at the Santa Clara (CA) Convention Center and is sponsored by the UP Media Group publications PRINTED CIRCUIT DESIGN & FAB (pcdandf.com) and CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY (circuitsassembly.com).

Highlights include papers on low-silver solder alloys, advanced packaging, new plasma-based PCB surface finishes, and lead-free electronics risk reduction, presented by such leading companies as Hewlett-Packard and Amkor.

“With the high prices of precious metals, we are seeing great interest in alternate alloys that drive out costs without hindering quality or reliability,” said Mike Buetow, editorial director of UP Media Group. “And lead-free remains an important – yet not-well-understood – technology consideration.

The assembly sessions, which take place September 28, are coordinated by the SMTA Silicon Valley Chapter.

“We are especially pleased to have SMTA’s involvement on this year’s technical conference,” Buetow said. “This ensures the presentations and data will be of the highest caliber.”

Now in its 20th year, PCB West provides show attendees – printed circuit board (PCB) engineers, designers, fabricators, assemblers and managers – with the most targeted conference in the PCB design industry. Registration is now open for PCB West: www.pcbwest.com.

PCB West 2011 includes a three-day Technical Conference consisting of more than 50 presentations, including 10 workshops, panel sessions and half-day seminars; a one-day exhibition, featuring the PCB industry's leading vendors; and an array of free technical sessions. Full details regarding the conference and exhibition are available at www.pcbwest.com.

Attendees who register for the conference by August 26, 2011 will receive a $100 discount on select conference packages. Admission is free for the one-day exhibition and other "FREE Wednesday" events (registration and a badge required). To register, visit www.pcbwest.com.

For more information about PCB West, visit www.pcbwest.com or contact Show Manager Alyson Skarbek at 404-665-7749; askarbek@upmediagroup.com.