Robust Electronics
peter.leisner@acreo.se
Since 2001 Acreo is leading the Center for Robust Electronics in Jönköping as a cooperation with
Jönköping University and regional industry. Within the area of robust electronics wearable electronic products are identified as an important growing segment where Acreo has a strong position.
As a consequence of the increased use of embedded systems in products ranging from consumer products to the most advanced mechatronic systems, there is a pronounced need for developing robust electronics that can withstand harsh environments. Robust electronics is a multi-disciplinary research area including electronics, mechanics, material science, chemistry and applied mathematics. The challenge is to combine knowledge from the different disciplines to create durable engineering solutions.
In order to develop cost-effective products for harsh environments it is important from the earliest phase of the product development to recognise the actual demands on the final product. To succeed it is essential to formulate a sufficient, but not exaggerated specification and to select the right materials and processes.
Virtual tools are widely used in our prototyping of products for harsh environment applications. This allows us e.g. to find correlations and resolve possible conflicts between EMC, thermal and mechanical solutions in the early phase of the system design, which contributes to the robustness of the final product.
Thermal management is one of the most important issues in modern electronics. Acreo covers thermal and mechanical modelling as well as thermal laboratory tests.
Using knowledge in material science and process technology we identify and verify material combinations and manufacturing techniques.
In embedded electronic systems low-cost materials and processes are demanded. We develop cost-effective process technology for replication of precision structures based on electroforming, injection moulding and different coating and patterning techniques.