HyPerStripes – Hybrid Integrated High Performance Electronic Stripes

Context & Aim

HyPerStripes (Hybrid Integrated High-Performance Electronic Stripes) is a project developing long and flexible electronic systems to replace conventional wiring systems and circuit boards in applications like medical instruments and LED lighting.

While advances in miniaturisation and flexible electronics have led to sophisticated medical devices, these devices are however still connected to electrical and optical components using old wiring methods that are done by hand. This kind of wiring is expensive, poses reliability concerns and affects the overall optimal performance of the manufacturing process. The development of a long flexible thin stripes integrated with different hybrid electronics could solve these problems and close the innovation loop for this type of devices. The technologies for these long flexible stripes can also facilitate new applications in the field of LED lighting.

HyPerStripes aims to create cost-effective manufacturing methods using roll-to-roll processing, and integration of electronic components on very long flexible web substrates. This will improve product performance and sustainability for global competitiveness in flexible electronics production.

The project also aims to create an open and centralised technology platform for the transmission of R&D knowledge already present within the European Union in this domain into industrial production. This will edge Europe closer to being a top player in the flexible electronics manufacturing space.

In HyPerStripes, IMR is responsible for the environmental sustainability evaluation of the solution. We are utilising life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to assess and compare the production technologies developed in the project. We are also conducting a comparative sustainability assessment of the HyPerStripes solution with state-of-the-art alternatives already in the market.

Project Key Figures

• Total budget: €14,799,000
• EU Funding: PENTA-EURIPIDES
• Duration: 3 years
• Partners: 16 partners from three European countries.

Project Partners

Germany

• Institut für Mikroelektronik Stuttgart
• Fraunhofer EMFT
• NanoWired GmbH
• Capical GmbH
• Schmoll Maschinen GmbH
• Würth – Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG
• Technische Universität Dresden
• OSYPKA AG

Netherlands

• Philips Electronics Nederland BV
• Philips Healthcare
• Reden BV
• Salvia BioElectronics BV
• Signify
• TNO

Ireland

• Integer
• Irish Manufacturing Research