Interfaces between Stretchable and Rigid Electronics

Interfaces between Stretchable and Rigid Electronics

Presenter(s)

Zachary Kranz

Comments

Presentation: 1:15-2:30 p.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom

Description

Recently, there has been significant interest in the field of stretchable and flexible electronics. While soft electronic substrates and conductors provide new options in the design of flexible electronic systems for power and data traces, there are not many viable flexible analogs for active components, such as diodes, transistors, and Integrated Circuits (ICs). Therefore, it is important to allow soft electronics to connect to more traditional rigid electronics. These connections that interface between soft and rigid electronics are key to enable reliable and durable soft electronic systems. There are two major requirements that must be satisfied by the connections that interface between rigid and soft electronic substrates. First, the interface must reliably conduct power and signals from the soft substrate to the rigid packaging or circuit board, particularly while the soft materials are under strain. Second, is that the interface must mechanically connect the soft substrates and conductors to the rigid materials and traces while undergoing reasonable amounts of strain. Flexible hybrid systems built on commercially available flexible polyimide substrates such as Kapton provide a great solution for flexible electronics, yet bridging the gap to soft, stretchable materials remains a challenge. This poster describes one method for providing both mechanical and electrical connection between rigid and soft electronics.

Publication Date

4-19-2023

Project Designation

Independent Research

Primary Advisor

Alex Watson

Primary Advisor's Department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Keywords

Stander Symposium, School of Engineering

Institutional Learning Goals

Scholarship

Interfaces between Stretchable and Rigid Electronics

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