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THE LEAD
An MIT-led study found that most agentic AI systems lack transparency around safety testing and shutdown controls. A federal notice shows the latest Section 1260H list of Chinese military-linked companies was abruptly withdrawn after publication, with no explanation provided for the reversal.
TECH NEWS
An MIT-led study found most agentic AI systems lack transparency around safety testing, monitoring and shutdown controls, raising concerns about governance and security as adoption grows.
Reports indicate the National Institute of Standards and Technology may be implementing changes that could discourage foreign scientists from participating in its research programs, raising concerns about potential impacts on talent recruitment and the agency’s scientific output.
The Trump administration is planning a “Tech Corps” initiative under the Peace Corps that would deploy up to 5,000 US science and engineering graduates abroad to promote adoption of American AI technologies and counter China’s growing influence in global digital infrastructure.
Universal Instruments releases EPIQx high-speed SMT platform.
Scott Bright discusses Cadstrom IO’s new platform for catching errors the ERC flow misses with Andy Shaughnessy and Mike Buetow on the PCB Chat podcast.
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.
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BUSINESS NEWS
A federal register notice shows the latest Section 1260H list identifying Chinese military-linked companies was abruptly withdrawn after publication, with no explanation provided.
New analysis from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence finds the US has access to 146 percent of its annual raw copper needs through domestic mining, imports and scrap, indicating the bottleneck lies in processing capacity rather than supply.
Taiyo will suspend production of some E-glass glass cloth series products to make way for meeting higher demand for low Dk glass cloth.
Scanfil delivered 7.6 percent organic growth in the fourth quarter while completing two acquisitions, with 2026 revenue projected above $1B.
Qualcomm Technologies has selected Tata Electronics to manufacture automotive modules in India.
Micro LED display revenue is projected to grow 100 percent year-over-year to $105M in 2026, according to Omdia.
Incap completed its acquisition of Germany- and Romania-based EMS and ODM provider Lacon Group.
ECIA issued a warning to members about Minnesota’s PFAS regulation, known as “Amara’s Law,” which establishes broad product reporting and restriction requirements.
SMarTsol named Adan Galindo director of sales, Jorge Lara sales manager and announced Marcos Martínez has joined its Dallas operation.
Libra Industries appointed Mayur Mundra chief financial officer.
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SEEING IS BELIEVING
Force Majeure
A Yuletide surprise, courtesy of The Anthill. The same Anthill that wouldn’t answer emails, phone calls, texts or carrier pigeons the other 332 days of 2025.
ROBERT BOGUSKI

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TECHNICAL ARTICLES
Building Relationships with AI Technology
PCD&F/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY
AI-Enhanced Sorting Enabling Direct, High-Purity Urban Mining of Tantalum: A Novel Pathway from E-Waste to Critical Materials
Resources, Conservation & Recycling
Quad-Band Metamaterial Absorber with High Shielding Effectiveness Using Bold X-Shaped Ring Resonator
Journal of Electronic Materials
EVENTS
| Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6: |
Certified Printed Circuit Design Training, Online |
| Apr. 22-23: |
Del Mar Electronics Show, San Diego, CA |
| Apr. 28-May 1: |
PCB East 2026, Worcester, MA |
| May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12: |
Certified Printed Circuit Design Training, Online |
| May 26-29: |
IEEE Electronic Components and Technology Conference, Orlando, FL |
| June 2-4: |
Fac Tec China 2026, Shanghai, China |
| June 9-11: |
ZIW Americas 2026, Dallas, TX |
| June 15-16: |
PCB Detroit 2026, Detroit, MI |
| June 24-26: |
Vietnam Intcomm 2026 & Electronic Vietnam 2026, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
| Sept. 29-Oct. 2: |
PCB West 2026, Santa Clara, CA |
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| BOOK-TO-BILLS/MARKET TRENDS |
| |
Dec. |
Trend |
| EMS |
1.24 |
Up |
| Semiconductors |
25.6% |
Up |
| PCBs |
1.18 |
Up |
| Component Sales Sentiment |
120.1 |
Down |
| Changes are year-over-year. |
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Brought to you by the Printed Circuit Engineering Association
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ABOUT
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.
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