PCB007 Magazine

PCB007-Apr2023

Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1497518

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 77 of 93

78 PCB007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2023 After several years of work, the CHIPS Act has been signed and funds are beginning to be disbursed. What does this mean for the microelectronics industry? e CHIPS Act is a great start toward making our supply chains more secure and resilient, but simply building more semiconductors in the United States isn't the end of the story. Printed circuit boards and IC substrates need the same level of attention that chips are get- ting. Over the last 25 years, we've fallen from 30% of the world's supply of PCBs made here in the United States to just 4% today. Reshor- ing every layer of the technology stack should be the next priority for policymakers. We're starting to hear senior officials such as Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo refer to a microelectronics "ecosystem." Why is that term so important? Because chips don't float. Dozens and some- times hundreds of electronic components are needed to make modern technologies func- tion. Also, it's not enough to make the next generation of semiconductors here in Amer- ica if we don't address the rest of the stack. It goes beyond just having factories in the United States. It's imperative that America invent the PCBs and substrates of the future, and very oen R&D is co-located with production. An ecosystem approach is the only way to achieve the economic and national security goals we all share. You've recently joined PCBAA as its executive director. How does that organization fit into this discussion? PCBAA's New Representation PCBAA is focused on a three-pronged mis- sion to educate, advocate, and legislate for our industry. We represent the manufacturers, assemblers, and critical suppliers in this space, and we're signing up new members every month. If you're concerned about our indus- try's challenges and want to level the playing field, we need you on our growing team. What's next for industry efforts to secure the supply chain? e 118th Congress has an opportunity to "fin- ish the job" when it comes to investments in American microelectronics manufacturing. Building on the success of CHIPs, our industry is advocating for legislation that would fund industry growth directly and incentivize the purchase of American PCBs via significant tax credits. PCB007 David Schild American Made Advocacy Q&A With David Schild, PCBAA

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of PCB007 Magazine - PCB007-Apr2023