Electronics Industry Welcomes Pentagon’s New National Defense Industrial Strategy

The following is a statement by Richard Cappetto, Senior Director, North American Government Relations at IPC, on the release of the National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS) yesterday by the U.S. Department of Defense. A fuller statement is in this IPC Blog.

“IPC is encouraged to see that the NDIS highlights several key priorities which we have been urging in recent years on behalf of the electronics industry. For example, the first pillar of the strategy sets forth eight actions to build resilient supply chains, including “continue and expand support for domestic production.” IPC believes all nations must ensure trusted, secure supply chains for essential electronics products.

“The second pillar of the strategy correctly identifies building a skilled workforce as a priority for a strong industrial base. Consistent with IPC’s policy agenda, the strategy calls for investments in upskilling and reskilling programs, better workforce pipelines into advanced manufacturing, and expansions of apprenticeship programs.”   

IPC will continue to make the case for the U.S. government to take a “silicon to systems” approach to building up the electronics supply chain and the workforce. A healthy electronics ecosystem includes advanced packaging, IC substrates, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and electronics assembly, not just semiconductor chips.  

Pentagon Releases First-Ever U.S. National Defense Industrial Strategy

Jan 11, 2024

by Richard Cappetto, senior director, North American government relations

This afternoon the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) released a long anticipated National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS). This is the first such formal strategy ever published by the DOD, detailing a vision that will guide future engagement, policy development, and investments in the industrial base over the next five years. The strategy is built around the “four pillars” of Resilient Supply Chains, Workforce Readiness, Flexible Acquisition, and Economic Deterrence.

IPC is encouraged to see that the NDIS highlights several key priorities which we have been urging in recent years on behalf of the electronics industry. For example, the first pillar of the strategy sets forth eight actions to build resilient supply chains, including “continue and expand support for domestic production.” IPC believes all nations must ensure trusted, secure supply chains for essential electronics products.

The second pillar of the strategy correctly identifies building a skilled workforce as a priority for a strong industrial base. The need is heightened because of the national goals set out in the CHIPS and Science Act, which has spillover effects on electronics manufacturing. Consistent with IPC’s policy agenda, the strategy calls for investments in upskilling and reskilling programs, better workforce pipelines into advanced manufacturing, and expansions of apprenticeship programs.  

The strategy does not offer any sector-specific recommendations, but in a presentation today at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Industrial Base Policy Dr. Laura D. Taylor-Kale promised there will be follow-on implementation documents over the next few months.  

Taylor-Kale also made clear how important it was for DOD to hear from industry. The four strategic priorities were developed by asking, “What is it that we have heard from industry, as well as seen ourselves through our data, through our research, and through constant conversation and dialogue with industry and with our stakeholders both domestically and international?”

IPC will continue to make the case for the U.S. government to take a “silicon to systems” approach to building up the electronics supply chain and the workforce. A healthy electronics ecosystem includes advanced packaging, IC substrates, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and electronics assembly. Assistant Secretary Taylor-Kale in her remarks today acknowledged “the need for the department to incentivize industry, and to send demand signals.” IPC agrees, and that is exactly what we’ve been communicating to Members of Congress and the Executive Branch.   

It will take persistent advocacy to break through and succeed over time. IPC has been bringing the message to policy makers for years, and we will continue to do so as the focus turns more in our direction. In the words of Assistant Secretary Taylor-Kale, “We can’t afford to wait. We have seen over the last few years the importance of why we need resilient supply chains ... The importance not just to us domestically, but also for our close allies and partners. We think the time for action is now.”

IPC at CES: Reinforcing our Industry’s Commitment to Sustainability

Jan 11, 2024
| By John Mitchell

by John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO

CES 2024 truly showcases the best of electronics innovation for today and tomorrow. It’s exciting to be here. One of my biggest takeaways from today is how absolutely essential it is for the electronics industry to reinforce our commitment to sustainability – sustainability for smart cities and homes, vehicle technology, fitness and wearables.

As President of IPC, I meet with electronics companies from around the world. More than ever, I hear about a clear need for more standards, education, and advocacy support to ensure sustainability in the design of and materials sourcing for these innovative technologies.

However, we need to develop stronger mechanisms for uniform information collection and sharing about the energy, water, and materials needed across the electronics life cycle to make better design and to make sure innovative technologies are also less impactful. Accessing this information is complicated by business sensitive information and transparency challenges. I’d love to see technology help to address this data challenge and open up possibilities for better insights and better decisions that enable the industry to build electronics better.

Opportunities for innovation like we see at CES must include sustainability considerations including how we can access information that helps us all to be more efficient in how we select and use our resources including chemicals, materials, water and energy.

The electronics industry is keenly aware of the opportunity we have to find real sustainability solutions including improved energy efficiency, responsible recycling, and sustainable materials management. I am excited to continue our work at IPC and help our global members work together and meet these important goals.

 

 

 

 

 

IPC at CES: e-Mobility’s Road to Reliability

Jan 10, 2024
| By John Mitchell

by John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO

As CES kicks-off the new year in Las Vegas, the world looks forward to learning about the latest breakthrough electronic technologies that will shape our future.

One area that has captured considerable interest in recent years at CES is e-Mobility. There will be more than 250 exhibitors in the mobility category, including Mercedes, VinFast, BMW, Honda, Kia, and Volkswagen. Also, present are EVs, autonomous cars, and personal-transport vehicles. Updates are planned on the OEM push for “software defined vehicles” including the incorporation of AI chatbots inside the car.

The automotive industry is undergoing tremendous transformational changes driven by electrification. For example:

  • Electronics will comprise approximately 55% of an EV bill of materials (BOM) cost up from 16% for an ICE 4-wheel vehicle. 1
  • Engines are being replaced by battery packs.  The battery pack is monitored and controlled by the addition of a battery management system (BMS). 
  • The transmission is being replaced by motor and controller.  Inverters and converters are being used to regulate voltage to the motor and for charging.
  • Cameras, radar, and lidar are being used to sense inside and outside of the vehicle and serve as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
  • Wireless technologies are used to connect certain systems and reduce wiring. 
  • New display and multimedia technologies are being added to enhance the ability of the driver to interface with the growing number of applications.

These transformational systems being showcased at CES truly are mesmerizing—so much so that it is often easy to overlook the incredible innovation in electronics manufacturing that makes these systems possible. Behind the name brands are thousands of manufacturers that are testing the limits of the possible to build the electronics of tomorrow.

This electronics manufacturing ecosystem is especially important in the automotive industry with a shift in requirements and reliability challenges due to electrification including “24/7 always-on” operating conditions, higher operating temperatures, the need for controlling temperature regimes, as well as higher voltages, and higher currents. The technology adoption is occurring at a rapid pace. But oversight is required to ensure the new electronic components maintain the expected high level of quality and reliability associated with Automotive.

While these issues will likely take second fiddle at CES, they are a focus of IPC APEX EXPO this spring. Electronics design and manufacturing standards, created to enhance quality and reliability, is where IPC has served its members well for decades and will continue with the Automotive transformation to EVs.  Electric and autonomous vehicles depend on various connectors, interconnects, and PCB assemblies for power transmission, data communication, and signal integrity.  Maintaining reliable connections by addressing issues such as corrosion, wear, and vibration-induced failures is essential for overall e-Mobility system reliability.

IPC’s e-Mobility Initiative tackles these issues by collaborating with industry experts to identify best practices and solutions to advance Automotive’s quality and safety.

The core objectives of IPC’s e-Mobility Initiative include:

  • Assure strong design, materials, and process optimization and qualification solutions
  • Achieve reliability and quality while advancing innovation
  • Remain current with technological changes
  • Prevent future field failures

So, marvel at the automotive technologies at CES and prepare to roll up your sleeves at IPC APEX EXPO. As exciting as recent advancements in automotive are, I’m convinced that the most exciting developments are still ahead!

 

1 “Technology at the Forefront of Electric Vehicles,” Report by KPMG, April 2023, p.14

 

 

 

IPC to Host 3rd Annual Integrated Electronics Manufacturing & Interconnections (IEMI) Events in South Asia

Global electronics industry to gather in Penang, Malaysia on July 24-25 and Bangalore, India on July 29-30, 2024

IPC India will host the third annual Integrated Electronics Manufacturing & Interconnections (IEMI), the largest industry networking event in South Asia for the electronics industry, to be held in Penang, Malaysia, and Bangalore, India.  

Malaysia is India’s third largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and India is the largest trading partner for Malaysia in South Asia. The bilateral trade between India and Malaysia in 2023 reached 20 billion dollars and is expected to increase to 25 billion dollars in the next three years. Malaysia hosts the second-largest Indian community in the world. There is growing engagement in all aspects of the bilateral relationship and IPC sees semiconductor and electronics manufacturing as key areas for potential collaboration.

IEMI events are focused on bringing together players in the electronics industry – OEMs, EMS, PCB manufacturers, cable and wire harness manufacturers, advanced packaging and semiconductor companies, and electronics industry suppliers. Vertical market OEMs from aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, industrial automation, railways and telecom will participate in the event. IEMI offers strategic alliances, export leads, business partnerships, investment promotion, source products and services, and an opportunity to gain technical knowledge. Pre-event activities start in January 2024 at various locations in India and other countries.

Key features of the IEMI events include product displays, presentations by industry leaders, panel discussions, a vendor development program, business matchmaking meetings with international delegates, standards development sessions, awards program, hand soldering competitions, and a world wire harness competition.

As the biggest industry networking event in South Asia for the electronics industry, IEMI 2024 is expected to significantly contribute to the sector's progress with themes like “advanced packaging of semiconductors” for IEMI 2024 Penang, Malaysia and “defence and aerospace” for IEMI 2024, Bangalore, India. The Penang event is organized in conjunction with Electronics Manufacturing Expo Asia – the largest electronics show in Malaysia attracting more than 8,000 visitors.

“IPC has participated in the India and Malaysia electronics manufacturing market for many years, and we have observed significant certification growth recently,” said John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. “India and Malaysia are dynamic markets for the global electronics manufacturing industry, and IEMI 2024 provides opportunities for members to expand their business and supply chain.”

“IEMI 2023 events in India achieved great positive feedback from the industry. We hosted more than 1,000 attendees from more than 10 countries, 200 business-to-business meetings, and 10 additional educational/networking activities. The success of IEMI events lies with the audience profile, eminent industry speakers, sponsors and exhibitors and we are committed to the growth of IEMI 2024,” said Gaurab Majumdar, executive director of IPC’s regional office in India.

For more information on Integrated Electronics Manufacturing & Interconnections (IEMI), visit www.ipc.org/ipc-india-iemi or contact Gaurab Majumdar at GaurabMajumdar@ipc.org.

TTM Technologies, Inc. Earns IPC-1791 QML as a Trusted Electronic Designer, Fabricator and Assembler for 13th Site

IPC's Validation Services Program has awarded an IPC-1791, Trusted Electronic Designer, Fabricator and Assembler Requirements Qualified Manufacturers Listing (QML) to TTM Technologies, Inc.’s San Diego, Calif. facility. TTM, a global provider of printed circuit boards, has now earned a QML listing for 13 of its North American facilities.

Requirements for QML listing to IPC-1791 include product and quality system, supply chain risk management system (SCRM), a security system including compliance to NIST SP 800-171, Export Control Laws (ITAR and EAR), and a chain of custody system (ChoC) review.

 Phil Titterton, COO of TTM Technologies, stated, “We are proud to participate in the IPC-1791 trusted standard qualification program inclusive of our design, PCB fabrication and assembly operations. We are equally proud of our 13 facilities achieving this rigorous validation in support of the U.S. DoD and our customer’s requirements and needs. A secure and trusted electronics supply base in North America is vital to national security.”

IPC's Validation Services QPL/QML Programs were developed to promote supply chain verification and recognition. It also provides auditing and qualification of electronics companies' products and identifies processes that conform to IPC standards.

"Different from other audit programs, IPC's Validation Services Programs uniquely provides technical and in-depth assessments of products and processes following IPC standards," said Randy Cherry, IPC director of Validation Services. "We are pleased to especially recognize TTM Technologies, Inc.’s significant achievement of earning a QML for 13 of its North American facilities, ensuring a place on the list of IPC's network of trusted QML suppliers."

TTM’s facility locations that have earned an IPC-1791 QML:

Fabrication

Design

Assembly

TTM Technologies Inc. Anaheim, Calif.

TTM Technologies Inc. East Syracuse, N.Y.

TTM Technologies Inc. Denver East, Littleton, Colo.

TTM Technologies Inc. Chippewa Falls, Wis.

TTM Technologies Inc. Stafford Springs, Conn.

TTM Technologies Inc. East Syracuse, N.Y.

TTM Technologies Inc. Denver East, Littleton, Colo.

 

TTM Technologies Inc. Santa Clara, Calif.

TTM Technologies Inc. Forest Grove, Ore.

 

TTM Technologies Inc. Stafford Springs, Conn.

TTM Technologies Inc. Logan, Utah

 

 

TTM Technologies Inc. North Jackson, Ohio.

 

 

TTM Technologies Inc. San Diego, Calif.

 

 

TTM Technologies Inc. Santa Ana, Calif.

 

 

TTM Technologies Inc. Santa Clara, CA.

 

 

TTM Technologies Inc. Stafford Springs, CT.

 

 

TTM Technologies Inc. Sterling, VA.

 

 

 

For more information about IPC's Validation Services QPL/QML Program, visit www.ipcvalidation.org or contact Randy Cherry at RandyCherry@ipc.org or +1 847-597-2806.   

 

PCB Designers to Vie for Design Champion Title at IPC APEX EXPO 2024

Registration now open for virtual preliminary heat

For the third consecutive year, IPC is hosting an IPC Design Competition, inviting printed circuit board designers to compete to become the IPC Design Champion of 2024. The IPC Design Competition is composed of two heats – a virtual preliminary heat and an in-person layout final for the three top competitors on April 9, 2024, at IPC APEX EXPO in Anaheim, Calif.

The virtual preliminary heat will be held January 15 to February 9, allowing designers to use their preferred tools to complete a full board buildup within 25 days. Provided with only a schematic, a component BOM (bill of materials) and a use-case brief, competitors will be responsible for completing the board and exporting a documentation package via Gerber or IPC-2581, Generic Requirements for Printed Board Assembly Products Manufacturing Description Data and Transfer Methodology. Competitors will be judged on their implementation of design rules and layout per IPC standards as well as general implementation of design for excellent (DFX) principles.

“This year, we have placed emphasis on making the design easier to complete in the time allotted. The preliminary designs should take no longer than 10-12 hours for the average designer to complete,” said Patrick Crawford, manager, design standards and related industry programs. “Anyone with an interest in board design can register, but we’re recommending that hobbyists and professionals alike have several years of experience designing boards and a familiarity with and ability to implement IPC standards requirements.”

Three finalists will be invited to participate in the four-hour layout final at IPC APEX EXPO 2024 and will join the IPC India Design Competition Champion to compete. In the final round, competitors will be given a partially complete project file and will have four hours to complete a layout including design rule specification, routing, and component placement. Competitors will be provided complimentary short-term licenses of Altium Designer to use for the finals competition.

Registration for the IPC Design Competition is free and closes January 15, 2024. For more information, including eligibility requirements, information on preliminary and final heats and registration form, visit www.ipc.org/ipc-design-competition-2024.

Electronics Industry Sentiment Slips in Final Month of 2023

IPC Releases December 2023 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Supply Chain Report

Electronics industry sentiment took a dip in December with New Order, Shipment, and Backlog Indices falling, with only Capacity Utilization Index holding steady. Despite the dip, overall demand sentiment remained in positive territory, per IPC’s December 2023 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Supply Chain Report.

And though materials costs continue to improve, labor costs remain a pain point. Three-fifths (58 percent) of electronics manufacturers say they are currently experiencing rising labor costs.       

“In the December survey, IPC asked industry executives what they believed would happen to printed circuit board (PCB) demand for domestically produced PCBs if prices were to decline by 25 percent,” noted Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist. “On average, respondents predicted demand would rise by 16 percent. Notably, manufacturers in North America predicted demand would rise by 20 percent on average, higher than in both Europe and APAC.” 

Additional survey data show:

  • The New Order Index fell four points after rising five points in November 2023.
  • The Labor Costs Index fell two points to 128, the lowest level recorded for this metric.
  • Over the next six months, electronics manufacturers expect to see continued increase in both labor and material costs, while also anticipating a notable increase in both orders and shipments.
  • Profit margins are expected to improve somewhat, while ease of recruitment and backlogs are likely to remain challenging.

For the report, IPC surveyed hundreds of companies from around the world, including a wide range of company sizes representing the full electronics manufacturing value chain.

View full report.

“R2-D2 Expert” and Former Principal Concept Technical Director for Walt Disney Imagineering, Paul Bailey, to Keynote IPC APEX EXPO 2024

Each year, IPC APEX EXPO features industry’s most dynamic, innovative minds to deliver keynote presentations that are both educational and entertaining. IPC APEX EXPO 2024 will feature Paul Bailey, mixed-media artist, technologist and vice president and general manager of AOA West, a design, production and project management company in Burbank, Calif.                      

A former principal concept technical director for Walt Disney Imagineering, Bailey will present the IPC APEX EXPO opening keynote on Tuesday, April 9, “The Art of the Impossible,” discussing the creation of “moonshot” projects like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and other projects, while discussing the “why” and deep purpose behind the decisions made, as well as the human side of leading a team while attempting projects of this magnitude.                                                          

With expertise in illusions, special effects, and show technology integration, Bailey’s extensive work in the themed entertainment industry spans nearly three decades and covers a wide range of storytelling tools, methods, and environments. While at Disney, he worked in multiple roles at Walt Disney Imagineering, totaling 15 years of combined service on global projects. Bailey developed the projection system used in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and directed the delivery of the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction.  He was also responsible for bringing all the Astromech droids to life in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area of the parks, gaining him the distinction of “R2-D2 expert.”                                                                                          

In addition to Paul Bailey’s opening keynote, IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell will explore the impact of automation, artificial intelligence, and responsive technology and dispel doubts about the role humans will have in this changing landscape during his keynote, “The Future of the Human Workforce: Maximizing Potential in an Automated World,” on Wednesday, April 10. Closing out IPC APEX EXPO 2024, Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist, will deliver the closing keynote on Thursday, April 11 and will ride the wave of change with keynote attendees as he explores the trends revolutionizing the electronics industry, in his keynote, “The Next Wave in Electronics: Trends Reshaping Our Industry.”                                                               

Opening and closing keynotes are free to all IPC APEX EXPO participants with advance registration ($50 online and onsite after April 6, 2024). The Wednesday luncheon keynote is included in All-Access, World Convention and Full Technical Conference packages or available as an a la carte purchase. Meetings and courses will run April 6-11; the technical conference and exhibition will run April 9-11, 2023. For more information on schedule and registration options, visit www.IPCAPEXEXPO.org.

2023 Was a Landmark Year for IPC in Government Policy

Dec 21, 2023

By: Chris Mitchell, IPC Vice President, Global Government Relations

In the spirit of reflecting on the year just passed and looking ahead to the new year, here are the highlights of IPC’s government policy advocacy efforts in 2023.

While it’s a bold statement to make, I would venture to say that 2023 was one of IPC’s most successful years ever in having a positive impact in the halls of government. The scope and scale of our collective accomplishments are a new “high water mark,” laying the groundwork for even more success in the years to come.

Just look at all the progress on these items that IPC and its members have been pushing for years:

  • The “Silicon-to-Systems” Approach: In Q1, the U.S. Government launched the “CHIPS for America” program, including IPC-proposed commitments to devote some CHIPS Act funding to other parts of the electronics ecosystem, including printed circuit boards (PCBs), IC substrates, and advanced packaging. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo reiterated the need for an ecosystem approach on several key occasions, and in November, the Biden administration released a “Vision for the National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program” (NAPMP), including roughly $3 billion to drive U.S. leadership in advanced packaging. In September, the U.S. Government and private-sector stakeholders including IPC co-hosted a CHIPS Research and Development Standards Summit, focused on identifying priorities for relevant standards activities and enabling a diverse, standards-capable workforce.
  • Tangible Funding and Support: IPC’s advocacy of the entire electronics ecosystem is beginning to pay off in tangible funding and support for our industry. For example, IPC members TTM and Calumet Electronics each announced major investments in production of advanced technologies (IC substrates and UHDI, respectively) backed by state and/or federal government authorities. In December, IPC subsidiary U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE) selected seven companies out of 25 finalists to receive a combined $10 million for research and development of cutting-edge commercial technologies with defense capabilities. And on another track with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense, USPAE announced it is developing a new business model that could support advanced PCB manufacturing growth through services, workforce development, and research.
  • PCBs: After months of IPC advocacy, U.S. President Biden issued a “presidential determination” that greater domestic production of PCBs is critical to national security. A bipartisan team in Congress reintroduced their PCB Act to reinforce the effort. We’re continuing to advocate for more resilient, trusted, and secure defense electronics supply chains in all nations.
  • Workforce Development: In November, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) approved IPC’s National Program Standards of Apprenticeship – the first-ever in the U.S. electronics manufacturing industry – in a move designed to expand the skilled workforce for this strategically vital industry. The DOL’s action affirms that IPC’s Registered Apprentice programs are recognized nationally and provide valuable, hands-on experience with a defined pathway to secure, well-paying careers. Six companies – ASMPT, Calumet Electronics, Flex, Microboard, Out of the Box Manufacturing, and TTM Technologies – have endorsed the apprenticeship initiative to the DOL, signaling their interest in launching programs within their companies. 
  • Sustainability in Electronics: Acknowledging all the efforts underway in all parts of the world to encourage greener, more sustainable economies, IPC this year launched a Sustainability for Electronics Leadership Council and several Action Groups; and we published a white paper on the key sustainability issues facing our industry.
  • PFAS Bans: Meanwhile, we rallied the industry to face the prospect of partial or full bans on PFAS chemicals, and we joined with allies in submitting comments in those proceedings in Europe and the United States.  
  • Electronics in Europe: The European Institutions in April reached agreement on the European Chips Act and in November launched the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU), the public/private body that will manage chips research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) projects at the EU level. IPC maintained a fruitful, ongoing dialogue with the European Commission, and together with partners and stakeholders we submitted a report with recommendations to bolster Europe’s PCB and EMS sectors.
  • EU Reporting Burdens: IPC urged the European Commission to reduce the reporting burden on electronics manufacturers in the European Union, responding to the EC’s call for evidence on the requirements that cause the most administrative burden. IPC will continue to engage with the European Commission to reduce administrative burdens linked to reporting requirements by at least 25%.
  • Industry Thought Leadership: In our role as the voice of electronics manufacturing, IPC released major reports on IC substrates; the European PCB and EMS sectors; and sustainability in electronics design and manufacturing, not to mention our regular economic outlook reports and industry sentiment surveys.
  • New Faces: Over the course of the year, IPC welcomed several new faces in its Washington office. Richard Cappetto, a 14-year veteran of the U.S. House of Representatives, is our new senior director for North American government relations; Michelle Mermelstein is the new senior director of media engagement; Nyron Rouse is the new director of government grants and strategic funding initiatives; and Kate Koger is our new public affairs coordinator. The rest of the team is Kelly Scanlon, lead sustainability strategist; Alison James, senior director of European government relations; and yours truly, Chris Mitchell, VP of global government relations.
  • Member Input: The IPC GR Committee has been rejuvenated with the addition of several new members, and IPC hosted an EMS Summit to gather more input and policy priorities from that key sector.

We welcome you to join us. In 2024, the IPC GR Team will continue to advocate for you, your company, and the entire industry on all these issues and more. Our efforts may include meetings, calls, and letters with government officials; official comments in regulatory proceedings; and educational events, reports, social media posts, and media coverage.

We need and welcome your participation in any of this important collective work. Here’s how you can stay informed and involved:

We thank you for your support and look forward to making more progress in the months ahead.

 

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