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100 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2022 to flexible circuit technology to solve old prob- lems and address new ones, especially in the field of wearable electronics. Today, physical fitness buffs are routinely employing flexible circuit-enabled products that help them monitor their vital signs "on the run" and transmit results wirelessly to smart devices in real time on their wrists or in smart phones. Such thin flexible electronic devices are also used to help diabetics moni- tor their blood sugar in real time without hav- ing to stop and prick their fingers to measure glucose levels. Flexible substrates are not the only kid on the block anymore. In the last decade, signifi- cant and growing attention has been given to stretchable circuits and stretchable electron- ics. Stretchable materials allow for circuit resil- ience not only in X and Y but also in the Z-axis allowing for a new dimension of design flex- ibility. UC San Diego engineers have developed a wearable patch that could provide personal- ized cooling and heating at home, work, or on the go. e so, stretchy patch cools or warms a user's skin to a comfortable temperature and keeps it there as the ambient temperature changes. It is powered by a flexible, stretch- able battery pack and can be embedded in clothing. Researchers say wearing it could help save energy on air conditioning and heating (Figure 5). Sheng Xu, UC San Diego professor of nanoengineering, developed the stretchable electronics for the system. 4 "Woven" electronics are also now on the technological menu as e-textiles begin to cap- ture interest for the manufacture of electron- ics-enabled clothing. While much of the early effort was for novel items of fashion, including programable LED lighting in apparel items (Figure 6), it was quickly recognized that the technology could be applied to the integration of electronic circuits for data processing in wearable applications. Again, interest has been shown in remote health monitoring for those who are in ill health and less mobile. Standards for Circuits: A Necessary Glue Over the years I have oen been heard to refer to standards as a sort of "industrial strength glue" in that, collectively, industrial standards serve to help glue industries together and make them stronger. e IPC, through the dedication of its industry volunteer members, Figure 5: Prototype of the cooling and heating patch embedded in a mesh armband. (Source: David Baillot/UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering) Professor Sheng Xu