Computer & Consumer Electronics

Having the ability to replace several components in a circuit board product is one of the many advantages MID technology can provide, as well as integrating mechanical and electrical functions into a single component. Having this kind of an advantage can make a consumer electronics product more cost competitive, as well as improve product reliability. MID technology gives a product designer or manufacturer the flexibility of creating circuit patterns across multiple planes to allow for better spacing. The saved space means shortened assembly time and a reduction in the final products component count. Extra space created across the circuit board also can be used to replace components such as connectors, wire harnesses, and lamp holder devices.

An example of an MID application which used multi-planar 3D circuit geometry to minimize space usage and reduce component count is the Microsoft Joystick Switchmount. This MID component overcame the problem of needing to mount and interconnect eight switches and eight diodes over four planes. The solution provided electrical pathways and mounting pads over multiple planes, eliminating 16 separate wires and four circuit boards, as well as providing a significant labor reduction. The component was manufactured in high volume production with the volume exceeding 2.5 million parts.

Other consumer products such as the Digitizer Pressure-Sensitive Pen have shown growth and potential after making the switch to MID. In the special case of this product, the use of MID led to a reduction in the total parts count, boosted reliability, and increases production capacity. MID technology eliminated labor-intensive wiring within the pen assembly, and replaced stamped parts, clips for batteries, and contacts for switches. In addition, a decrease in the amount of hand soldering was realized which reduced the chance for interconnect failures. The pen's end uses included pen-based computers, personal digital assistants, and digitizer pens for CAD and graphics work.