Capacitive and illumination systems based on printed and hybrid electronics

Abstract

Functional electronic systems have been screen- or inkjet-printed on different plastic substrates, including polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate and polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene blends. Mutual capacitive sensors were designed and printed on flexible substrates and the capacitive response and functionality of the printed sensor with integrated passive electronic components was demonstrated. The applicability of both, inkjet printing and screen printing for the development of such capacitive sensors was evaluated. The influence of the substrate, sensor design and the printing technique parameters on both printability and functionality are discussed. Further, a flexible illumination system was developed, where the printed circuit was combined with surface mounted light emitting diodes and integrated circuits. Finally, the developed capacitive sensors and the illumination system were connected to each other to demonstrate the connectivity and interoperability of the different printed circuit components.