Mini PCBs Scrub For Medical Chores

Addressing the trend towards miniaturization and digitization in medical technology, AT&S introduces its latest miniature printed circuit boards (PCBs). These components are considered suitable for use in medical therapy, i.e., hearing aids, neurostimulation, pacemakers, prostheses, etc.), for the monitoring of vital signs, and for diagnosis and imaging. AT&S is reportedly one of the few printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturers that is certified to EN ISO 13485, the standard for medical devices.

The miniaturization of medical assemblies requires extremely small interconnect solutions and therefore very small PCB dimensions, with corresponding challenges, e.g. the conductor track widths and distances are currently only 50 μm and are getting smaller and smaller. By way of comparison, the thickness of a human hair measures between 80 μm and 120 μm. The electrical connections of the individual layers are realized using minute 'stacked vias'. A technological challenge here is the small annular rings around the vias produced using lasers. Thanks to years of experience and high positioning accuracy, designs with 150 μm pad size and 50 μm annular ring are already possible today.

 

The solder resist also must be positioned very precisely. It is also important to note that the polyimide composite expands or shrinks during processing. This effect must be minimized or compensated as far as possible. On the one hand, comprehensive expertise and, on the other hand, the use of modern manufacturing techniques and materials are essential to be able to meet all these exacting requirements in the production process in a reproducible and reliable manner.

 

For more information, visit AT&S.