ATLANTA -- The 15th anniversary PCB Design Conference West, scheduled for March 26-31 at the Santa Clara (CA) Convention Center, will feature more than 45 exhibitors of printed circuit board design products and fabrication services.

PCB West 2006 is the premier West Coast conference and exhibition for PCB engineering, design and manufacture professionals. It consists of a two-day exhibition, a five-day conference of technical courses, and a variety of special events.

 

The hours for the two-day product and service exhibition are March 28, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and March 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. On-site registration will open at 8 a.m. each morning during the conference.

 

The following products and services are being announced or featured during the two-day exhibition:

 

Avnet Prómiere - Booth 702

Prómiere “Standard” Supply Chain services provides accurate, real-time analysis of your component and supplier information, as well as industry benchmarking data and services. Supply-chain performance is critical to the electronics industry and the key to higher supply-chain performance is better intelligence. Lack of accurate information has proven to be fatal for some supply-chains. Now you have one place to go for all the component and industry information and services you need for smarter supply-chain decisions. BOM Manager provides a robust system to notify and organize end of life (EOL) and part change notifications (PCNs). BOM Optimizer examines the supply-chain viability of your component and supplier information in your existing AVLs/AMLs (approved vendor/materials list) or BOMs (bills of materials). List Manager delivers a customizable web-based technology tool, for manipulating and managing AVLs/AMLs (approved vendor/materials Lists) or BOMs (bills of materials). List Manager delivers functionality to build and control your lists and the management of the parts within.

 

Cimnet Systems - Booth 804

Engenix-ST provides the most advanced stack-up and impedance solution on the market with real-world manufacturing simulation. Event-based rules automatically calculate everything from complex lamination structures, dielectric Dk and trace profiles, to thickness, cost and impedance parameters. ST is robust, cost-effective and runs on the free MSDE SQL engine.

 

DesignAdvance Systems - Booth 610

CircuitSpace v1.5 delivers user-assisted automation to the current manual process of PCB component placement, reducing design time and pushing products to market sooner at reduced costs. CircuitSpace integrates with established PCB design tools and utilizes advanced patented algorithms to solve difficult placement automation problems.

 

DFM - Booth 709

MakeDOPowerTools is a complete easy-to-use Allegrocentric Constraint System for managing the Allegro PCB Router. Includes graphical board ReViewer for pre- and post-route Timing analysis and Net highlighting. Built-in Route Catalog for Design ReUse and Series Path Wizard. Inputs SPECCTRA DSN from all CAD systems, all DO Files and OrCAD Capture schematic files.

 

Electronics Workbench - Booth 612

Electronics Workbench announces Multisim 9, the latest version of the industry-leading circuit simulator, which delivers:  Integration with National Instruments LabVIEW to bridge design and test; Simulated “real” Tektronix instruments; Measurement probes to annotate circuits with dynamic values; Support for design variants; and Op Amp Circuit Wizard. Electronics Workbench announces Ultiboard 9 and Ultiroute 9. Offering a wealth of productivity enhancing features.  Highlights of Version 9 include:  Full Integration with Multicap 9 & Multisim 9; Enhancements to the Ultiroute 9 autorouter for prioritizing routing order by net; Improved error reporting for back-annotation; and Prioritize routing order by net.

 

EMA Design Automation - Booth 502

EMA’s exclusive Engineering Data Management (EDM) solution allows engineers to control and streamline the engineering data created during the design of electronic products, with a specific emphasis on environmental compliance. This database management system coupled with OrCAD Capture CIS gives your design team access to RoHS and WEEE compliance information throughout the entire design phase. We call it Compliance by Design.       

 

IBM - Booth 407

EMSAT is an EMC rule checking program from IBM that reads PCB layout files and permits selection of which EMC rule(s) to test the board against. A violation to the EMC rules may be viewed either directly in Allegro or as an HTML document.  This product incorporates many years of EMC knowledge and experience from IBM’s EMC Engineers. IBM offers three EM simulation tools, PowerPEEC, EMSIM, and CZ2D. PowerPEEC and EMSIM are fullwave tools, solving Maxwell’s equations with no simplifying assumptions. CZ2D is a quasi-static EM simulation tool and is best used for electrically small models when RLC extraction is desired. IBM also offers EMC engineering consultation, training and EMI testing.  

 

Innov-X Systems - Booth 712

See the NEW Innov-X Alpha Series handheld XRF analyzers, the world’s smallest and lightest analyzers for non-destructive alloy analysis, grade verification and Flow Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) inspection. The analyzers eliminate NRC regulations or travel restrictions due to isotopes, since it uses a miniature x-ray tube. It is software based for versatility and ease of use, and powered by a PDA/Pocket PC for simple upgrading at any time. Designed for in-field testing, the Alpha Series can quickly convert to bench-top use, with a large touch screen, or can be integrated into a process system for automated applications.

 

Intercept Technology - Booth 402

Intercept is pleased to announce the release of Pantheon v5.1. Intercept Technology’s PCB/Hybrid/RF design application now includes Intercept’s revolutionary A.I.R. (Automatic Interactive Routing) technology, featuring Guide Route and Multi Route—two new routing modes that speed manual routing assignments by an average of 60%.  Pantheon v5.1 also includes exciting new developments for Design Reuse and Team Design.  Stop by for a detailed demo. Recently released Mozaix v3.0, Intercept Technology’s high-performance schematic capture application for rapid design entry, boasts a completely redesigned user interface for improved efficiency and ease of use.  A few of the exciting new capabilities include: multi-functional dialogs for one-source editing, ability to copy/paste design sections from sheet to sheet, team design and design reuse with database merge ability, and the ability to drag-and-drop parts and symbols.  See how this modernized user interface streamlines design flow, saves time and improves productivity.

 

Liberty University - Booth 418

Liberty University has applied for patents for mirroring all surface mount parts with three pins or more. The patent identifies how the mirroring will be accomplished so it will be user friendly for engineers and designers. The patent also includes the methods of identifying the parts, anticipating there will be a mix of traditional and mirrored parts on both sides of the printed circuit board.

 

PalPilot Corporation / LEANPAC Division - Booth 515

PalPilot Corporation introduces the LEANPAC solution for AdvancedTCA/PICMG3.0 integrated backplane and enclosure systems.  Our LEANPAC division offers cost effective AdvancedTCA/PICMG3.0 solutions for ODM/OEM chassis and sub-racks.  Services include design, backplane fabrication and assembly, robust machined aluminum chassis, a full line of accessories and configuration options.

 

ShenZhen Fastprint Circuit Tech - Booth 811

ShenZhen Fastprint Circuit Tech Co. Ltd. is the biggest quickturn prototype and small volume PCB manufacturer in China. We supply fine-line high density from double-sided up to 40-layer PCB for high-tech R & D department and professional PCB designer all over the world, production was widely used for telecom, computer, automatic, medical instrument, defense, air space, etc. NEC, Sony, Omron, Ericsson, Motorola, Siemens, Nokia are end users!             

 

Sierra Proto Express - Booth 1205

Sierra Proto Express is the industry leader when it comes to building tomorrow’s technology today. From Lead-Free Hi-Reliability printed circuit boards that are virtually indestructible to Micro-Electronics  PCBs. With lines down to below one mil, Sierra Proto Express is the “go-to” company when you need PCB Technology of the future…today!  Come discuss your future PCB needs at booth 1205. Attend our FREE lecture (036) on Micro Electronics on Tuesday, March 28, at 10 am.

 

TechDream - Booth 718

Oak-Mitsui has developed a novel thin substrate, FaradFlex, which is the next generation of embedded capacitance material. FaradFlex can reduce the overall impedance of the power distribution system as well as free up surface real estate and improve system reliability by eliminating some discrete capacitors (www.faradflex.com). Follow the path to compliance by the easy-to-use EMI rule check and power plane resonance analysis software, EMIStream, which was developed by NEC. EMIStream checks for return path discontinuity, GV crossover, de-cap placement, differential pair check, etc., and also power integrity analysis for your PCB layout (www.emistream.com).

 

Conference Program

The PCB Design Conferences have earned a five-star reputation for providing attendees with a quality conference program filled with useful courses taught by industry experts. This year's conference theme is "Education, Inspiration and Solutions." The PCB West 2006 conference program features over 45 Professional Development and Technical Conference Courses—29 of which are new to the show.

 

Special Events

The following special events are free to registered attendees with a conference or expo-only badge:

·     General Sessions, on March 28 and 29 from 8-9 a.m., featuring awards for 15-year exhibitors and this year’s PCB Top Gun Hall of Fame competition, news about the day’s schedule, plus two interesting presentations. See the on-site show guide for details.

·     “FREE Tuesday,” on March 28, which includes nine free technical sessions and six free Exhibitor Showcase presentations. See the conference program at www.pcbwest.com or the on-site show guide for complete details.

·     Opening Night Networking Reception, on March 28 from 5 – 6:30 p.m., featuring complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages in a relaxed, fun atmosphere on the show floor.

·     Casino Night, on March 29 from 7 – 11 p.m. in the Hyatt Regency’s Santa Clara Ballroom, featuring food, drink, and the casino games of craps, blackjack and roulette plus a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament! (The gambling won’t be real, but it will be real fun!) Plus, next door to the Casino, attendees can visit the Dawg House, featuring a jam session hosted by the Porch Dawgs. Bring your favorite instrument join the jam!

·     Year of the Designer Reception, on March 29 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the Hyatt Regency pool patio, featuring hors d’oeuvres, drinks and more.

 

Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, UP Media Group Inc. (www.upmediagroup.com) is a privately held company that specializes in magazine publishing and in trade show and conference production. UPMG currently publishes two high-tech magazines, Printed Circuit Design & Manufacture (pcdandm.com) and Circuits Assembly, and the PCB UPdate newsletter (pcbupdate.com).

HUDSON, NH – CeTaQ Americas has thrown its name into the ring of companies performing analysis of lead-free line capability.

Unlike programs that assess end-product compliance, however, CeTaq conducts machine capability analysis testing designed to ensure that production equipment is performing to spec.

In a press release, Michael Sivigny, general manager of CeTaQ Americas, said, “Lead-free solders don’t wet as readily as traditional tin/lead solders; thus, printing and placement accuracy is more important. In an instance where SMT pads are not accurately printed, such as partly printed onto a non-solderable area, or mask, it is likely in some cases that the solder will not wet the entire pad. Similarly, a lower surface tension in the liquidous solder may inhibit the ‘auto-centering’ effect that assemblers always counted on to center slightly offset components with tin/lead solders. Thus, placement accuracy is more critical than before. Keeping the lead-free process window as wide as possible requires, at the least, that assembly equipment operate optimally at its original performance specification. This keeps the process in control and helps ensure minimal defect levels and maximum yields.”

Recently, CeTaQ Americas announced the availability of a new service that verifies feeder and shuttle motion repeatability. This service was developed, Sivigny says, because one of the consequences of the move to lead-free assembly is less tolerance for even slight variations in placement accuracy. Components do not self-center as easily during reflow with lead-free solders. CeTaQ’s feeder calibration helps ensure repeatability of pick location, feeder indexing, component location and sprocket repeatability.

PAOLI, PA – AMETEK Inc. has formed a materials analysis division, joining its Spectro analytical instruments and EDAX units.

EDAX business unit manager Alan Devenish has been named vice president and general manager of the new division.

Manfred Bergsch has been named vice president and Spectro business unit manager.

AMETEK will leverage the manufacturing operations, technology and distribution of EDAX and Spectro to improve the support and services of its customers around the world.

AMETEK provides analytical instrumentation such as x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers for the electronics and other markets. 

ZURICH -- DEK International was among 26 recipients of Intel Corp.'s Preferred Quality Supplier award, the company said today. It was the second time the maker of printers has won the award.

DEK was awarded for its efforts in supplying Intel with printing machines.

The PQS awards are part of Intel’s Supplier Continuous Improvement process that encourages suppliers to strive for excellence and continuous improvement. To qualify for PQS status, suppliers must score 80% on a report card that assesses performance and ability to meet cost, quality, availability, delivery, technology and responsiveness goals. Suppliers must also manage and deliver on a challenging improvement plan and a quality systems assessment.

John Hartner, CEO of DEK International, said, “DEK is extremely proud to be honored with Intel’s PQS award for the second time.  This award is a testament to DEK’s committment to delivering innovative deposition technologies with the highest level of customer satisfaction.”

“Congratulations to DEK for being a two time PQS winner. DEK continues to provide quick, reliable, and dedicated technical support to our all our factories worldwide. Their continued flexibility in meeting Intel’s demands, and their superior training and coaching abilities prove they are one of the best assembly service providers to Intel,” said Ron Rinfret, director of assembly capital equipment development at Intel.

For seminar times and locations, or to register visit: jtag.com.

SAN JOSE — Nexlogic Technologies has relocated its PCB design, assembly, fabrication and procurement to a 30,000 sq. ft. facility in San Jose, the company said.

The new space is nearly three times larger than Nexlogic's former facilities.

Nexlogic also added an SMT line, its third overall. The new line has a dedicated Pb-free wave soldering bath, AOI and enhanced BGA x-ray capabilities.

MURRAY HILL, NJ -- The on-again, off-again merger talks between Lucent Technologies and Alcatel are on again. The two telecom companies disclosed last night that discussions are underway, but said there would be no further comment until a deal is complete or talks are called off.

Read more ...

TAMPA -- Electronics manufacturing services company Reptron Electronics today reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $4,000, down from $1.1 million last year, on sales of $36.6 million, up 1.5% from a year ago and 12.3% sequentially.

For the year ended Dec. 31, sales fell 2.2% to $138.5 million. The results include 11 months of results following the company's reorganization and one month pre-reorganization.

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JACKSON, MI -- Electronics manufacturing services provider Sparton Corp. has signed a letter of intent to acquire Astro Instrumentation, a maker of medical test equipment. Strongsville, OH-based Astro is privately owned and had 2005 sales of $33.6 million. The deal is expected to close by June 30 and is subject to due diligence. No financial terms were announced.

Astro designs and manufactures a variety of specialized medical products, including laboratory test equipment. The company operates a 40,000 sq. ft. facility in Ohio.

Sparton will run the business as a wholly-owned subsidiary at its present location and retain current management and staff. The acquisition is subject to the completion of a due diligence review and execution of a definitive purchase agreement.

SAN JOSE -- Solectron Corp. reported a second-quarter profit of $30.4 million, reversing a loss of $2.2 million last year. Revenue fell 10.8% to $2.46 billion from $2.76 billion a year ago, just beating analyst estimates and at the high end of the company's forecast.

For the quarter, the gross profit was $29.7 million, excluding charges and one-time items.

Read more ...

Clinton, NY -- Indium Corp.’s senior technologist, Dr. Ronald C. Lasky, Ph.D., and Pb-free program manager, Tim Jensen, will present at an SMTA workshop on March 21, in Milpitas, CA. The courses will be “A Protocol for WEEE and RoHS Compliance” and “Best Practices in Implementing PB-Free Assembly: 2006”.
 
Dr. Lasky will also focus on implementing Pb-Free electronics assembly at two additional upcoming conferences:
March 27 at PCB West in Santa Clara, CA
March 29 at SMTA Canada in Toronto
 
At PCB West, Dr. Lasky’s topic will be: “Best Practices in Implementing Lead-Free Assembly, Part 1 and Part 2.” The workshop will focus on how to implement lead-free including PCB finishes, components, alloys and SMT processes. Actual implementation of lead-free processes will be discussed as well as current legislation and practices.
 
At SMTA Canada, the topic will be “Rapid Implementation of Lead-Free and RoHS Compliant Assembly, Declaration and Documentation.” This workshop will provide the information, tools and resources to develop and execute a plan for rapid WEEE and RoHS compliance.

SAN JOSE – North American-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted $1.3 billion in orders in February on a three-month average basis and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.01 according to SEMI.

A book-to-bill of 1.01 means that $101 worth of orders were received for every $100 of product billed for the month.

Bookings were almost 6% higher than revised January levels and almost 27% higher year-over-year.

The three-month average of worldwide billings in February 2006 was $1.29 billion.

Billings grew 2% over revised January levels but fell 3% versus February 2005.

"Increasing booking and billing levels over the past quarter are indicative of healthy growth, as companies are investing more dollars in technology and capacity," said Stanley T. Myers, president and CEO. "The book-to-bill has hit parity for the first time since August 2004, so we are optimistic about growth in the equipment market for 2006."

The SEMI book-to-bill is a ratio of three-month moving averages of worldwide bookings and billings for North American-based semiconductor equipment manufacturers. Billings and bookings figures are in millions of U.S. dollars.