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FEATURES

PCB Laminates
A Novel Halogen-Free, Phosphorus-Free Material for PCB Applications
Some studies have found halogen-containing epoxy resin might produce hazardous carcinogenic gases, such as dioxin and furan, under certain combustion temperatures (i.e., <1000°C). Halogen-free flame retardants, which exclude TBBPA, are becoming increasingly popular as a replacement. There are a variety of approaches to replacing TBBPA and other halogenated flame retardants. Tests show a new novel halogen-free, phosphorus-free material can fulfill the environmental requirements, exhibit good characteristics and nonflammability without a high cost penalty.
by Christina Jien and Johnson Chang

Retrospective
In Memoriam
2011 will likely be recalled as a transitive year, one in which we took stock of the pros and cons of various geographies and business models as we tried to come to grips with very uncertain economic times. It will also be recalled as the year we lost some of the industry’s biggest names from all ends of the design and manufacturing spectrum, from Steve Jobs to Werner Engelmaier. This month we reflect on their impact on our industry and our lives.

FIRST PERSON

• Caveat Lector
  Packaged up.
  Mike Buetow
  
  
  

MONEY MATTERS

• ROI
  Vertically challenged.
  Peter Bigelow

• Focus on Business
  The real challenge of diversity.
  Susan Mucha

TECH TALK

• Signal Integrity Insights
  Reducing crosstalk.
  Dr. Eric Bogatin

• Designer’s Notebook
  Putting a cap on it.
  Duane Benson

• In Flex
  Shortening the production timeline.
  Jay Desai

• Final Finishes
  Skin deep.
  Lenora Toscano

• Technical Abstracts
  In case you missed it.

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FEATURES

Industrial Health
Evaluation of Employee Exposures at a PCB Plant
A confidential employee request for a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) at an electronics manufacturer specializing in PCB fabrication and assembly explains how third-party audits are initiated and reviews best-in-class controls for maintaining factory worker health.
by Srinivas Durgam, Chandran Achutan, Ph.D., Carlos Aristeguieta, M.D., and Maureen T. Niemeier

DfT
Smoothing the Layout to Test Flow
When layout and test take place under the same roof, determining the right strategy to increase test coverage for a given product becomes much easier, and ensures the end-product will be successfully tested.
by Zulki Khan

FIRST PERSON

• Caveat Lector
  Packaged up.
  Mike Buetow
  
  
  

MONEY MATTERS

• ROI
  Vertically challenged.
  Peter Bigelow

TECH TALK

• Signal Integrity Insights
  Lossy lines.
  Dr. Eric Bogatin

• Designer’s Notebook
  “Smart” vias.
  Patrick Carrier

• Database
  The 'app' of our eye.
  Manny Marcano

• The Flexperts
  What’s your tolerance?
  Mark Finstad

• Technical Abstracts
  In case you missed it.

• View the Digital Edition

FEATURES

Transmission Lines
Understanding PCBs for High-Frequency Applications
Printed circuit boards for microwave circuits must support transmission of signals with the diminutive wavelengths of radio-frequency (RF) and microwave frequencies, and they must do so with minimal loss and stable, consistent performance. To best understand high-frequency PCBs, it helps to review the types of transmission lines and structures typically used in RF/microwave circuits and how PCB characteristics relate to electrical performance at higher frequencies.
by John Coonrod

FIRST PERSON

• Caveat Lector
  Unrepressing transference.
  Mike Buetow
  
  
  

MONEY MATTERS

• ROI
  Evolutionary approaches.
  Peter Bigelow

• Focus on Business
  The sales funnel.
  Susan Mucha

TECH TALK

• On the Forefront
  The importance of being thin.
  E. Jan Vardaman

• Signal Integrity Insights
  Reflection noise.
  Dr. Eric Bogatin

• Designer’s Notebook
  Finding the right replacement.
  Duane Benson

• In Flex
  A connectable solution.
  Jay Desai

• Tech Tips
  Tin whisker qualification.
  ACI Technologies Inc.

• Technical Abstracts
  In case you missed it.