Interconnection
World’s longest multilayer flexible printed circuit spans 26m wings of unmanned aerial vehicle
FPCs deliver critical 60 per cent weight saving over wire harness for power and control
T
rackwise has shipped a 26-metre long multilayer, flexible printed circuit (FPC), believed to be world’s longest
ever produced, for distributing power and control signals across the wings of a solar- powered, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The circuit is one of over fifty supplied by Trackwise into this vehicle. The entire interconnect system (power and signal) of the vehicle is made of FPCs representing an estimated total systems weight saving of 60 per cent over traditional wire harness. This will enable the UAV, which is being manufactured in the US, to achieve higher payload and/or improved speed and range. The FPCs are manufactured using Improved Harness Technology (IHT), a patented, reel-to-reel manufacturing technique. Conventional FPCs are rarely more than two metres in length, primarily due to limitations of manufacturing processes. IHT overcomes
these limitations, enabling FPCs of unlimited length to be produced. The UAV’s flexible circuit is based on a polyimide substrate. The planar structure of the circuit dissipates heat better than conventional wiring, enabling higher current carrying capacity for a given weight of copper conductor. Printed manufacturing ensures circuit consistency, fewer connection points are needed so reliability is enhanced, and the FPC is easier to install than wire harnesses, reducing a vehicle’s assembly time and cost. Trackwise CEO, Philip Johnston, says:
“There are many new applications emerging for long, lightweight FPCs but aerospace is a natural fit: weight savings, high reliability and cost effectiveness are critical. We’re also seeing growing interest from a variety of sectors including medical and automotive. For the latter,
There are many new applications emerging for long, lightweight FPCs and aerospace is a natural fit
manufacturers are challenged to reduce vehicle weight to improve fuel efficiency at a time when there’s an ever-growing array of electrical and electronic circuits
in their vehicles. In particular, electric vehicles are accelerating this trend.”
trackwise.co.uk
Latest range of precision RF and microwave adaptors I
ntelliconnect (Europe) Ltd, the UK based specialist manufacturer of RF and cryogenic connectors and cable assemblies is expanding its RF and Microwave precision connector and adaptor range. The company now offers a wider range than ever of high specification stainless steel connectors as well as in- series and between-series adaptors. Intelliconnect’s attenuators and adaptors
are used where signal integrity and quality are important, and a high level of reliability is required. Connector interfaces available include: N, SMA, TNC, 2.9mm, 2.4mm, BMA and SSMA types operating at high frequencies including 18, 40 or 50GHz. A recently introduced solderless
interconnect for semi rigid cables now features in the Intelliconnect precision range, and waterproof designs are available. Roy Phillips, managing director of Intelliconnect, comments,” We supply a
including wearable technology, medical, telecoms, satcoms, military, aerospace, space, general microwave
A recently introduced solderless interconnect for semi rigid cables now features in the Intelliconnect precision range
large range of very competitively priced RF, microwave and coaxial components and all of our products are designed and manufactured in our own UK and US factories. We supply both standard and custom products on competitive lead times and our recently awarded
SC21 Silver accreditation offers designers and buyers additional confidence in our products.” Accredited Living Wage employer Intelliconnect is the largest UK based manufacturer of RF and waterproof connectors suitable for applications
communications, rail traction, oil and gas and marine. Intelliconnect also manufacture the market leading Pisces range of waterproof RF connectors, coaxial adaptors to facilitate inter-series connection and gender change etc. dust- caps and offer value added services. Intelliconnect’s cable division are specialist manufacturers of affordable, high quality, high frequency microwave cables including triaxial assemblies, semi-rigid, semi-flexible and cryogenic cables as well as standard RG/LMR type products. Cables can be waterproofed to IP68 and include special features including phase matching and ruggedised assemblies for use in harsh environments.
intelliconnect.co.uk
www.cieonline.co.uk
Components in Electronics
April 2019 35
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