Feb 18, 2021 
In this abstract, we will explore testing methodologies relevant to the new age of flexible circuits for 2021.
For years the means to test flexible circuits or Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) have varied. From very simple and straight forward continuity and isolation testing seen in traditional printed circuit board (PCB) substrates using grid testers to now flying probe testers offering the end-user/contract manufacturer or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) more flexibility in the production process of these circuits. However, time is not 1999 anymore. FHE's have become a standard product in almost anything electronic built today. From wearables, smart devices, to 5G products. They are not only the highway of signals connecting one device to another but these highways have now embedded components built-in along with RF circuitry and other proprietary OEM intelligence.
This paper will explore production methods and challenges to test FHE that are now approaching millions and millions of units per month. A customer use case will be explored along with the technical requirements now being requested of many OEMs for the testing of their FHE's. These techniques and solutions will give the production manager, test manager and/or operations manager an alternative over legacy strategies that have not kept up with the current market demands thus providing a better return on investment and commercialization for the end product using FHE's.
Founded in 1986, Seica S.p.A. is an innovative, high technology company that develops and manufactures leading-edge solutions for the test and selective soldering of electronic boards and modules. Combining deep expertise in electronics technology as well as in industrial machines and processes has enabled Seica to become a global leader and supplier of test and manufacturing solutions, with an installed base of more than 2300 systems on 4 different continents. Seica has fully embraced the concept of Industry 4.0, developing solutions to monitor and collect information from machines and industrial plants to enable the optimization of manufacturing processes, maintenance and energy management.
