Sumitomo Electric has successfully developed Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) for LED applications that can tolerate high temperature of 150 degrees Celsius, according to a report by Nikkei.

The new FPC is developed and manufactured by Sumitomo Electric subsidiary Sumitomo Electric Printed Circuit and sold by Sumitomo Electric. The company is currently offering samples to clients.

Most FPC on the market is only suitable for applications below 100 degrees Celsius, according to Sumitomo Electric. In high temperatures above 150 degrees Celsius, the average FPC quickly deteriorates, causing the insulator film adhesion to be severely damaged in a very short period. The new FPC improves thermal resistance of materials used in the bonding agent coating. By using thermal resistant polyimide in bonding agents, FPC deterioration under high temperatures can be prevented.

Sumitomo Electric tested the new product under three thermal resistant conditions: 

1. Exposing the product to 150 degrees Celsius air.
2. Placing the product under high temperature and humidity (85 degrees Celsius, -85% RH).
3. Submerging the product in 150 degrees Celsius oil.

The experiments proved, after the first 3,000 hours, the new products met requirements for bonding coat adhesion strength under the Japan Petrochemical Industry Association (JPCA) regulation of 3.4 N/cm. Besides LED lighting, the FPC can also be applied in automotive power transmission circuits, where high thermal resistance is required.