Topics to be covered include SnPb with lead-free components; reliability; harsh environment; tin whiskers; new alloys; electromigration; thermal dissipation; manufacturing process; supply chain issues; advanced packaging; new substrate materials; surface finishes; thermal interface materials, and underfill.

To present, please submit a 200- to 300-word abstract to Melissa Serres at melissa@smta.org by Jan. 31. Include title, author’s name and contact information. Technical papers are optional, but PowerPoint presentations are required and due March 23.
 

SAN ANTONIO – SMT machine software sales hit $312.4 million in 2006 and will grow 35% to $558.3 million in 2013, according to research firm Frost & Sullivan.
 
The research firm says complete integration and ease of communication down the SMT line have driven software market growth. Customers are reportedly also more concerned with pricing and quality of the machine now, and not with the software that accompanies it.
 
“The SMT software market has been rejuvenated not only due to increase in equipment sales, but also due to increasing automation and technology of the software itself,” says Frost senior research analyst Lavanya Ram Mohan. “As the demands for increased integration, communication, quality and factory level optimization rise, these markets are likely to accrue significant revenues in future.”