Counterfeit products are becoming more and more prevalent these days. They have begun to infiltrate various industries, including the electronics industry. Luckily, there are professionals who are trained to detect counterfeit electronic components. Discussed below are some of the processes they use. Incoming Inspection: Inspection starts with checking the boxes for shipping damage or evidence…
The post-9/11 GI Bill is making it easier than ever for US military veterans to attend college. Passed in 2008, the bill pays in-state tuition to institutions that veterans and their dependents attend. It also provides students with a stipend for books, supplies, and housing. Veteran Enrollment Trends in Higher Education Between 2000 and 2012,…
Many students and their families automatically think of college as the default path after graduating high school. While college is a great option for a proportion of high school graduates, it’s not necessarily the only option. Depending on their interests and unique financial situations, some high school graduates might consider enrolling in trade or technical…
The Rise of Lead-Free Solder The electronics industry has recently witnessed a trend toward using lead free solder. The Impact of the RoHS Directive As of 2003, the European Union adopted the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. Among the many restricted hazardous substances is lead. All electronics sold in the EU must comply with…
How Electronics Shape Modern Healthcare The electronics industry continues to have a major impact on multiple aspects of our everyday lives. One such aspect is health and wellness. You might be wondering what on earth electronics have to do with your health. If this is the case, take a second to think about the various…
A printed circuit board (PCB) is a device that mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components using conductive tracks, pads, and other features etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. Circuit board design is a staple of all electronic manufacturing training programs. You can also design your own basic PCB by yourself at…
Expanding Your Talent Pool Finding the right mix of intelligence, talent, work ethic, and cultural fit in an employee is no easy task. If you are struggling to find just the right employee for a particular position, you might consider broadening your reach by recruiting military veterans. Why Hire a Veteran? You might be wondering…
How Many Americans Celebrate the Holiday When many of us think of Memorial Day, we often think of days off from school and work and the beginning of summer. Several Americans will be celebrating this weekend with family barbecues, picnics, pool parties, and all other kinds of fun in the sun. Remembering the Holiday’s Historical…
Understanding the IPC in Blackfox Course Titles In many of Blackfox’s course titles, you’ll find the initials IPC next to the course number. Do you ever find yourself wondering what IPC stands for or what it’s all about? There’s a fascinating history behind the IPC, both the name and the organization itself, which we will…
Many professionals who have been working for many years probably feel very comfortable in their careers and confident in their skill sets. However, one of the few things that’s absolutely guaranteed in life is change. Oftentimes people who have been working the same job for decades might wish to pursue something different. And even if…