I just saw an announcement about the forthcoming PCB West 2010 technical conference and trade show that caught my attention. They will be hosting a series of presentations on critical and topical electronics assembly issues, and one of these topics will be on counterfeit components.

PCB West 2010 will be held September 28 – 30 at the Santa Clara (CA) Convention Center and is sponsored by the UP Media Group publications Printed Circuit Design & Fab and Circuits Assembly.

Among the highlights:

• Counterfeit Component Verification and Detection
• Blacktopping and CSAM
• Product-Targeted Environmental Regulations, and What You Can Do About It
• True Costs of Global Electronic Outsourcing
• Opportunities in Photovoltaics
• Post-Assembly Cleaning
• Predicting Thermal Behavior in LED Systems

"Counterfeit components and alternative energy opportunities are the two hottest areas for EMS today," said Mike Buetow, editorial director of UP Media Group. "Fake parts are filling the EMS supply chain, and field failures could ride on knowing how to recognize and mitigate them. These sessions will help address those and other engineering problems."

Now in its 19th year, PCB West provides show attendees – printed circuit board (PCB) engineers, designers, fabricators, assemblers and managers – with the most targeted conference in the PCB design industry. Registration is now open for PCB West: www.pcbwest.com.

PCB West 2010 includes a three-day Technical Conference consisting of more than 30 presentations, including 10 workshops, panel sessions and half-day seminars; a one-day exhibition, featuring the PCB industry's leading vendors, and an array of free technical sessions. Full details regarding the conference and exhibition are available at www.pcbwest.com.

Attendees who register for the conference by August 27, 2010, will receive a $100 discount on select conference packages. Admission is free for the one-day exhibition and other "FREE Wednesday" events (registration and a badge required). To register or learn more about the show, visit www.pcbwest.com.

For more information about PCB West, visit pcbwest.com or contact Show Manager Alyson Skarbek at 404-665-7749; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .