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28 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2025 Beyond Defense Beyond defense, we no longer produce the PCBs embedded in our critical infrastructure. Every time you turn on a light, open a faucet, go to an ATM, or make a cellphone call, the systems that support these functions are all enabled by and populated with PCBs. e problem is that those PCBs are more than likely to come from sources we cannot fully trust. For example, recent news sto- ries demonstrate the danger. Reuters revealed that rogue communication devices were found in Chinese solar power inverters 1 . Reuters also reported on unex- plained electronic components in imported equipment for Denmark's energy supply net- work concerning printed circuit boards 2 . Another capability was found in the electronics built into cranes unloading cargo in one of our largest ports 3 . A "phone home" functionality could provide a way for the originators to con- trol not just solar panels, but also air traffic con- trol systems, cellular communication, banking, and medical systems. Taking steps to address this vulnerability is a national security and economic impera- tive. We should not wait until the first major attack occurs to get serious about this. Pro- tecting the U.S. from what could be a cata- strophic disruption across the country will require increased manufacturing and rigor- ous cybersecurity. Whole-of-Government Approach Leaders at the Pentagon have long recog- nized the dangers of foreign dependency on the microelectronics that power our defense systems. What has been missed on Capi- tol Hill are the links connecting defense sys- tems and critical infrastructure. Congress should move beyond the defense and aero- space silo when draing legislation. e DoD's approach should be duplicated across the whole of government by investing in the PCB industry and incentivizing the purchase of American-made PCBs. Securing our critical infrastructure means investing in American microelectronics manufacturing. Without that investment, we continue to be vulnera- ble to unfair foreign compe- tition. e U.S. government should take an aggressive approach to reduce the real risks we face. Building a secure and resil- ient infrastructure is good for our national security; it also benefits an entire ecosystem of American manufacturers who have long suffered from unfair and sub- sidized foreign competition. Creating the Demand Signal e past five years have proven that private investment follows public action. Wall Street will follow where Uncle Sam invests. Inves- tors need to see a durable demand signal and consistent government action. Just as we saw with the CHIPS Act, government investment attracted billions in private investment. Until we get investment and incentives to buy American, our industry will at best maintain the status quo. PCB007 References 1. "Rogue communication devices found in Chi- nese solar power inverters," by Sarah Mcfarlane, Reuters, May 14, 2025. 2. "Unexplained components found in Denmark's energy equipment imports, industry group says," Reuters, May 21, 2025. 3. "Unexplained Modems Raise Red Flags in Probe of China-Built Cranes at US Ports," by Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, March 8, 2024. Shane Whiteside is president and CEO of Summit Intercon- nect and current chair of the Printed Circuit Board Associa- tion of America. To read past columns, click here. " Securing our critical infrastructure means investing in American microelectronics manufacturing. "