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World's First Ultra-Thin Multilayer Circuit Board

Posted by Hemos on from the first-to-the-post dept.

neutron_p writes "Seiko Epson has developed the world's first 20-layer circuit board. Multilayer circuit boards are normally produced by using a photolithography. However, the industry has struggled to produce thin, lightweight, high-density multilayer circuit boards. Seiko Epson uses an inkjet-based manufacturing process, which has many advantages over a traditional photolithography process."

3 of 126 comments (clear)

  1. Printed boards by keithdowsett · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I can see a couple of limitations which aren't discussed in the article.

    Firstly, thin layers of silver particles mean very limited power supplies. The thin layers of insulation will also limit the working voltage. This can be overcome so some extent by printing multiple layers, but that may cause problems in the drying/curing process.

    Secondly, the thin layer of insulation will result in significantly higher capacitance between layers. This will probably limit high frequency applications and result in every other layer being a ground plane to limit coupling in other applications.

    Still, it's a step in the right direction.

    Keith.

  2. dont you understand???? by diablomonic · · Score: 5, Interesting

    no one seems to be picking up on the implications of INKJET PRINTABLE ELECTRONICS :: Open Source Hardware!!!!! download a design for a gadget off 'hardforge', print it out, and away you go. Dont like a design feature on the latest open ipod clone: change it yourself and print a personal custom model.

    --
    watch "the money masters" on google video
  3. Not the first 20 layer board by ghereheade · · Score: 5, Informative

    As someone that has done many circuit board designs over the years, I can say that this is _not_ the first 20 layer PWB. Many backplanes for large systems are built with 20 layer or more.

    What looks to be new is the fast, cheap, and hopefully environmentaly friendly way to make boards. Also, from the picture, this has to be the thinnest 20 layer board by far - a distinct advantage in light weight hand held devices. But the thin board raises some questions for board designers such as "what is the trace impedance". However, that's one of many details that we won't know the answer to until the technology is commercialized (oooo, a nounized verb!!!)