CircuiTree articles from November 2005

CircuiTree archives from November 2005

India on the rise.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I feel vindicated after reading [Steve Gold's August column, "Time for Prospectors to Go West?"] about India's potential and capabilities. What you are visualizing or projecting had to happen, only that I had been more optimistic when I wrote a...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
November 1, 2005... In our October feature article ["RFID Tags 'Signal' a Growing Market," page 38], we incorrectly stated that "Almost two billion RFID tags have been sold since 2005." In fact, according to IDTechEx, a leading RFID market analyst, two billion...

Countdown to compliance.(RoadToRoHS)(regulation on imports of electronic products)
November 1, 2005... The clock is ticking; the deadline is looming. On July 1, 2006 the European Union will begin restricting the material content of electronic products being shipped within and into the EU. On the same date, China will also restrict material...

China's changing face.(industrial development )(Column)
November 1, 2005... I'm always a little sad after visiting China, but I'm never quite sure why. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Maybe it's the lack of sunlight in the major cities; the country's lead sky seems limitless. The blood-red sun hangs suspended in the...

Next generation copper based PCB interconnection technologies: alternative approaches to copper based interconnection design and manufacture offer promising cost and performance advantages.(printed circuit boards)
November 1, 2005... Printed circuit technology is the foundation on which virtually all electronic products are built. This has been true since the dawning of the "Age of Electronics," which was date stamped in a National Geographic issue published late in World...

Mentor Graphics releases Expedition Enterprise.
November 1, 2005... Wilsonville, OR -- Mentor Graphics Corp. revealed its new Expedition[TM] Enterprise flow for PCB systems design. This flow enables large electronics companies to leverage their multi-disciplined design team resources, and create and provide...

Plexus hosts Fifth Annual PCB Symposium: RoHS & lead-free & WEEE, oh my!(ViewFromTheMiddle)
November 1, 2005... The Fifth Annual Plexus PCB Symposium was held September 8th, in Neenah, Wisconsin, and from all accounts was the best yet. The symposium is a one-day event featuring industry experts from around the globe. As one of the premier high-technology...

Sizing embedded inductors.(EmbeddedPassivesUpdate)
November 1, 2005... A designer will usually need a specific inductance--to within a few percent--that is constant over an expected frequency range and achieves at least some minimum value of Q. In this column, we'll discuss how to design those little spirals to...

Tapco Circuit Supply, First EIE sign rep agreement.(Suppliers)
November 1, 2005... Chicago, IL -- Tapco Circuit Supply (TCS) announced an expanded representative agreement with First EIE. The agreement expands TCS' coverage area for First EIE, a manufacturer of Raster Photo Plotters and Ink Jet Legend Printers.

Dow Corning earns automotive quality certification in U.S., Europe.(Suppliers)
November 1, 2005... Midland, MI -- Dow Corning Corp. announced that two of its facilities have achieved certification to the ISO/TS16949:2002 standard of quality for suppliers in the automotive industry. The manufacturing facilities in Auburn, Mich. and Wiesbaden,...

Cimnet Systems, Direct Logix partner up.(digital manufacturing engineering solution for printed circuit boards to br developed)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Downers Grove, IL -- Direct Logix and Cimnet Systems partnered to offer the first complete, fully integrated digital manufacturing engineering solution available for global PCB manufacturers. The best features of Direct Logix's Control Center...

Eurotech buys Timax six-spindle router.(Suppliers)
November 1, 2005... Timax Electronics, one of China's leading CNC drilling and routing manufacturers, sold a six-spindle router to Eurotech. Viking Test Services is proud that Euotech have chosen the Timax equipment.

Taconic begins manufacturing base materials in Asia.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Taconic began manufacturing its copper-clad base materials for RF and microwave PCBs in Cheonan, Korea. This new manufacturing capability will enable Taconic to quickly respond to the growing Asian market as well as enhancing service to...

Indium announces new distributor in France.(Suppliers)
November 1, 2005... Indium Corporation of America announced that Chime Tech Services SA (CTS) has become its newest distributor in Europe, covering France. CTS, founded in 1988, is responsible for sales and service of Indium's line of solder pastes, wave solder...

Lloyd Doyle opens new demo center.(optical test equipment manufacturer)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Lloyd Doyle opened a brand new base in China. This will be at the demonstration center of its distributor Leeport located in Shenzhen. The new centre will house a redline [X.sup.2] MVI automatic optical test system which will be available for...

Speeding Edge to donate sales percentage to hurricane relief.(Suppliers)
November 1, 2005... Glen Ellen, CA -- Speeding Edge, an industry training and consulting firm specializing in the high-speed PCB and system design disciplines, announced its support of the relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Between now and...

Rohm and Haas to hike prices.(compensate raw material price)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Philadelphia, PA -- Rohm and Haas plans to implement selling price increases to offset the impact of unprecedented raw material, feedstock, energy and freight-related cost increases in recent weeks. "The outlook for raw material and...

Viking sells MicoCraft probe tester to Danish fabricator.(Viking Test Services, priDana Elektronik )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Viking Test Services announced another sale of a MicroCraft EMX6151 high speed high accuracy moving probe tester to priDana Elektronik (Hedensted, Denmark). This is the third MicroCraft system for PriDana and shows its increasing confidence in...

Excellon Automation relocates offices.(Suppliers)
November 1, 2005... Torrance, CA -- Excellon Automation announced the opening of its new corporate offices and North American Production facility in Rancho Dominguez, Calif. The new facility creates a better operating infrastructure that is aligned with the...

Fine lines in high yield (Part CXXII): control of the photoresist stripping process.(TechTalk)
November 1, 2005... A discussion about the control of the stripping process needs to take into account which process performance criteria have to be considered. Stripping performance criteria include strip speed and cleanliness (or completeness) of stripping,...

Real options analysis and the printed circuit industry.(Finance & Forecast)
November 1, 2005... Real options analysis is a fascinating approach to real-world business strategy. It is related to financial options (puts and calls), except the focus is on tangible assets--real estate, new assembly lines, R & D projects, company mergers,...

Made in China: a tour of China's rapidly growing printed circuit industry reveals that doing business there remains attractive--but will overcapacity threaten future growth?(Nanya Technology Corp.)(Company Profile)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... Printed circuit industry professionals can be a jaded bunch. And for good reason. Having witnessed rising energy costs, materials shortages, the lead-free shuffle, and the huge manufacturing shift to Asia, some think they have seen it all. The...

ITEQ Corporation: total solution for lead free process best partner of *P/C effectiveness.
November 1, 2005... Base Materials for Printed Circuit Applications PRODUCTS IT-140 IT-150 IT140G Property Method Std.FR-4 Mid-Tg Halogen-free Tg([degrees]c) DSC 140[+ or -]5 150[+...

Christopher Associates introduces new AOI systems.(automatic optical inspection)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Santa Ana, CA -- Christopher Associates Inc. introduced two new automatic optical inspection systems, as well as a laser robotic soldering system at Assembly Technology Expo (Rosemont, IL) in September. The first system, the NSpec DL 18, is the...

LMI Technologies introduces digital imaging laser.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Detroit, MI -- LMI Technologies (USA) Inc. introduced a digital imaging laser line sensor for high resolution 3D cross-sectional profile scanning of up to 150 points across a horizontal measuring line, similar to having 150 single point sensors...

Quattro angled view improves fault analysis.
November 1, 2005... GOPEL electronic developed another ground-breaking feature: the OptiCon series. The new AOI platform now offers a practical method of inspecting components on PCBs by an angled view using a newly developed optics module. The user is now able to...

Westwind creates 'Storm' at TPCA.
November 1, 2005... Poole, UK -- The "Storm," promising to be Westwind's fastest full range spindle ever, was launched at this year's TPCA Show in Taiwan. Westwind Air Bearings displayed a wide range of air bearing spindles, including the new D1787 Storm 200,000...

ECD introduces new OvenRIDER[R] NL.
November 1, 2005... Portland, OR -- ECD announced a new version of its OvenRIDER[R] called Oven-RIDER[R] NL. OvenRIDER NL profiles convection reflow oven capability, separating zonal temperatures from convection efficiency while verifying conveyor speed for a true...

Staktek introduces ArctiCore[TM] module technology.(portfolio of memory solutions)
November 1, 2005... Austin, TX -- Staktek Holdings Inc. introduced ArctiCore[TM], a new module technology designed for superior thermal, mechanical and electrical performance. ArctiCore is part of Staktek's portfolio of memory solutions that increase operational...

WISE Software announces GerbTool[TM] version 14.2.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Newberg, OR -- WISE Software announced GerbTool[TM] version 14.2, which now offers users additional functions that allow them to intelligently exchange data between design and manufacturing. In addition to GerbTool's industry-leading support of...

Isola Corp.(high thermal products)
November 1, 2005... Isola -- The Leader In Lead Free Assembly Compatible Laminates. Isola's family of lead free compatible products have passed 6X passes through lead free assembly conditions at 260C temperatures. This extensive family of products delivers high...

Oil, the big unknown.(Fein-Lines)(Column)
November 1, 2005... Let me start with the obligatory "I used to trudge through miles of snow to get to school" statement. Like some of you, I remember gas at under a quarter a gallon. When I was a salesman who relied on my car, I had to sit in long gas lines in...

Mystery systems of the east.(HappyThoughts)(Column)
November 1, 2005... For a long time now, I've wanted to relate my observations about living and working with the Chinese. This is a personal report. I am no expert on the Chinese, but I think some of my experiences may help many of you. If you are going to stay in...

Coretec.(Mark Thornley resigns)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Toronto -- Coretec Inc. announced that Mark Thornley, the Chief Financial Officer of the company, has resigned to pursue other interests. The board of directors has begun the process of recruiting a replacement, however, in the interim, Paul C....

Electropac Company.(People)(Otto Jespersen; Arnold Waldner; Bill Letts)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Manchester, NH -- Electropac Co., Inc. held retirement ceremonies to bid farewell to three long-time employees: Otto Jespersen, Arnold Waldner, and Bill Letts. These outstanding gentlemen have a combined total of 60 years of service to the...

Parelec.(People)
November 1, 2005... Parelec Inc. appointed Geva Barash as its CEO. Barash brings the company worldwide industry knowledge in RFID as well as in graphic arts printing. Don Farley, Chairman of the Board of Parelec, commented, "Geva is a strategic addition to the...

Park Electrochemical.(People)
November 1, 2005... Melville, NY -- Park Electrochemical Corp. announced the appointment of Ronald Brett as President of Neltec Europe SAS, Park's high-technology printed circuit materials business unit in Mirebeau, France. Brett, who is fluent in French and has...

Matrix USA.(People)
November 1, 2005... Matrix USA Inc. is now represented in Northern California by Robert (Bob) Norman. He will assume the day-to-day sales responsibilities for Matrix in this region and will be working out of the company's San Jose, Calif., warehouse facility....

Optimal Electronics.(People)
November 1, 2005... Austin, TX -- Optimal Electronics Corp. appointed Paul Lareau as President. Lareau will be responsible for all aspects of business development, including sales, product marketing, as well as managing all sales channels. He will report to the...

Are some multilayer PCB orders returning to Europe?(printed circuit boards)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Historically, BPA sees a clear link between PCB price cycles in dollar terms and PCB demand growth cycles, with prices lagging by approximately six months (longer lag in Japan, shorter in Asia.) Generally speaking, over the last 15 years,...

Vince Weis.(ASK THE EXPERT)
November 1, 2005... Featured Arlon Expert Vince Weis, Technical Applications Engineer [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q: We are encountering adhesion problems bonding to adhesiveless flex (polyimide film based) and have looked at a couple of no-flow...

Harbor Electronics, Everett Charles to merge.(Fabrication)
November 1, 2005... Pomona, CA -- Harbor Electronics Inc. (Santa Clara, CA) will join Everett Charles Technologies (ECT). Harbor Vice President Tim McNulty has been appointed to the position of President of ECT's Semiconductor Test Group (STG) responsible for the...

Del Mar Electronics Show announces 2006 dates.(Fabrication)
November 1, 2005... The 2006 Del Mar Electronics Show will be held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds just north of San Diego on April 26th and 27th. The theme of this year's show is "Are You Ready for RoHS?" The technical sessions, which are free to attendees, will focus...

M-Flex continues China expansion.(Fabrication)
November 1, 2005... Jiangsu, China -- M-Flex plans to expand its production facilities in Suzhou City by about 38%. The project is to start construction this September with a total investment of $7.5 million. The company plans to purchase $21 million in new...

Trackwise uses new photofabrication method.(developed by Oxford University)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Trackwise is using a photo-based method developed at Oxford University for producing very high density interconnects (HDIs). The method uses standard photofabrication techniques and allows high yield and reliability. In other news,...

Advanced Circuits gets UL certification.(Fabrication)
November 1, 2005... Aurora, CO -- Advanced Circuits received an Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) certification for Canada, attesting to the quality and thermal capacity of the boards.

Dynamic & Proto Circuits launches new look, website.(Fabrication)
November 1, 2005... Stoney Creek -- Dynamic & Proto Circuits Inc. has redesigned its company logo and improved its website. Visit www.dapc.com for more information.

Dynaco achieves qualification to MIL-PRF-31032.(Fabrication)
November 1, 2005... Tempe, AZ -- Dynaco Corp. achieved qualification to Department of Defense Performance Specification MIL-PRF-31032, and the associated specifications MIL-PRF-31032/1 and MIL-PRF-31032/2 for rigid constructions, plus MIL-PRF-31032/3 and...

Firan, Smiths ink deal.(Firan Technology Group, Smiths Group PLC. Smiths Aerospace)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Toronto -- Firan Technology Group Corp. said that its Circuits Division in Chatsworth, Calif., has entered into an agreement with Smiths Aerospace for the supply of complex, high reliability PCBs for Smiths' US operations. Smiths has...

Raytheon names Endicott Interconnect 'approved vendor'.(Fabrication)
November 1, 2005... Endicott, NY -- Endicott Interconnect Technologies, Inc. achieved "Approved Vendor Status" for PWB design, PWB fabrication and Circuit Card Assembly by Raytheon Computer Products, (Marlborough, MA), a business unit of Raytheon's Network Centric...

Lenthor installs Hitachi drill, gets JPL approval.(Lenthor Engineering, Jet Propulsion Laboratory )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Milpitas, CA -- Lenthor Engineering installed a new Hitachi six-head drilling system model number ND-6N210E. Lenthor is in the process of completing a million dollar equipment and systems upgrade for 2005. The company was also named as a...

Back to basics, Part 6 -- getting started with flexible circuits.(FlexibleThinking)
November 1, 2005... Having now a basic understanding of the materials used in flex circuit construction, we can look more closely as to how one can get into flexible circuit technology more deeply. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If the reader has followed this...

Japan's PWB Expo ramps up for seventh year.(electronics equipments exhibition)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The Seventh PWB Expo will be held from Wednesday, January 18 through Friday, January 20, 2006 at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan. The Expo will be held again with Nepcon Japan, Asia's largest exhibition for electronics manufacturing. "A total of 988...

Longer term outlook: electronic equipment & PCBs.(Electronic Outlook Corp., printed circuit boards)(Company Profile)
November 1, 2005... Multiyear forecasts are always a challenge. Regular economic and electronic industry business cycles are often disrupted. Unexpected events (hurricanes, political unrest, currency fluctuations and oil supply interruptions) all play havoc with...

Testing, testing ... The managing director of Digitaltest, Hans Baka, discusses effects RoHs-regulation will have on PCB testing.(Interview)
November 1, 2005... Despite the sudden death of the founder and owner of Digitaltest, Dr. Grant Boctor, the future for the bare board test system manufacturer in Stutensee, Germany, is forging ahead. Dr. Boctor's family continues to manage the company, and its...

The essence of marketing strategy: targeting, differentiating and positioning.(MarketingMatters)
November 1, 2005... I've talked about the fact that marketing is a process, made up of four key parts which include marketing intelligence, marketing strategy, marketing programs and marketing management. I've outlined market intelligence as a process of...

Trends in drilling and milling: a report on the background, opportunities, price trends and outlook for drilling and milling tool manufacturers.(Company Profile)
November 1, 2005... Worldwide demand for carbide drilling and milling tools for the electronics industry currently stands between 580 to 600 million units, generating revenue of $480 million per year. Two U.S.-based manufacturers, Tulon and Quality Tech, are...

Events.(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... November 1-3, 2005 Innov-X National Tour of RoHS/WEEE Compliance Seminars (Boston, New York) Website: www.armadagrp.com November 15-18, 2005 Productronica 2005 Munich, Germany E-mail: info@productronica.de ...