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28 The PCB Magazine • July 2014 PCB. The total PCB temperature is lower, not only at the components. It is expected that the PCBs with embedded components are operated at a lower tempera- ture. This will result in an extended operating life of the electronic device. An OEM and or EMS company can use this benefit to show a larger number of hours for the MTBF. This will be a reliability argument when it comes to prod- uct life expectation and will be, in many cases, a strong sales argument and it indicates a com- mitment to quality. The component embedding technology of- fers an additional benefit in protection against environmental contamination, dust, humidity, gases and various chemicals. Encapsulating in epoxy resin can, under certain circumstances, replace housing, improve EMC shielding, help in miniaturisation and improve the thermal properties of the electronic devices. Impact of European Commission on Embedded Innovation To understand the opportunity for technical innovation, it is important to consider the mar- kets the European industry in operating in. As countries operating under EU legal administra- tion, it is important to adapt to the legal chang- es in Europe since the European Union was, in its present form, implemented in 1992 [11] . The 24 official languages in the EU can make communication difficult, but although about 20% of the population in Europe speak German, it is widely recognised that English is the language of business [12] . In Europe, the German-speaking counties represent a large section of the industrial pro- duction and it is recommended to communicate in the local languages. This is very important at the new electronics development stage when new products are being designed. In addition it Figure 11: leds embedded in ccl survive exposure to chemicals and water/humidity very well. in this sample, the illuminated led strips are partially in water for more than five years, without damage [2] . DEvICE EMBEDDING IN PCBS: EvOLUTION OR REvOLUTION? continues