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August 7th, 2026
News and Resources for PCB Design, Fab and Assembly Professionals Subscribe •  Advertise •  PCD&F •  Circuits Assembly •  Tell A Friend
THE LEAD

PCEA released the sixth edition of PCB Basics: An Introduction to the PCB Industry, adding coverage of HDI/UHDI and AI applications across the PCB lifecycle. Samsung Electronics introduced its V10 Bonding V-NAND prototype featuring more than 400 layers and a wafer-bonding architecture aimed at next-generation AI infrastructure.

TECH NEWS

PCEA released the sixth edition of PCB Basics: An Introduction to the PCB Industry, adding chapters on HDI/UHDI and AI applications across PCB design, fabrication, assembly, test, inspection and procurement.

Samsung Electronics introduced its V10 Bonding V-NAND prototype featuring more than 400 layers and a wafer-bonding architecture, suggesting the future of 3D memory.

PCB West’s early bird conference rate ends Aug. 21, with more than 50 classes and 120 hours of PCB design and assembly training scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 2 in Santa Clara.

Stackpole introduces RMHT high-temperature chip resistors.

Dymax introduces 9310 light-curing adhesive.

Count On Tools introduces custom Fuji DX S1 base.

The August digital issue of PCDF/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY is now available, featuring perspectives on keeping industry standards ahead of emerging technologies alongside coverage of China Plus One sourcing, domestic PCB manufacturing, and more.

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

Sean Patterson discusses why AI adoption in manufacturing depends on building practical workplace habits rather than relying on training alone in the latest PCB Chat.

PCEA has opened PCB East 2027 booth sales for returning exhibitors and Gold and Platinum corporate members. The exhibition will be held April 28, 2027, at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA, alongside the four-day technical conference, with general booth sales opening Aug. 12.

PCB West 2026 is nearly sold out, with fewer than 5 percent of exhibition booths remaining for the Sept. 29–Oct. 2 event at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

PCEA announced a dedicated electronics assembly program for PCB West 2026, featuring 10 technical sessions on solder paste, placement, reflow, stencil design and cleaning.

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.

CAVEAT LECTOR
Back in the Saddle
So let me start where Mike Buetow left off in our last issue: Thanks. And let’s hear a round of applause for Mike. He’s spent 26 years writing this column, longer than both of my marriages combined.

ANDY SHAUGHNESSY

Andy Shaughnessy





















BUSINESS NEWS

Victory Giant Technology plans to invest at least $444M in a new Huizhou PCB manufacturing facility as it expands capacity for AI computing applications.

Taiwanese tech suppliers are increasingly targeting satellites, space computing, and optical technologies as potential growth markets.

SEMI welcomed bipartisan Senate support for extending the Section 48D semiconductor manufacturing tax credit, which currently provides a 35 percent credit for qualified investments and carries a Dec. 31 construction deadline.

PCB costs could rise as much as 50 percent in the third quarter amid higher material costs and weakening PC demand.

Unichem plans to acquire Loomia Technologies for up to $6M.

ECIA’s Industry Pulse sentiment index fell 12.5 points in July to 141.6 following June’s five-year high, while remaining above its prior 12-month average.

StenTech is expanding its North American manufacturing capacity.

Surrey Satellite Technology installed a Scienscope Smart Rack system.

Flexible Circuit Technologies named Mark Duarte director of global business development.

MicroCare appointed Sean Gallimore chief operating officer.

BOARD BUYING
The "China Plus One" Reality Check for High-Mix, Low-Volume PCBs
For high-mix, low-to-medium volume PCB production, supply chain resilience depends as much on manufacturing ecosystems and engineering expertise as it does on geography.

GREG PAPANDREW

Greg Papandrew






















TECHNICAL ARTICLES

Selective UHDI: Using Ultra HDI Where Needed, Not Everywhere
PCD&F/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY


Reliability Analysis and Parameter Optimization of Board-Level BGA Packaging Structures under Thermal-Drop Impact LoadC
Soldering & Surface Mount Technology


From Biotechnological Residues to Biodegradable Printed Circuit Boards: Aspergillus Niger Mycelium as a Structural Support Material
Cleaner Materials


EVENTS

Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct. 9: Certified Printed Circuit Design TrainingOnline
Sept. 28-Oct. 2: Certified Printed Circuit Design TrainingSanta Clara, CA
Sept. 29: PCEA Annual MeetingSanta Clara (CA) Convention Center
Sept. 29: CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY Service Excellence Awards CeremonySanta Clara (CA) Convention Center
Sept. 29-Oct. 2: PCB West 2026Santa Clara (CA) Convention Center
Oct. 20-22, 2026: TPCA ShowTaipei
Oct. 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13: Certified Printed Circuit Design TrainingOnline
Feb. 17-19, 2027: Nepcon JapanTokyo
Apr. 27-30, 2027: PCB EastDCU Center, Worcester, MA


 

BOOK-TO-BILLS/MARKET TRENDS
             May Trend
EMS 1.36 Flat
Semiconductors         104% Up
PCBs 1.60 Up
Component Sales Sentiment 146.6 Flat
Changes are year-over-year.    

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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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