ICT

Citation

Payne, S. (2001), "ICT", Circuit World, Vol. 27 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/cw.2001.21727bab.001

ICT

ICT

The Institute of Circuit Technology (ICT) – an update

Keywords: ICT, Printed circuit boards, Flexible circuits

With many trade organisations facing new challenges, the ICT continues to serve its members, by providing a forum to discuss and present technical issues concerned with printed circuit boards (PCBs) and flexible circuits, from design and fabrication to assembly and application.

The ICT organisation

The ICT is managed by a Council, which comprises active representatives from all areas of the PCB industry (fabrication, assembly and suppliers), with experience in many PCB technologies as well as training, marketing, etc. The Council meets regularly, and reports to its members each year at the AGM. The Institute has a written Constitution, which provides the operational framework within which the Institute provides the service to its membership.

There are currently two categories of membership of the ICT – individual membership or corporate membership – where individuals who are employees of PCIF member organisations may qualify for a particular grade of membership. This membership is complimentary.

ICT membership levels include: associate (including Student Associate), a member and a fellow. Entry qualifications are detailed within the PCIF Web site, with all new applicants joining as an associate in the first year and then are graded, progressing through their experience in the industry and contribution to the ICT.

Members' benefits

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  For a member or fellow, the use of Honours letters after your name.

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  You receive a copy of Circuit World four times a year.

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  You enjoy discounts for attendance at PCIF and ICT conferences, symposia and training courses.

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  You receive a copy of the PCIF Journal Circuit.

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  You can participate in evening symposia.

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  Access to the PCIF Board, through ICT representation, to raise any matters considered important to individual members in the printed circuit industry.

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  The right to display membership certificates in public.

Activities

The presentation of evening technical meetings and day symposia is fundamental to the Institute. It is the means by which most members can meet, socialise and benefit from the dissemination of new technologies, materials and process, which can affect their day-to-day life in our industry.

Last year's events included our 26th Annual Symposium, on the subject of "Yield improvement and cost reduction", which included a most informative and interesting tour of the Nokia Plant in Camberley. Earlier in the year at an evening meeting, there was a well supported event attended by members wishing to gain more information on "Build-up technology", which is becoming the norm for PCB structures in Japan.

Chairman's report November 2000

Since becoming Chairman in February, it has become increasingly obvious that the future will see some change for the Institute and the PCIF; the PCIF being jointly founded in 1988 by the PCA (Printed Circuit Association) and the ICT (Institute of Circuit Technology) and, of course, they are intimately linked. To ensure that the Institute can continue into the new millennium with strength and as an identifiable organisation for the benefit of individuals within our industry, we needed to strengthen the already experienced ICT Council. It is, therefore, with pleasure that I can report that two additional Council members have joined. The Council now represents members from PCB fabricators, suppliers, and contract assemblers, and includes well-known experts in the fields of PCB technologies, training and marketing. It is also planned to appoint a Vice-Chairman, to deputise for me when required.

I believe this establishment of a strong and experienced team is the first step to ensure an energetic and successful Institute progressing onward to meet the needs of its members and fulfil its core objectives. The recruitment of new members will be reported by the Honorary Secretary, but it is clear that our strategy must be to attract new members from PCIF corporate member organisations, and I am also keen to attract younger individuals, with an interest in our industry technologies. With this in mind a student category of associate membership is being planned, so those in full-time academic studies within our universities may benefit from and participate within our Institute.

The Institute held an evening seminar on "Build up technology", earlier this year. This was an interesting subject, and was well attended. The Annual Symposium in May covered the subjects of "Yield improvement and cost reduction"; an impressive audience supported the symposium. The role of our evening seminars and the annual symposium is a corner-stone of the Institute and the Council will strive to ensure that the subject-matter is topical, of maximum interest and contains beneficial technical information for all sectors of our membership. Particular emphasis will be placed on improved advertising of these events.

I am pleased to report that the details of the David Kennedy Memorial Award have been finalised and published. I hope that the Institute receives a good number of quality submissions, for what will be a prestigious award.

Finally, with the imminent changes through the merger of the PCIF (including the ICT) with the FEI, the Institute is becoming well positioned to take advantage of what should be seen as an opportunity for us. The members of the Council have given sterling service during my first year, and will ensure that the future success of the Institute is assured.

Steve PayneChairman, Institute of Circuit Technology