Since their invention in 1903 and their patenting by Paul Eisler in 1943, printed circuit boards (PCBs) have evolved and advanced far beyond their original functionalities. What was once assembled by hand has given way to microscopic components that require the precision and efficiency of first-class machinery. Today, PCBs are minuscule, multi-layered and complex systems — in demand in nearly every electronics manufacturing sector. Used in every computer and almost all electronics, it is no surprise that the PCB market is expected to have a compound annual growth rate of 14.7% between 2023 and ..read more

A looming artefact of the pandemic, the global chip shortage, seems to be easing up; demand for consumer products like smartphones and games consoles has dropped and chip sales have slowed due to increased inflation. But are we out of the woods just yet? As we head further into 2024, the remaining cracks in the chip ecosystem must be addressed to reinforce the EU’s semiconductor market and protect it against future challenges. Luckily, that is where the European Chips Act comes in… So, what is the purpose of this initiative, what are its key aims and how will it impact electronics manufacturin ..read more

Despite the challenging global economic environment, the electronics industry has held its own in 2023. With growth in most electronic sectors comfortably outpacing nearly all global economies, there is good reason to be optimistic for the future for those in the electronics industry. Now, for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), electronic product designers and businesses alike, the actual test in 2024 will be keeping up with the relentless evolution of technology that continues to reshape our world. From the development of 6G connectivity and a rise in smart technology to the expansion o ..read more

As you read this, scientists are working to find solutions to our world’s greatest challenges, like climate change, healthcare and global hunger. But in their pursuit of research and development victories, scientists must also face many complexities… Increasingly stringent compliance regulations. Tightened budgets. Staff shortages. Scientific instruments maintenance. Juggling these challenges outside of their research takes time and expertise — resources that are hard to expend in the fast-paced world of science. That is where laboratory automation comes in. Through advanced technologies like ..read more

Move over, 5G. There is a new network connectivity on the block… Although 6G is still in its infancy, its development promises to usher in unparalleled speed, capacity and connectivity advancements. Imagine having access to lightning-fast internet speeds of up to 1 terabit per second (TBPS), far surpassing the 20 gigabytes per second (GBPS) offered by 5G. With 6G technology, consumers can expect to experience faster data transfer and streaming, leading to more efficient and effective communication between devices. Additionally, 6G will support many connected devices, perfect for the rapid deve ..read more

Human overconsumption and waste threaten life on Earth, with estimates suggesting we will need two planets’ resources by 2030. As a result, sustainability is no longer considered an extraneous detail or optional luxury. Now, it is a fundamental economic and societal priority. And as the applications of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the internet of things (IoT), continue to expand, our digital evolution presents more opportunities to facilitate greener everyday processes — particularly in electronics manufacturing. From asset tracking to waste management, integrating IoT technologies ..read more

The EC Electronics Group, a global provider of electronics manufacturing services, announces the acquisition of Netherlands-based Liad Electronics, having secured backing from Shawbrook Bank and Rockpool Investments. Liad Electronics specialises in offering printed circuit board assemblies to an exciting base of high-tech customers with sophisticated electronics manufacturing requirements. Its acquisition will provide the EC Electronics Group with a greater presence in mainland Europe, as well as further manufacturing capacity through Liad’s site in Breda, the Netherlands. Following this trans ..read more

In 2023, intelligent automated heating, ventilation, lighting and water supply technologies came to the forefront of the electronics manufacturing industry. These cutting-edge solutions, known as smart building controls, allow for the remote monitoring of various key building systems with the touch of a button or spoken request and were implemented in countless residential and commercial properties throughout the year. In fact, these products have proved so popular that the building automation systems market is expected to expand at an 11.2% compound annual growth rate from 2023 to 2032. Inter ..read more

From the vacuum tube in 1901 to the latest iPhone, all electronic devices started from an idea. But how do you take that seed of an idea and go about designing, manufacturing and distributing it to the masses? The answer lies in effective product realisation services. Product realisation combines market research and technological requirements with capabilities and resources to define the new product designs and requisite manufacturing services. Although every invention idea is different, there are standard stages every product design project will go through along the route to market. Once you ..read more

Move over, 5G. There is a new network connectivity on the block… Although 6G is still in its infancy, its development promises to usher in unparalleled speed, capacity and connectivity advancements. Imagine having access to lightning-fast internet speeds of up to 1 terabit per second (TBPS), far surpassing the 20 gigabytes per second (GBPS) offered by 5G. With 6G technology, consumers can expect to experience faster data transfer and streaming, leading to more efficient and effective communication between devices. Additionally, 6G will support many connected devices, perfect for the rapid deve ..read more