90 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2021
Stanford Researchers Develop New
Manufacturing Technique for Flexible
Electronics E
Ultrathin, flexible computer circuits have been
an engineering goal for years, but technical
hurdles have prevented the degree of minia-
turization necessary to achieve high perfor-
mance.
Flexible Thinking:
The Calf Path—Redux E
When I first read the poem many decades
ago, it immediately struck me with its simple
yet profound wisdom. Since that fortunate
discovery, the poem has informed oen my
conscious thinking. I'm sure it will for you
as well.
Flexium 1H 2021 Sales Up 27% YoY E
Taiwan-based flexible printed circuit (FPC)
maker Flexium Interconnect Inc. has posted
sales of NT$2.26 billion ($80.75 million at
$1:NT$28.00) in June, up by 7.4% year-on-
year, but down by 5.76% from the previous
month.
Calling All Couch Potatoes: This Finger
Wrap Can Let You Power Electronics
While You Sleep E
A new wearable device turns the touch of a fin-
ger into a source of power for small electron-
ics and sensors. Engineers at the University of
California San Diego developed a thin, flex-
ible strip that can be worn on a fingertip and
generate small amounts of electricity when a
person's finger sweats or presses on it.
Self-powered Implantable Device
Stimulates Fast Bone Healing,
Disappears Without a Trace E
In 2017, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron
Rodgers broke his right collarbone in a game
against the Minnesota Vikings. Typically, it
takes about 12 weeks for a collarbone to fully
heal, but by mid-December fans and commen-
tators were hoping the three-time MVP might
recover early and save a losing season.
First-ever Transient Pacemaker
Harmlessly Dissolves in Body E
Researchers at Northwestern and George
Washington (GW) universities have developed
the first-ever transient pacemaker—a wireless,
battery-free, fully implantable pacing device
that disappears aer it's no longer needed.
IPC Offers Training Course on PCB
Design for Rigid-Flex Boards E
IPC will be conducting a six-week online train-
ing course focused on PCB design for rigid-flex
boards. e course will provide the skills nec-
essary to effectively implement designs requir-
ing flex and rigid-flex circuits in accordance
with product requirements.
Unbroken: New Soft Electronics Don't
Break, Even When Punctured E
A team of Virginia Tech researchers from the
Department of Mechanical Engineering and
the Macromolecules Innovation Institute has
created a new type of so electronics, paving
the way for devices that are self-healing, recon-
figurable, and recyclable.
