-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueInventing the Future with SEL
Two years after launching its state-of-the-art PCB facility, SEL shares lessons in vision, execution, and innovation, plus insights from industry icons and technology leaders shaping the future of PCB fabrication.
Sales: From Pitch to PO
From the first cold call to finally receiving that first purchase order, the July PCB007 Magazine breaks down some critical parts of the sales stack. To up your sales game, read on!
The Hole Truth: Via Integrity in an HDI World
From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Flex: Just What the Doctor Ordered for Medical Devices
February 22, 2016 | Dave Becker, All FlexEstimated reading time: 1 minute

Medical devices represent one of the fastest growing electronic markets in the United States. The drive for reduced space and weight, added functionality, and reduced cost has driven the adoption of a wide array of custom flexible circuits. The design freedom offered by this three-dimensional interconnect supports the packaging design requirements for a myriad of diverse applications within the medical electronic market. The adoption of flexible circuitry in medical devices goes back to the early 1970s, when companies like Cardiac Pacemakers and Medtronic used flex circuitry for implantable pacemakers and implantable defibrillators. As electronics and packaging advanced, medical products enjoyed a tremendous growth both in the U.S. and overseas. This growth will most certainly continue as new and innovative products, with increasingly demanding electronic requirements, challenge product designers to add functionality within smaller and smarter devices. Today flexible circuits are found in many medical applications:
- Implantable medical devices: These include pacemakers, defibrillators, neurological implants and cochlear implants (hearing). These devices are surgically implanted in the human body. Product requirements are extreme reliability, long life cycle, light weight, biocompatibility and compact size.
- Non-implantable medical devices: Hearing aids, drug dispensing systems, and external defibrillators (attached to patient) are examples of this medical application. These devices are generally worn or attached to the skin of the patient.
- Monitoring devices: These products include portable and wearable electronics that monitor heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and blood sugar rate. Also included in this category are bedside monitoring devices.
- Diagnostic equipment: This category includes equipment for ultrasound scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography scanning (CAT scan), X-rays and a variety of other types of equipment to aid in detecting and diagnosing health problems.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the January 2016 issue of The PCB Magazine.
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Kopin Announces $9 Million Follow-On Contract for Defense Thermal Imaging Assembly
08/14/2025 | BUSINESS WIREKopin Corporation, a leading provider of application-specific optical systems and high-performance microdisplays for defense, training, industrial, consumer and medical products, today announced the award of an approximate $9 million follow-on production contract in support of a custom thermal imaging assembly build for a major U.S. defense prime contractor.
Mouser Electronics Receives Top Global Distributor, Growth Awards from HARTING
08/01/2025 | Mouser ElectronicsMouser Electronics, Inc., the authorized global distributor with the newest electronic components and industrial automation products, has been honored with HARTING's prestigious Global High Service Distributor of the Year Award. Mouser also received the Distinguished Award for New Product Sales Growth. The awards were presented at HARTING's recent 2025 Distribution Summit in Louisville, Kentucky.
DigiKey Expands Inventory with Over 32,000 Stocking NPIs in Q2 2025
07/31/2025 | Digi-KeyDigiKey, the leading global electronic components and automation products distributor, extensively expanded its in-stock products available for same-day shipment by adding more than 32,000 innovative new product introductions (NPIs) in the second quarter of 2025.
It’s Only Common Sense: Selling to Today's Generation of Buyers
06/30/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseMillennials and Gen Z hold significant purchasing power and influence in industries worldwide. Selling to them requires adapting to their unique preferences, behaviors, and values, and exploring their buying habits, embracing their emphasis on social values, and mastering digital communication. Unlike previous generations, they prioritize experiences, sustainability, and value.
Adeon Technologies Signs Agreement as Distribution and Service Partner for PMT Global
06/13/2025 | Adeon Technologies BVAdeon Technologies has signed an agreement as Distribution and Service partner with PMT Global from Germany for its high precision measurement range of products.