Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/960594
20 SMT007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2018 cles. The continual adoption of the HEV/EV powertrain, advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), and in-cabin electronics is driving the need for more sophisticated assembly solu - tions. For example, advanced detection systems such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, LIDAR, RADAR, and vision systems that were once reserved for luxury vehicles are now becoming more common in the average consumer vehicle. Each one of these technolo - gies presents itself with unique challenges that require customized solutions. Las Marias: What are some of these "unique challenges"? Salerno: Reliability, of course, is a major driv- ing factor to the successful implementation of an assembly material in automotive elec- tronics. Specifically, exposure to high-temper- ature and high-vibrational environments for Feature Interview by Stephen Las Marias I-CONNECT007 Paul Salerno is the Global Portfolio Manager for SMT Assembly Solutions at Alpha Assem- bly Solutions. He has more than a decade of experience in the electronics assembly industry in roles such as application engineering, proj- ect management, and product management. Paul is responsible for developing and execut- ing strategies for the automotive and consumer electronics market segments, ensuring Alpha's products continue to meet the evolving needs of their global customers. In this interview with SMT007 Magazine, Paul discusses the growing automotive electronics industry, its impact on the soldering materi- als business, and how Alpha helps customers address the new challenges and requirements in the automotive market. Stephen Las Marias: The automotive electronics market has been one of the driving forces of the electronics manufacturing industry. What is the impact of this on your business? Paul Salerno: The solder market continues to flourish, and we see an upward demand for automotive electronics from OEMs due to the sophistication required for modern vehi-