OpenAI deepens its chip ambitions with Samsung. MIT researchers take circuitry in an entirely different direction with bacteria engineered to function as transistors and relays.

Researchers found that interconnected mini-channel geometry can improve heat transfer in printed circuit heat exchangers, with a 0.25 interconnection ratio providing the best overall balance between thermal performance and hydraulic resistance.

MIT researchers engineered five bacterial strains that function as transistors and relays, creating biological circuits capable of processing multiple inputs and routing signals to selected destinations..

The UHDI Consortium is launching a three-phase study to establish peer-reviewed process data for solder paste printing, placement and reflow at ultra-high-density assembly geometries.

Kurtz Ersa will host maintenance and application training courses for its Versaflow 4/55 selective soldering system Sept. 21–25 at its Plymouth, WI, headquarters.

Saki releases 3Xi-ZS1EX automated x-ray inspection system.

Dymax releases BlueWave FX line emitters.

Researchers demonstrated an electrochemical process that depopulated up to 90 percent of components from waste PCBs while simultaneously recovering pure tin from the solder with more than 92 percent cathodic current efficiency.

TM Soldering releases Phoenix selective soldering platform.

PCEA Training said only a handful of seats remain for its CPCD training and certification program, taking place Sept. 28-Oct. 2 at PCB West 2026.

An upcoming PCEA webinar will look at component availability, lifecycle risk, lead times and electronics supply chain challenges.

PCEA announced 11 free technical sessions and a keynote for PCB West 2026, covering topics including AI, PCB design, signal integrity, flex, UHDI, fabrication and assembly on Sept. 30 in Santa Clara, CA.

PCB West 2026 will feature a panel examining AI, interposers, high-speed and high-current design, and optical interconnects shaping PCB design through the end of the decade.

PCEA announced two fall webinars covering the role of the PCB designer and signal routing for controlling energy, signal integrity and EMI in digital PCBs.

PCB West 2026 will feature 11 presentations on electronics assembly processes, including a half-day solder paste qualification workshop and sessions covering SMT printing, stencil design, reflow soldering and more.

PCEA will host a 3.5-hour webinar on Nov. 4 led by Susy Webb covering signal routing techniques to improve signal integrity and EMI performance.

CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY is accepting entries for the 20th annual New Product Introduction Awards, with submissions for electronics assembly products due Dec. 14.

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.

Sen. Gallego touted the Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act during a visit with Arizona workers, manufacturers and first responders.

A new policy paper argues Canada should build out a domestic semiconductor component to its AI strategy rather than remaining purely a downstream consumer of chip technology.

PCBAA is urging the Pentagon to maintain the Jan. 1, 2027, deadline for restrictions on PCBs from China and other specified foreign sources, arguing that delays would prolong US defense supply chain dependence.

OpenAI said it is expanding cooperation with Samsung Electronics as it develops its own chips, broadening ties with the South Korean manufacturer.

Computer makers have been forced into an interesting trade off: Sell fewer PCs at far higher prices. It’s working.

Worldwide hardcopy peripherals shipments declined 7 percent year-over-year to 17.2M shipments in the second quarter, according to IDC.

Syrma SGS and Elemaster have launched a joint venture named Syrma SGS Elemaster Pvt. Ltd. and will open a 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Bengaluru, India, for SMT and box-build assembly.

Semiconductors for AI will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2031, Yole Group said.

Kyzen named Kanhu Panda regional manager for India.

Quilter named signal integrity expert Eric Bogatin its first technical fellow.

Eltek CEO Eli Yaffe will retire Sept. 23, with CFO Ron Freund succeeding him as CEO while continuing as CFO until the company names a replacement.

PCB Designers Earn More, Do More: The 2026 Compensation Picture
PCD&F/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY

Thermo-Hydraulic Performance of Interconnected Mini-Channels with Periodic Boundary Layer Interruption
Nature Communications

Electrochemical Depopulation of Waste Printed Circuit Boards (WPCBs) with Simultaneous Recovery of Tin

Nature Communications

EVENTS

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.