Jan 23, 2009 
Q. Jim, the goal at STI is to meet or exceed any standards of workmanship demanded by your customers. How does STI accomplish this?
A. Over the years I have tried to make sure that everything that went into specifications was based on good solid test data. Therefore, today I still believe in those specification requirements and know that doing things correctly is the only way to maintain a positive relationship with our clients by delivering correct answers to their questions and by delivering hardware that meets my specification, which is generally above and beyond that of the client.
Q. STI's Contract Engineering Services group specializes in solution development for process and manufacturing related issues from the component to fully integrated system levels. Can you tell us about the specialized discrete event simulation software?
A. We simply draw on past lessons learned and attempt to design the problem out. We do not believe in �state-of-the-art� methods and techniques but in �leading edge� and the development of new methods and techniques. There is no reason to follow a popular course when one knows that with a little effort, one can develop new concepts that will exceed the state of the art.
Q. STI is a complete source for electronics assembly and solder supplies. Please describe some of these, and tell us why they are critical to the industry.
A. When we moved to the Huntsville area, where electronics development and assembly is a way of life and is the dominant industry, we found that there was no stocking distributor in this area, so it became more needed, to us and everyone in the area. A need for supplies must be now and. therefore, it was easy for David to make a decision to set up a distribution network. If one is out of solder paste, they cannot wait for it to be shipped in, they need it now. This is true of other consumable items.
Q. STI boasts a Prototype and Development Lab, which is a full-service design review and pre-production facility. What benefits does the lab provide customers?
A. We have one of the very best analyst laboratories in the country, staffed by some of the very best talent available, so to understand problems and to prevent their occurrence in design of hardware and the manufacturing cycle certainly makes life simpler. We believe in doing things right the first time; therefore, we help the customer design for ease of manufacturing. By understanding normal industry problems, we can help our clients stay away from these problems. This saves time, which reduces costs and increases reliability.
Q. STI offers a variety of training resources and materials. Why do customers choose STI when it comes to training?
A. Customers choose STI for their training needs because of the fact that we have been in the training business longer than any other. We maintain a cadre of the finest instructors in the industry � they are the best trained, have correct backgrounds and they enjoy teaching. We have the very best facilities now in our new building, designed for training, not just made to fit.
We try very hard everyday to do the things that will make our customers successful, which, in turn, will make them more profitable. We know the industry specifications, and the military and NASA requirements perhaps better than others due to the fact that we have been a part of these organizations and, with this background, we can guide our clients in the right direction.
Q. We understand that STI Electronics has recently been awarded a patent covering embedded active devices. Can you briefly explain what the patent covers and what this technology means?
A. The patent covers the placement of �bare die� in cavities in common board materials, eliminating secondary packaging, which means less footprint space as well as �die-to-die,� eliminating the need for a large number of circuit lines.�Additionally, a thermal ground plane can dissipate heat. One also can eliminate concerns over tin whiskers since the only solder used is in the application of connectors and terminals, which in the next generation will be designed out. Further, the words of a high-ranking government states that this technology is the military's future.
Q. What does the patent provide for STI Electronics and its customers?
A. This technology is near hermetic and will reduce board size as well as weight while affording tremendous ruggedness.�It provides STI the challenge of moving forward with �leading-edge technology� and assisting the industry in its use.�STI has worked very hard to become a technology and I think this puts us out in front.�It provides a challenge for us to take the technology forward.
Q. The driving factor to use embedded active devices is a reduction in the PCB size format while increasing the active functions, correct? Because embedded active devices are not packaged, they lead to smaller footprints for the active device. What other key benefits does this technology provide users?
A. You are correct in smaller footprint, which means smaller and lighter and provides for more payload or fuel.�It also is much more rugged � we have passed test of 20,000 Gs shock.
Q. What can we expect from STI Electronics in 2009?
A. We believe that we will have the first building designed for exactly what we do with no shortcuts taken. Our test facilities, our manufacturing area, distributions area and training area have been designed by our instructors and participants from each of the respective areas. No afterthoughts; everything designed correctly up front. With this new facility fully functional by January 2009, we will hit the ground running to make things easier to control and with the latest in lab equipment, training equipment and manufacturing equipment we will have the most modern and updated facility available. We will have the most modern and largest cleanroom in our type of industry, with research continuing on those things that will advance the �leading edge� technology. Our people are sanative to the fact that now it is up to them to do the very best to make things happen correctly. Therefore, I expect to see STI Electronics excel as the very best in the industry during 2009.
