CN33-802 silver-based conductor paste is designed for feed through-hole applications; CN33-803 is a plateable silver termination conductor for dipping processes; CN34-803 (3:1 palladium/silver) and CN34-820 (20:1 palladium/silver) provide initial and aged adhesion properties; CN37-802 platinum/palladium/silver offers solder leach and silver migration resistance. All conductors are said to be solderable.

Sumitomo resistor pastes are Pb- and cadmium-free. Are for hybrid IC applications. Sumitomo Metal Mining’s RG-A series of Pb- and cadmium-free resistor thick film pastes are reportedly for environmentally friendly chip resistors. Are available in resistances from 0.1 ohm/sq. to 10 Mohm/sq.; are said to exhibit the same electrical characteristics as SMMR-U pastes. Have a fired thickness of 6 to 9 µm and are said to be suitable for hybrid IC, resistor networks, and other applications.

Ferro Electronic Material Systems, www.ferro.com

Advanced Design System 2008 is an electronic design automation software platform said to contain productivity breakthroughs for faster communications product design. Includes user interface and technology improvements said to speed the design process. Enhancements reportedly include improved project management, real-time zoom and pan, interactive 3-D layout viewing, stretching, and cut planes; improved LVS (layout vs. schematic) design synchronization; updated design rule checking and artwork export/import; 3-D electromagnetic integration into ADS. Said to contain faster bond wire drawing interface; the latest multi-processor computing, including support for todays 64-bit processors; and high-frequency transient simulations, providing reported average speed improvements of up to 6x for large circuits.

Agilent Technologies, www.agilent.com

The Inspecta HPL Combo is equipped with software and mechanical features that allow it to perform three different operations simultaneously. By means of multiple reference points within the panel, it reportedly can optimize, position, drill and route without any requirement for moving the panel. Can be used as a drilling machine or router by excluding x-ray source, or as a conventional x-ray machine. Is reportedly possible to locate specific reference points on each pattern/image/circuit.

International Supplies, www.internationalsupplies.it

GreenJet is reportedly the first fully digital solder-mask printing system for PCB production. Is said to replace conventional coating, drying, exposure and development processes with a one-step process. Is said to be adapted to the smaller pad spacing and the tighter registration tolerance requirements. Employs proprietary printing technology.

Printar, www.printar.com