AI tools that generate software from simple prompts are gaining traction among developers, while US officials consider export rules that could require foreign buyers of AI chips to invest in American AI infrastructure.

Could AI tools that build apps from simple prompts reshape software development and disrupt the traditional tech workforce?

Mike Buetow discusses Cadence’s acquisition of EMA Design Automation and what the deal could mean for the companies and the PCB design software market on the PCB Chat podcast.

Researchers at the University of Maryland developed a water-dissolvable PCB using a PVA substrate and liquid metal conductors that enable up to 98 percent material recovery for electronics recycling.

Count On Tools introduces custom Samsung Nozzle for LiteOn LED placement.

Francisco Aguilar, CEO of Bounce Imaging, will keynote PCB East 2026, sharing how a prototype 360-degree tactical camera evolved into a mission-critical tool through iterative design and EMS collaboration.

PCB Detroit will return to Wayne State University June 15-16 with technical sessions covering ESD, EMI, RF design, thin copper impacts, thermal management, signal integrity and AI-driven PCB workflows, alongside a 14-company tabletop exhibition and networking events.

PCEA will debut the PCB Management Forum at PCB East on April 28, focusing on AI adoption, material shortages and workforce challenges.

CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY has opened registration for the 2026 Service Excellence Awards, inviting EMS providers and industry suppliers to benchmark customer service performance through direct customer feedback ahead of the March 31 deadline.

Registration is now open for PCB East 2026, the electronics industry’s East Coast conference and exhibition.

PCB East 2026’s exhibition hall is more than 95 percent sold out, reflecting strong exhibitor demand ahead of the April event in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Looking for networking opportunities? Join the PCEA Discord server, bringing together engineers and designers from around the world on a private channel for discussing technical questions and career opportunities.

US officials are considering new rules for AI chip exports that could require foreign buyers to invest in US AI infrastructure or provide security assurances as a condition for large shipments.

Taiwan’s January export orders jumped 60 percent year over year to $76.9B, driven by surging demand for AI servers, semiconductors and electronics.

Foxconn said its global logistics network remains stable despite rising tensions involving Iran, citing diversified manufacturing and flexible shipping routes to limit supply chain disruption.

Nvidia is pushing new inference-focused AI chips using LPU technology, with OpenAI reportedly planning a major purchase.

Denso has made a takeover bid for Japanese chipmaker Rohm in a deal reportedly worth up to $8B.

Rosebank Industries completed a $1.9B acquisition of electronics manufacturer Electrical Components International.

Schmid completed a $30M financing round to support production expansion.

Wus Printed Circuit said its Kunshan unit plans to invest in a new printed circuit board production project to expand manufacturing capacity.

DCX Systems expanded oversized PCB assembly capability at its Raneal Advanced Systems subsidiary.

The Test Connection added a Creative Electron Prime TruVision x-ray and CT inspection system.

AIM Solder named Francisco Rodriguez regional sales manager for Northeast Mexico.

Consider Manufacturing Complexity When PCB Designs Have Tight Hole-to-Trace Spacing
PCD&F/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY

The 2025 AI Index: Documenting Sociotechnical Features of Deployed Agentic AI Systems
MIT

Flexible Electronics in Robotics Systems: From Devices to Applications
SmartBot

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PCB Update is a digital newsletter for PCB design, fabrication and assembly professionals, brought to you by Printed Circuit Engineering Association™. E-mail industry press releases or links to the editors of CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY or PCD&F: pr@pcea.net.