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High density multilayer flex
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Introduction

The objective of the project is the development of smart, high-integration, mechanically flexible electronic systems, for a wide variety of applications. “Smart” means that the flexible multilayer laminate has embedded components, and that the different flex layers in the multilayer structure can have different functions, meaning that it might be necessary to combine layers of different base material in the laminate. Compactness of the resulting circuit will be boosted in two ways : by using the third dimension for electronic component integration (not only on front and back side, but potentially on every conductive layer) and by drastically increasing the wiring density through the introduction of new flex manufacturing and lamination techniques. Innovative technologies to be developed in SHIFT include

  • a new, cheap flex laminate technology, based on a process for electroless Cu deposition on polyimide
  • a new lamination technology, based on interconnection by solid state diffusion
  • component embedding technologies : resistors, capacitors, RF components and ultrathin (20 micron) chips
  • assembly technologies on embedded multilayer flex

The rationale of the project is that in order to realise the "ambient intelligence" vision, more and more electronic systems will accompany the user. For these systems there is a trend towards increased functionality, compactness, wearability and reduced weight. The system must not hamper the mobility of the human carrier. Flexible electronic systems take the shape of the object onto or into which they are placed and may become quasi unnoticeable to the user. Compared to their rigid board counterparts they show a drastic increase of comfort for the user, and therefore the trend is starting and will become only stronger towards the use of "smart" comfortable mechanically flexible electronic systems. The aim of SHIFT is precisely to develop enabling technologies for such complex flexible electronic systems.

For a good overview about the SHIFT project see also the public presentation.