OpenAI says GPT-6 Astra handled everything from PCB layout and enclosure design to firmware and software. ASMPT is keeping its SMT Solutions business in the fold after weighing a potential sale and other strategic options.

PCEA opened registration for PCB East 2027, featuring 120 hours of technical training, 28 new classes and a one-day exhibition in the Boston suburbs.

Luminovo introduced MCP connectivity for its electronics supply chain platform, allowing EMS providers and manufacturers to access quoting, BOM and procurement data through AI assistants.

PCEA will host a free webinar Nov. 17 featuring Yash Sutariya discussing global PCB supply chain disruptions, sourcing risks and strategies for strengthening supply resilience.

OpenAI says GPT-6 Astra designed a working hardware device (enclosure, PCB layout, firmware and software) in under a week, and reports a 23-fold rise in engineering usage of its models since February.

SABi-YOLO, a new detection model, better locates elongated PCB defects such as opens, shorts and spurs.

Stackpole releases HCC high-current busbar shunt resistors.

Thermal Grizzly introduces PhaseSheet PTM pro thermal pad.

Vision Engineering releases EVO cam AURA digital microscope.

PCEA will host a free webinar Dec. 8 featuring Asaf Israelit discussing how AI can optimize entire BoMs, identify component alternatives, reduce costs and address supply chain risks before production.

PCEA Training announced its winter and spring 2027 schedule for the Certified Professional Circuit Designer (CPCD) program, with online classes beginning Jan. 15 and Mar. 19 and an in-person session April 26–30 at PCB East.

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.

ASMPT will retain its SMT Solutions Segment following a strategic review.

ASMPT reported record third-quarter bookings of $1B, up 137 percent year-over-year.

Doosan is forming a joint venture with a major Chinese PCB maker to expand its production base for AI chip materials.

ICAPE Group reported third-quarter revenue of approximately $79M, up 36 percent year-over-year.

Smart Hi-Tech, which makes Honor phones in Bangladesh, has started an SMT line to build smartphone motherboards in the country.

Bosch will move its semiconductor operations into a separate division starting in 2028 to capture rising chip demand.

Compal Electronics is expanding its AI infrastructure collaboration with Verda.

William Ong will lead the semiconductor materials business line at Heraeus Electronics.

Keysight named Jason Kary president of its electronic industrial solutions unit.

Green Circuits appointed David Kim vice president of quality.

Embedded Die Substrate Technology
PCD&F/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY

Liquid Metal Interfaces for Component Mounting on Kirigami Stretchable Substrates
Nature

TB 26-10 Printed Circuit Board Assembly Chip Resistor Body Cracking
NASA

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.