Originally Published EMDM
October 2003
Technology News
High-Density Packaging Enables Next-Generation Devices |
| Art of Technology developed the electronics for a wristwatch-size blood glucose monitor. |
Device OEMs designing miniature medical electronic products are in a perpetual quest to reduce package size and trim development costs. While application-specific integrated circuits may offer a single-chip solution in some cases, the cost can be prohibitive. For most devices, multiple interconnected integrated circuits will continue to be the norm. Under these circumstances, high-density packaging (HDP) offers tangible benefits. The technology enables size reductions up to 80% compared with conventional printed circuit board techniques. It is also an economical option, even for small- to medium-quantity production runs.
Traditionally, integrated circuits (ICs) are mounted on a carrier, which is then mounted on a PCB. Multichip modules (MCMs)—a form of HDP, although the terms are often used interchangeably—eliminate the IC carrier; the bare die is mounted directly on the PCB. In addition to a size reduction, the technology also results in improved performance because of fewer circuit delays.
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| As shown in this illustration of a printed wire board, electronic assemblies can combine high-density packaging techniques with traditional technologies (Click to enlarge). |
Large electronics firms have used MCMs for many years. In fact, they were first developed nearly 40 years ago to improve the performance of mainframe computers. But smaller companies generally have not had access to the technology. To promote the use of HDP technologies among small to medium size companies, the European Union established the Europractice programme in 1998. The electronics laboratory at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich was deeply involved in the project, and it led to the formation of a spin-off company, Art of Technology (AoT), in 1999. AoT continues to carry the torch for the technology, offering consulting and contract services related to the use of HDP technologies to small EU companies.
AoT was responsible for the design and development of the electronics of a wrist-wearable noninvasive blood glucose monitor. Similar in size to a watch, the Pendra is marketed by Swiss medical device OEM Pendragon Medical AG. It is one of several wearable medical monitoring devices that AoT is helping to develop.
HDP can benefit such devices as pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, endoscopes, drug dispensers, and hearing aids, according to AoT. In the near future, the company predicts that HDP technology will enable the development of wristwatch-size devices that can perform multiple complex diagnostic functions.
Laura Angela Bagnetto
Copyright ©2003 European Medical Device Manufacturer
