March 25, 2026

Foxconn to Invest More in Mexico, Likely to Expand AI Server Capacity Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. has invested US$136 million in Mexico via its Singapore unit, increasing stakes in subsidiaries to expand AI server production. The move supports rising North American demand and aligns with its strategy to scale capacity & strengthen global market share. Focus Taiwan

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PC prices in Taiwan expected to rise 25-30% in Q2: Asustek Asustek Computer Inc plans to raise PC prices by 25–30% in Q2 as soaring memory chip costs and shortages of CPUs from Intel Corp and Advanced Micro Devices Inc drive production expenses higher. Taipei Times

Cutting Without Contact: How Laser Depanelling Redefines PCB Manufacturing A laser depanelling solution delivers precision, zero mechanical stress, and cleanroom-level quality—transforming PCB manufacturing for high-reliability industries like automotive, medical, and industrial electronics. Technical Paper

3 Surprising Ways You Helped Train AI Without Even Knowing AI demand is surging as companies expand data centers, driving RAM shortages and higher device costs. Meanwhile, everyday activities—CAPTCHAs, voice corrections, and AR games—quietly supply free data that trains AI systems, powering self-driving cars and delivery robots. BGR

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How autonomous vehicles could change morning commutes A new study finds autonomous vehicles could reshape commutes by shifting parking to suburbs, increasing travel distance and costs. Researchers urge cities to adjust parking fees, congestion tolls, and infrastructure to manage traffic and optimize urban land use. TechXplore

Method for Accurate PCB Impedance Simulation of Any Specific Stack-Ups The reasons of inaccurate PCB impedance simulation of the traditional simulator and a novel and cost-effective method for accurate PCB impedance simulation are discussed. Technical Paper

Technical Papers ■ Scaling SMT Traceability ■ The Drawbacks of Internal Recycling Systems for Solder Dross ■ Engineering ESD-Safe PCB Assembly for High-Reliability IoT and Industrial Electronics ■ The Analysis of Variance: Drawing Conclusions from Data That Are Correct, Unambiguous, and Defensible ■ PCB Rework Evolves, With X-ray a Constant Support ■ How pH Cleaning Agents Affect Production Performance ■ A Universal AI-Powered Segmentation Model for PCBA & Semiconductor ■ RAIG Minimizes Corrosion, Allows Higher Gold on ENEPIG ■ High Reliability Lead-Free Solder Paste with Rosin and Anti-Crack Resin ■ Understanding Solder Dross: Causes and Control Strategies MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

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The US moves to block most new routers made overseas The FCC expanded its security crackdown by blocking imports of most foreign-made consumer routers, citing cyber risks. Manufacturers must seek conditional approval and shift production domestically or exit the US market, signaling a broader push to localize technology supply chains. TechSpot

Strategy vs. Planning? These Are the Mistakes That Keeps Founders Stagnant Leaders must distinguish strategy from planning to avoid wasted effort. Strategy defines choices and competitive advantage, while planning handles execution. Without clear direction, efficiency is meaningless. Strong cash flow—not busy schedules—determines whether a business survives. Entrepreneur

Immersion Gold Processes Used for Both ENIG and ENEPIG This paper presents a comparative study for three types of immersion golds used for both ENIG and ENEPIG deposits in the same production line. Technical Paper

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In Edison's Revenge, Data Centers Are Transitioning From AC to DC At Nvidia GTC, companies like Vertiv, Delta Electronics, and Eaton unveiled DC power designs to meet AI data center demands, boosting efficiency, reducing energy loss, and cutting infrastructure costs as power needs surge. IEEE Spectrum

Power Module Packaging Evolves as Materials and Supply Chains Redefine Power Electronics Electrification is accelerating demand for power modules, driving rapid advances in packaging for higher performance and reliability. New materials, supply chain shifts, and regional manufacturing are reshaping the market as it races toward $20B by 2031. EE Times

How To Clean a Vintage Circuit Board Assembly? A vintage computer board is contaminated with decomposed anti-static foam. The microprocessor and other ICs have a sticky grime on the leads. Board Talk

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What Will It Take to Build the World's Largest Data Center? Surging AI demand is fueling massive data center builds, led by Meta's 5-GW Hyperion project. Engineers race to solve scale and speed challenges as communities grapple with higher costs, environmental impacts, and growing strain on power infrastructure. IEEE Spectrum

Anthropic says Claude can now use your computer to finish tasks for you in AI agent push Anthropic upgrades Claude with agentic computer-use, enabling users to delegate tasks as the AI opens apps, browses, and edits files. The move ramps up rivalry with OpenClaw, while Anthropic warns the early-stage feature includes safeguards. CNBC

Sponsor Maintenance: The Basics of Cleaning Series Part 4 This is the final paper in a series and discusses some of the common mistakes in maintenance cleaning applications found in electronic assembly operations. KYZEN

High school student develops membrane-free filter that removes most microplastics from water Virginia student Mia Heller developed a low-cost, self-cleaning water filter that removes over 95% of microplastics using reusable magnetic ferrofluid instead of membranes. Her compact, at-home prototype reduces waste, cuts maintenance & outperforms many conventional filtration systems. TechSpot

i4.0, Are We Really Ready? This paper evaluates SMT production and inspection machines and attempts to define their potential to act as ‘smart sensors’, the first building blocks towards i4.0. Technical Paper

XR Brings Humans and Robots Closer on the Factory Floor The EU-funded MASTER project is deploying an Open XR platform to transform factory training and human-robot collaboration. By combining virtual safety zones, codeless robot programming, and gaze interaction, it enables safer, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing workflows. EE Times

AI for Hardware/Software Design: Things Just Got Personal A self-described tech enthusiast admits to being a late AI adopter, then explores perception, generative, and agentic AI. After testing AI tools for hardware design and debugging, he quickly fixes code errors and embraces AI as a powerful productivity aid. Design News

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Why Are Some Hard Drives Full of Helium? Hard disk drives aren't obsolete yet. Helium-filled HDDs reduce friction, run cooler and quieter, and pack more platters than standard drives. Though costlier and delicate, they offer high-capacity, energy-efficient storage for servers and personal computers alike. BGR