New IPC Standards for E-Textiles
The IPC is releasing a new set of standards to help bring the next generation of e-textile technology to modern products. As more companies begin to integrate e-textiles into their products, new standards will become increasingly necessary. Read on to find out the importance of standards, the standards that are currently being enforced, and what the new standards mean for e-textiles.
Why We Need Standards
Standardization is a vital component in the widespread commercialization of e-textiles. For one, it is the key to sustainable development of e-textiles. Also, standards must be in place to ensure the safety of the technology, as well as quality control. It has also been said by several sources that a lack of standards for assembly of electronic components can reduce the performance of e-textile systems. This is something large automotive manufacturers and other industrial titans cannot risk.
Standards Currently in Place
The IPC has already put forth two standards for e-textiles; IPC-8921, Requirements for Woven and Knitted Electronic Textiles Integrated with Conductive Fiber, Conductive Yarns, and/or Wires, and IPC/JCPA-8911, Requirements for Conductive Yarns for E-Textile Applications. IPC-8921 was released in May of 2019, and outlines 20 terms and definitions for e-textiles. This standard also establishes classifications for e-textiles that are made with e-fiber, e-yarns, and e-wires. Additionally, this standard highlights the key characteristics and test methods for e-textiles.
IPC/JCPA-8911 identifies e-textile categories and establishes a classification system, as well as quality control requirements and test methods for conductive yarns. This standard also touches on best practices for conductive materials production.
New E-Textile Standards
There are three new standards created by the IPC that have either already been implemented or will be implemented in 2023. The standards are IPC-8952, IPC-8971, IPC-8981. Here are descriptions of each standard:
IPC-8952 – Design Standard for Printed Electronics on Coated or Treated Textiles or E-Textiles
European-based standard that outlines specific requirements for the design of printed electronic applications and their forms of component mounting and interconnecting structures on coated or treated textile substrates. Coated or treated textile substrates, as pertain to this standard, are textile substrates which have or will have a coating or treatment localized or across the full substrate.
IPC-8971 – Requirements for Electrical Testing of Printed Electronic E-Textiles
Establishes requirements for electrical testing printed electronic e-textiles, including selecting the test analyzer, test parameters, test data, and fixturing required to perform electrical testing. This standard also provides e-textile manufacturers with guidance for electrical test setup, test techniques and test equipment. This standard is set to be officially completed by this summer.
IPC-8981 – Quality and Reliability of E-Textile Wearables
This standard will establish required testing and reliability expectations for e-textile wearables. An e-textile wearable, as pertains to this standard, will be any wearable product that is a complete system utilizing non-electrical textiles and e-textiles (woven, knitted, printed, etc.) with attached/connected functional components, sensors, devices, etc. A first task of the working group will be to clearly define an e-textiles wearable as well as to define other e-textiles structures that could be part of a system (wires on textile, laminated, conductive polymers, sensors, actuators, etc.).
What This Means for E-Textiles
IPC standards are essential to the development of modern electronics, and are at the foundation of innovation. Without these standards, new e-textile products cannot be made. The first two standards created for e-textiles, IPC-8921 and IPC/JCPA-8911, have played key roles in the performance of e-textiles, as well as the construction of e-textiles that utilize conductive yarns and/or wires. The three newest standards, IPC-8952, IPC-8971, and IPC-8981 will play an equally significant role in the design of e-textiles that feature printed electronics, and wearable technology that incorporates e-textiles components.. Suffice to say, e-textiles are about to get bigger and better than ever before.
What This Means for Other Industries
New standards for e-textiles mean two things: improved technology and more advanced products. For wearables specifically, IPC-8981 is especially exciting; since there are not currently any standards for wearables that utilize e-textile technology. There is IEC/UL 62368-1, which covers the safety and performance standards for wellness wearables and non-medical wearables. However, this standard does not cover the performance of wearables that utilize e-textiles. Thanks to these new standards, industries such as automotive and healthcare can begin to integrate e-textiles into more of their products—and do so with peace of mind. Lack of standards has been the primary obstacle for companies who wish to use e-textiles. Additionally, producing products with these components—if they do not possess the necessary safety and design standards--can be risky business.
To learn more about the IPC and their standardization activities, head over to their website, and get involved in their e-textiles initiative here.
Other posts worth a read:
E-Textiles in the Automotive Industry
The Importance of Standardization for E-Textiles