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76 PCB007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2023 of the new electronics that promise to drive the next wave of wearable health monitor innovation. E-Textiles Move over rigid sensors and bulky straps; e-textiles are here to revolutionize the world of wearables. Electronic textiles (e-textiles) are fabrics interwoven with conduc- tive threads or embedded with microelectronics. ey are the future of wearable comfort and functionality. Imagine a shirt that not only monitors your heart rate but also detects changes in your skin's con- ductivity, which can indicate your stress levels. What about a pair of socks that tracks your gait and pressure points, helping prevent foot ulcers in diabetic patients? E-textiles seamlessly integrate electronics into our clothing, making health monitoring a natu- ral part of our daily lives. Flexible Circuits Flex circuits are the unsung heroes of wearable technology. Traditional rigid PCBs are being replaced with flexible counter- parts that can be bent, twisted, and even folded. is flexibil- ity allows for more versatile and comfortable form factors. In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, wearable health monitors will likely play an increasing role. Once relegated to basic step counting and heart rate tracking, these sleek devices are now on the cusp of a technologi- cal revolution. e driving force behind this transformation? Advanced electronic hard- ware. In this column, I'll provide a glimpse The Next Wave of Wearable Health Monitor Innovation The Doctor's In by Henry Crandall, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH/IPC STUDENT BOARD MEMBER