Surface-mount manufacturing for E- textile circuits

Md Tahmidul Islam Molla, Steven Goodman, Nicholas Schleif, Mary Ellen Berglund, Cade Zacharias, Crystal Compton, Lucy E. Dunne

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

Stitched methods of e-textile fabrication offer durability and flexibility benefits, as well as relatively un-constrained layout patterns. The ability to affix discrete component packages without a PCB substrate would improve the overall flexibility and comfort of an e-textile garment. However, that level of integration between electronic and apparel manufacturing processes is difficult to achieve. Here we present the development of a stitched method of fabricating e-textile circuits with surface-mount components. The technique leverages technologies and methods common to sewn product manufacturing. Using a simulated high-intensity wear test, we evaluate the durability of this method for circuit architecture variables of component size, trace width, and trace orientation, as well as for methodological variables of solder deposition technique and reflow process. We show durability of 3% failure after a 14-hour wear test for the best manufacturing conditions. Further, we implement the manufacturing technique in an LED matrix display application.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationISWC 2017 - Proceedings of the 2017 ACM International Symposium on Wearable Computers
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
Pages18-25
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781450351881
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 11 2017
Event29th ACM International Symposium on Wearable Computers, ISWC 2017 - Maui, United States
Duration: Sep 11 2017Sep 15 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings - International Symposium on Wearable Computers, ISWC
VolumePart F130534
ISSN (Print)1550-4816

Conference

Conference29th ACM International Symposium on Wearable Computers, ISWC 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMaui
Period9/11/179/15/17

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Association for Computing Machinery.

Keywords

  • E-textiles
  • SMD fabrication
  • Smart clothing
  • Wearable technology

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