An automated process for inclusion of package dies and circuitry within a textile yarn

Abstract

The integration of small electronic components into textile fabrics, without compromising the textile qualities such as flexibility and conformability, is necessary in ensuring wider adoption of electronic textiles. A solution is to use flexible, electronic yarns that incorporate electronic components within the fibers of the yarn. The production of these novel yarns was initially a craft skill, with inclusion of electronics within each section of yarn taking 60 - 90 minutes. A prototype, automated production process was developed to speed up the manufacturing process to 6 minutes. This paper describes the process, using machinery and methods from both electronics and textiles applications.