iNEMI, by providing a “neutral meeting ground”, dedicates itself to “advancing electronics manufacturing technology through identification of technology needs, development of industry infrastructure, accelerated deployment of new technologies, dissemination of efficient business practises and stimulation of standards.” All of this geared to the entire electronics supply chain: “from IC to system.” Among its members iNemi boasts “three of the world’s top five electronics OEMs and five of the top six EMS providers.” Now a stronger European member base is on the agenda. “The strategy is to begin with participation in our roadmapping process”, McElroy explains. “We hope, eventually, to initiate genuine European projects, focused on topics of interest to the European community.”
No better locus, then, to hold the iNemi 2009 Roadmap kick-off meeting at Productronica 2007, the biannual get-together of the worldwide electronic manufacturing industry, in an all-day presentation and discussion on November 13. Next on the calendar will be a gathering of the iNEMI PEGs (Product Emulator Group) in Santa Clara, California, on February 20, followed by a host of other dates around the world, until the final roadmap presentation comes up at Apex 2009 in Las Vegas.
iNEMI’s current agenda, McElroy explains, deals with three timely topics. First is “Energy and the Environment”. Second: “Miniaturization” – which always will be an important topic. But there are some new challenges waiting, such as “nano solder”, meant to reduce the notorious process inhibitor of high temperatures by using extremely fine, nano-size metal particles. That would lead to finer geometries, but also to improved yields and capabilities for small portable products. Proof of concept has been achieved. “Hopefully,” McElroy laughs, “the solder joints will look the same as today.” Quite similar in size and scope is the iNEMI “nano attach” (or “nano Velcro”) project – to develop assembly technologies that can be done at, or near, room temperature. They would employ the “Gecko principle”: an emulation of fine arrays of hair to permanently hook dice to substrates. And, potentially attractive to European firms, is iNEMI’s third topical focus: “medical electronics”. There, implantable devices for medical, and other, purposes are in the center of attention, initially defining medical-grade components. Accordingly, Grace O’Malley will be looking for European members for European projects. “Our target is to bring the large European OEMs in.” Regional activities based on local interest and skills, with projects driven from Europe and participation from North America and Asian countries. Medical, automotive, telecom – as McElroy counts them up: “These areas would be very appropriate for European projects.”
(Werner Schulz)
EPP Europe 403
