Communications of the ACM
Imec Leads Development of Stretchable Electronic Fabrics
IMEC is leading a smart textiles project that is focusing on making electronic packages conform to the properties of textiles, rather than weaving rigid electrical components into fabrics. This new type of electrical component integration, which builds on the results of the European Union-funded stretchable electronics development program, could lead to high-volume manufacturing of smart textiles, says IMEC's Johan De Baets.
The integrating Platform for Advanced Smart Textile Applications (PASTA) project will demonstrate a conductive fiber with small micro-machined silicon dyes integrated into the yarn. The fabric will include a stretchable interposer that will serve as a stress-relief interface between the rigid component and elastic fabric, and also will feature stretchable electrical interconnections.
PASTA will use the technology in light-emitting diode integrated fabrics for safety signs, in strain-gauge embedded textiles for safety monitoring, in bright light shirts for visibility when cycling, and for humidity-detecting hospital bed sheets.
From The Engineer
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