Artificial intelligence is applied to electronics design and manufacturing is in its infancy, but interest is high and questions abound as to what it means – and even what it is.

AI is seen as similar to the Internet in 1995: a big, wide-open technology that companies had to embrace and understand. Success depends on narrow implementations that permit companies to see clearly what the return or improvements will be.

AI holds the potential to revolutionize the creation and manufacturing of electronic products. Unlocking this potential, however, requires collaborative efforts to ensure its effective understanding and implementation. Without concerted action, the realization of AI's transformative promise in the electronics industry may remain elusive.

To address this challenge, the PCEA Technical Action Group (AI TG) convened a meeting of select representatives of early adopters and providers of AI tools for the electronics sector. The primary aim of this gathering is to solicit input from industry stakeholders to shape an AI Status and Action Plan.

Should components for military use be made in a dedicated secure facility?

That’s the basic thinking behind a $3.5 billion allocation by the US government to support an undisclosed chipmaker, presumably Intel, to develop a classified advanced semiconductor development project. The monies at the root of the issue touched off yet another question, that is, whether Chips Act funds were misused when routed to the so-called Secure Enclave program.

The Chips Act, of course, is the foundational legislation upon which the US strategy of reclaiming semiconductor manufacturing dominance is built.

Years ago, the major semiconductor foundries, including Intel, Motorola and others, had designated government segments. Their demise more or less concluded with the rollout of new defense procurement policies, now known as the Perry Initiative.