Reliability Matters

On today’s episode, we’re turning our focus to a pivotal innovation that has transformed design and manufacturing processes: flexible circuits.

Flexible circuits have emerged as a game-changer in the manufacturing and design of electronic assemblies. With their unique ability to bend, twist, and conform to complex shapes, they offer unparalleled advantages in applications where space is at a premium and reliability is paramount. 
From wearable technology and medical devices to aerospace systems and consumer electronics, the use of flexible circuits has expanded rapidly, bringing with it both opportunities and challenges.
In this episode, we’ll explore the evolution of flexible circuit technology, discussing its key benefits, such as lightweight construction, enhanced durability, and improved design freedom. 

We’ll also touch on the manufacturing complexities, material considerations, and the critical role that process control plays in ensuring reliability and performance.

My guest today is Joseph Fjelstad. Joe is the founder of Verdant Electronics. Joseph Fjelstad has been active in electronics manufacturing since 1972 in various roles, including as a chemist, process engineer, and R&D manager. He holds nearly 190 U.S. Patents and numerous foreign ones. 
He is an internationally recognized expert, inventor and lecturer in the field of electronics interconnection technology and a veteran of several startup companies, including: Beta Phase, ELF Technologies, MetaRAM, Silicon Pipe, and Tessera (now the public company, Xperi).

Some of Joe’s innovative devices and novel reliability improving IC packaging structural features are found in nearly every electronic device made today. 

He is also an author, co-author or editor of several books on interconnection technology, including Flexible Circuit Technology 4th Edition, the most widely distributed reference book on the topic, Chip Scale Packaging for Modern Electronics, and Solderless Assembly For Electronics — The SAFE Approach. 

In addition, Fjelstad has written hundreds of articles, columns and commentaries for various industry magazines and journals over the last five decades. And today, he’s the guest on my show.

Here is a list of Joe's books:
Flexible Circuit Technology 4th Edition
https://iconnect007.com/my-i-connect007/books/flex-circuit-technology

Chip Scale Packaging for Modern Electronics
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/cw.2004.21730bae.001/full/html

Solderless Assembly for Electronics: The SAFE Approach
https://iconnect007.com/my-i-connect007/books/solderless-assembly-electronics-safe-approach#:~:text=SAFE%20technology%20(Solderless%20Assembly%20For,design%20efficacy%2C%20reliability%20and%20security.

Joe's Company:
Verdant Electronics
https://verdantelectronics.net 

Chapters:
00:00:00 Importance of Flexible Circuits in Modern Electronics  
00:02:42 Exploring the World of Flexible Circuits  
00:05:30 Introduction to Flexible Circuits: A Historical Perspective
00:08:43 Entrepreneurship Mindset: Naivety and Innovation
00:11:08 The Value of Naivety in Engineering  
00:13:43 Innovations in Bubble Printing Technology  
00:16:47 Understanding Flex Circuits: Applications and Challenges
00:19:58 The Lifespan and Failure of Torsion Bars  
00:22:21 Evolution of Soldier Technology: From Heads-Up Displays to Wearables
00:25:24 The Origins of the Integrated Circuit
00:28:13 Advances in Microelectronics: From Printed Transistors to Modern Tech
00:31:28 Challenges and Solutions in Flexible Circuit Design
00:34:00 Collaborative Design for Efficient Manufacturing  
00:36:49 Advances in Flexible HDI and the Upcoming Ultra HDI Conference  
00:39:46 Evolution of Flexible Circuits: From 1903 to Present   
00:42:40 Innovating Flexible Circuits  
00:45:13 Evolution of Toll Road Technology
00:48:08 The Future of Flexible and Stretchable Circuits
00:51:53 Introduction to Verdant Electronics  
00:54:46 The Military's Stance on Lead-Free Technology  
00:56:27 Innovating Solderless Technology
00:59:18 Insights on Persistence and Success in Entrepreneurship

Today, I’m in Rosemont Illinois at SMTAI, Surface Mount Technology International. I’m in the Ultra-HDI Pavilion on the trade show floor. And what are we going to talk about here in the Ultra-HDI pavilion? Ultra high density interconnects, of course.

As the demand for smaller, faster, and more powerful devices grows, the need for innovative solutions in circuit design has never been greater. UHDI's represent a significant leap forward, allowing for more connections in a smaller space, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in electronic assemblies.

But what exactly are UHDI's? Essentially, they refer to circuit boards with incredibly fine pitch interconnects, enabling higher functionality and complexity in much smaller form factors. 
This breakthrough is transforming industries like consumer electronics, aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, where space, weight, and performance are critical factors.

In this episode, we’ll explore the advantages UHDI's bring to the table, from increased design flexibility and performance to better thermal management. We'll also discuss how UHDI's are set to impact the assembly process. With tighter tolerances and more intricate layouts, UHDI assemblies will require new approaches to assembly, inspection, and reliability testing.

To better explain UHDI technology, we’ve put together a panel of subject matter experts. Tara Dunn, Director of Training and Education at the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA), will moderate a panel discussion with other subject matter experts.

In addition to Tara, our other experts are Anaya Vardya CEO of American Standard Circuits, Chrys Shea from Shea Engineering Services, Michael Sivigny, owner and General Manager of CeTaQ Americas, and Oren Manor, Op-Center Core Program Business Director at Siemens Digital Industries Software.

Ultra-HDI is here! And if you haven’t seen it on your assembly line yet, it’s coming, so stay tuned as we unpack the future of Ultra High Density Interconnects and what it means for the next generation of technology.

One of the most critical aspects of manufacturing high-reliability circuit assemblies is thermal profiling during the reflow process. 

Whether you're designing, engineering, or troubleshooting circuit assemblies, understanding how temperatures during the reflow process influences the quality and performance of your assemblies is essential. 

In this episode, we’ll break down what thermal profiling is, why it’s important, and how it affects everything from solder joint integrity to component placement. 

We’ll also explore the challenges and solutions involved in getting your thermal profile just right, ensuring your circuit assemblies are built to last in a competitive and demanding industry. 
Will review thermal profiling best practices, common mistakes, and the various capabilities of thermal profilers.

I guest today is Mark Waterman. Mark is the Electronics division manager at ECD, a manufacturer of thermal profiling equipment founded in 1964. Mark began his career at ECD in 2006.
I’ll ask Mark all about thermal profiling best practices right after this.

Mark Waterman's Contact Information:
Mark Waterman
[email protected]
https://ecd.com

If you're part of the electronics landscape, you've likely encountered the role contract manufacturers play — and it's a critical one. These specialized partners bridge the gap between design innovation and full-scale production, bringing efficiency, expertise, and flexibility to the table.

As companies seek to meet growing demand for advanced electronic products, contract manufacturers are increasingly relied upon to provide cost-effective, high-quality assembly services. Whether it's managing supply chains, ensuring compliance with industry standards, or accelerating time to market, their contributions have become indispensable. In today's episode, we'll explore how contract manufacturing works, why it's so vital, and what trends are shaping the future of this essential industry.

My guest today is Adrian Leal. Adrian serves as the USA Business Development Manager for Teltonika EMS and is the President of the Houston SMTA Chapter. With over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, he has worked extensively as both an end user and a service provider. Throughout his career, he has held diverse roles including process engineer, manufacturing engineer, quality engineer, field engineer, and sales engineer.

In 2003, Adrian became the first engineer from the oil and gas industry to earn the prestigious Process Engineer certification from the SMTA. From 2006 to 2015, he voluntarily took on the role of ESD Subject Matter Expert for SLB, where he developed an internal ESD program that remains in use today.

If you’re in Texas, you may know Adrian from his involvement in Cup of Joey networking events.
I’ll talk with Adrian about his transition from an OEM to a contract manufacturer and his recommendations on how to choose the most appropriate contract manufacturer for your needs.

Adrian’s contact information:
Adrian Leal
[email protected]
https://teltonika-iot-group.com

As the demand for more durable and dependable electronics continues to rise across industries, the choice of soldering materials, such as solder paste, plays a pivotal role in determining the reliability of these devices. We'll discuss how selecting the right solder paste can influence performance and longevity, and we'll hear from an industry expert about the latest advancements and best practices in soldering material technology. 

I guest today is Ebad Rehman, Regional Product Manager at MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. He has a Master's degree in Technology from Illinois State University and has led multiple technical and strategic projects for MacDermid Alpha, including new product development and technology development projects, using lean and agile methodologies. He’s also planned and developed processes for the Power Electronics group and the Aftermarket Enhancement group to drive efficiencies and effectiveness. 

Whether you're a seasoned engineer or someone new to the electronic assembly industry, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions that enhance the reliability of your electronic assemblies. Join us as we explore the critical intersection of materials science and electronics reliability.

Ebad Rehman's Contact Info:
[email protected]
https://www.macdermidalpha.com

Two episodes ago, episode 149, we talked all about automated optical inspection. Today we're exploring the impact of less automated inspection Technology, that being optical microscopes.
From commercial, class 1 electronics to high reliability class 3 electronics, the intricate electronic devices we rely on daily are assembled with astonishing precision. This precision wouldn't be possible without the aid of advanced optical microscopes. These remarkable instruments allow technicians and engineers to inspect, analyze, and ensure the quality of electronic components down to the minutest detail.

In this episode, we'll uncover how optical microscopes have impacted electronic assembly, enhancing productivity, ensuring reliability, and driving innovation. 

One of the unique benefits microscopes provide, particularly in hand soldering applications, is the ability to view and solder the assembly under high magnification through the microscope. Obviously, this is not something any AOI system can perform.

But microscopes are not limited to soldering applications. One of the most critical applications of optical microscopes in the electronic assembly industry is the inspection of circuit assemblies for quality assurance. Circuit assemblies are the heart of many products, comprising numerous, highly miniaturized components and connections that must be flawlessly integrated. Even the smallest defect, such as a microscopic crack or an improperly soldered joint, can lead to significant malfunctions or failures.

Optical microscopes enable detailed inspection of these assemblies, allowing quality control professionals to identify and rectify issues that would be invisible to the naked eye. 
By providing high-resolution images and magnification, these microscopes help in detecting defects, ensuring correct alignment and polarity of components, and verifying the integrity of solder joints. This meticulous inspection process is crucial for maintaining the reliability and performance of electronic devices, ultimately ensuring customer satisfaction and, in many cases, safety.

We'll hear from two industry experts who will share insights on the latest technological advancements and how these tools are indispensable in maintaining the high standards of modern electronics. Nili Walp is Marketing Manager at Vision Engineering, a manufacturer of microscopes design for various industries, including the Electronics assembly industry, where she has worked for over eight years. Nili earned a bachelors in communications from Boston University.

Richard Nagel is Vice President of sales and marketing at Vision Engineering where he has worked for over 21 years. Richard and Nili will share insights on the latest technological advancements and how these tools are indispensable in maintaining the high standards of modern electronics. 

Vision Engineering Contact Information:
https://www.visioneng.us
[email protected]

Statistics, at its core, is the science of making sense of data. From predicting trends and making informed decisions to ensuring quality control and optimizing processes, the applications of statistics are vast and varied. In the electronic assembly industry, where precision and reliability are paramount, statistical techniques become indispensable tools for engineers, manufacturers, and quality assurance professionals alike.

Join us as we unravel the complex yet captivating connections between statistics and the truth. We'll delve into real-world case studies, and uncover the statistical principles that ensure the decisions we make every day are based on facts, accurate data, and accurate statistics. 

In today's episode, we're also going to tackle some common myths associated with statistics and shed light on how misinterpretation of data can lead to false conclusions. Many people think of statistics as infallible, a definitive answer to every question posed by data. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Statistics is a powerful tool, but its effectiveness hinges on proper application and interpretation.

We'll discuss myths such as "Correlation equals causation," where the mere relationship between two variables is often mistaken for one causing the other. We'll also address the misconception that a larger sample size always guarantees accurate results, and how ignoring the context or the source of data can lead to misleading outcomes.

Moreover, we'll explore real-world examples where statistical missteps have led to costly errors and how these pitfalls can be avoided through rigorous analysis and critical thinking. By understanding these common misconceptions and learning how to approach data critically, you'll be better equipped to harness the true power of statistics.

My guest today, is Aaron Brown. Aaron teaches statistics at New York University and at the University of California at San Diego, and he writes regular columns for Bloomberg and Wilmott. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he was a key participant in developing modern financial risk management and one of the original developers of Value-at-Risk. He also helped develop the rules that eventually became known as Basel II.

Aaron holds an M.B.A. in Finance and Statistics from the University of Chicago and an BS in Applied Mathematics from Harvard.

In today's episode, we're exploring automated optical inspection (AOI) and x-ray inspection technology within the electronic assembly industry.

Joining us are two experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Joel Scutchfield is the General Manager of SMT and Semicon Business Operations & Director of Sales at Koh Young, manufacturers of automated inspection and precise measurement systems with its headquarters in Seoul South Korea and R&D centers around the world. Joel has been with Koh Young for just under 10 years.

Jesper Lykke is the CEO at Viscom, a manufacturer of inspection technologies, in particular for automatic optical inspection (AOI) and X-ray inspection, with headquarters in Hanover, Germany and offices worldwide. Jesper has been with Viscom for 14 years.

Both Joel and Jesper are widely considered to be subject matter experts on inspection technology.
In this episode, we'll delve into the principles and applications of AOI and x-ray inspection, discussing how these technologies are revolutionizing the electronic assembly industry. We'll explore the latest trends, challenges, best practices, and future directions, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how these inspection methods are critical to maintaining high standards in electronics manufacturing.

Whether you're an industry professional, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about the intricacies of electronic assembly, this episode promises to offer valuable insights and expert perspectives on the inspection technologies that are driving both innovation and quality in the field. So, sit back, relax, and join us for an enlightening conversation about inspection Technology. 

Guest contact information:
Joel Scutchfield
Koh Young
[email protected]

Jesper Lykke
Viscom
[email protected]

Just like the famous line from the 1984 film, The Terminator, “I’ll be back”, SMTAI is back. Back to the Chicago area.

We’re back in Rosemont, co-located with the Assembly Show, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, October 20-24.

Between SMTAI and the Assembly Show, there will be thousands of engineers and industry professionals in attendance.

The exhibit floor features hundreds of exhibitors showing off the latest technology. But the topic we're discussing today is the Technical conference and other planned events taking place at this year’s SMTAI.

This year, there are 11 scheduled professional development courses, about 100 technical presentations across seven technical tracks.

Joining me to discuss what’s in store for attendees is Jason Keeping, member of the SMTA Global Board of Directors where he is Vice President of technical programs for SMTA. Jeff Kennedy, past SMTA President and Director of the Manufacturing Excellence Track, and Robert Boguski, member of the SMTA Global Board of Directors where he is VP of membership and Director of the Test and Inspection track.

For more information on SMTAI, click on the link below:
https://www.smtai.org

For more information on SMTA, click on the link below:
https://smta.org/default.aspx

Recorded live in Anaheim California during the IPC Apex Expo.

This episode features three interviews including:
• Kimberly Fagan from PVA
• Taylor Wagan from CETEC ERP
• Neil Hubble from Akrometrix