Flexible printed circuit boards
are at the forefront of the new wave of electronics found in
healthcare, military, and consumer markets.Researchers are continuing to
push the limits of possibilities for flexible PCBs, expecting the
industry to grow five-fold in the next 10 years.
New
materials, such as polyimide, allow a thinner, lighter product with the
ability to move more freely.Conductive ink printing allows the
elimination of connectors and cables, improving connectivity and
assembly costs.The traditional process for manufacturing PCBs requires
as many as 6 steps. New knowledge has shortened the process of
manufacturing flexible PCBs to as little as 3 steps.
Smart Skin
The
common doctor visit consists of signing in, waiting, visiting with a
nurse and waiting some more before finallytalking with a
doctor.Throughout each step data about the patient is gathered and
processed. The process of finding pertinent data can be simplified by applying
a new adhesive patch on to the surface of a patient's skin called
“smart skin.”Through the “smart skin” patch, informationisrelayed
through transmitters or antennas.Details such as heart rate,
temperature, glucose levels, ECG, and EKG readouts will be available.Cables, tape, leads, and bulky equipment are eliminated! The
patch is thin and lightweight, making itnearly undetectable.It can be
adhered using water, similar to temporary tattoos.The material is
designed to be ultra-flexible and move with the person's skin.
Glucose Monitoring Contact Lens
The
pains of monitoring a diabetic's glucose levels can be cumbersome. A
needle prickon the fingertip allows a small amount of blood to be
dispensed for testing.The blood needs to be placed ona test strip which
enters a glucometer machine, with this routine needing to be repeated as
often as eight times a day. Flexible PCBs are on the verge of helping
to create a contact lens that monitors glucose levels, eliminating
painful finger pricks, hazardous medical supplies (such as testing
strips and needles) and manual result tracking.
The
contact lens is equippedwith a glucose sensor.A flexible PCB is placed
on the lens with components that allow wireless transmission. The
informationwill be streamed or transmitted to an outside location for
interpretation and tracking. The use of flexible PCBs allows a very
small and thin circuit that is undetectable. Previous PCBs would be too
thick, stiff, and bulky for anything even close to this seamless
application.
This video by Microsoft explains the glucose monitoring contact lenses further :
Video link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WK9F221JF48
Consumer Products
Wearable
consumer devices like smartphones and data capturing bracelets are
being released to the public at an increasing rate.Flexible PCBs will be
utilized in Smart technology to allow a lightweight, thin option which
can be wornas opposed to a bulky item that has to be carried. Some of
the items are even powered using solar cells as opposed to battery
power.
Consumers
will not be the only ones to wear flexible PCB products.Actual
materials will be wearing labels.The labels will benefit consumers using
sensors and antennas.Radiation tags can be placed on products to
monitor levels. Pharmacies can use labels to read and track temperatures
on drugs that needtemperature control for stability.Foods can be fitted
with labels that test for contaminates.
Power Sources
Power
sources will need to adapt in order to keep flexible PCBs a viable
option. The future holds the possibility of stretchable power sources.
Most likely, new technology will apply carbon nanotube microfilm,
polyurethane membranes and organic electrolytes.Another possibility is a
bendable Li-ion battery.This would use cobalt oxide as cathode material
and lithium for anode material.
The Future
Flexible
PCBs are expanding the world of possibilities. Healthcare is
considering Smart Surgical instruments.The possibility remains of a
pacemaker that is more conducive to quality of life. Neural implants are
being considered to control prosthetics.Biosensors, similar to the
Smart Skin, will relay data to remote locations.Patients with
neuromuscular disorders affecting their communication will be able to
communicate and interface with a computer.Flexible PCBs will continue to
improve access, delivery, comfort and convenience to health care
patients.
About the Author
This article was written by Alex Danovich, President of San Francisco Circuits
as a part of their PCB School program, educating engineers and
customers on PCB fabrication and assembly. Visit their website for more
circuit resources on ultrasonic cleaning, PCB equipment and more.
SFCircuits
is a PCB manufacturingand assembly provider located in California,
specializing in Flex PCBs and other high-tech circuits.
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