Abstract: A method of forming a conductive trace that includes steps of A) selecting a substrate, B) providing a jet dispenser, C) selecting a conductive ink, D) measuring the ink's viscosity (Vm), E) using Vm to select one of criteria (i)-(iv), F) applying the selected criteria to the dispenser, and G) applying the ink onto the substrate; and drying, curing, or annealing the ink to form the conductive trace having ?4B adhesion. The criteria (i)-(iv) include: (i) (Vm) >2.0 Pa-s, then (1) add a fluid—repeat D)-E) or (2) repeat C)-E); (ii) 2.0 Pa-s?Vm>0.35 Pa-s, use needle diameter ?3.0 mm & nozzle diameter (d) ?0.15 mm with ratio of nozzle length (L) to nozzle diameter (d) ?30; (iii) Vm<0.25 Pa-s, use a needle diameter ?1.0 mm and <3.0 mm & nozzle diameter ?0.15 mm with L/d ?30; or (iv) 0.25 Pa-s?Vm?0.35 Pa-s, use criteria (ii) or (iii).

Abstract: A method of forming a conductive trace that includes selecting a substrate, jet dispenser, and conductive ink; measuring the ink's viscosity (Vm); using Vm to select one of criteria (i)-(iv): applying the selected criteria to the dispenser; applying the ink onto the substrate; and drying, curing, or annealing the ink to form the conductive trace having ?4B adhesion. The criteria (i)-(iv) including: (i) (Vm)>2.0 Pa-s, then (1) add a fluid—repeat D)-E) or (2) repeat C)-E); (ii) 2.0 Pa-s?Vm>0.35 Pa-s, use needle diameter ?3.0 mm & nozzle diameter (d)?0.15 mm with ratio of nozzle length (L) to nozzle diameter (d)?30; (iii) Vm<0.25 Pa-s, use a needle diameter ?1.0 mm and <3.0 mm & nozzle diameter ?0.15 mm with L/d?30; or (iv) 0.25 Pa-s?Vm?0.35 Pa-s, use criteria (ii) or (iii).

Abstract: An inductor that includes an electrically conductive construct, wherein the electrically conductive construct includes a first layer having a predetermined geometry, wherein the first layer includes at least one conductive material such as a metal; and a second layer oriented parallel to the first layer, wherein the second layer includes at least one soft ferrite, and wherein the second layer is configured in a co-planar arrangement with the first layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a conductive trace that includes selecting a substrate, jet dispenser, and conductive ink; measuring the ink's viscosity (Vm); using Vm to select one of criteria (i)-(iv): applying the selected criteria to the dispenser; applying the ink onto the substrate; and drying, curing, or annealing the ink to form the conductive trace having ?4B adhesion. The criteria (i)-(iv) including: (i) (Vm)>2.0 Pa-s, then (1) add a fluid—repeat D)-E) or (2) repeat C)-E); (ii) 2.0 Pa-s?Vm>0.35 Pa-s, use needle diameter?3.0 mm & nozzle diameter (d)?0.15 mm with ratio of nozzle length (L) to nozzle diameter (d)?30; (iii) Vm<0.25 Pa-s, use a needle diameter?1.0 mm and <3.0 mm & nozzle diameter?0.15 mm with L/d?30; or (iv) 0.25 Pa-s?Vm?0.35 Pa-s, use criteria (ii) or (iii).

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitter and ultrasonic receiver include a piezoelectric layer and at least one conductive layer comprising metal nanoparticles. The metal nanoparticles may be a silver nanoparticle, copper nanoparticle, gold nanoparticle, palladium nanoparticle, nickel nanoparticle, and the mixture thereof. Use of metal nanoparticles as a conductive layer provides for ultrasonic transmitters or receivers with smooth, dense, and highly conductive electrodes, thus resulting in reduced ultrasonic energy loss and improved image quality.

Abstract: A method of connecting a wire to a conductive trace formed on a substrate having a predetermined softening point and the functional layered composite formed therefrom. The method comprises applying a conductive ink onto the substrate; curing, drying, or sintering the conductive ink to form the conductive trace with at least one connection pad; applying an activated rosin-type flux and solder to the connection pad and to one end of a metallic wire; placing the end of the wire in contact with the connection pad; applying a source of heat to the wire; melting the solder material to form an interconnection between the wire and the connection pad; removing the source of heat; and allowing the interconnection to cool before moving the wire. The melting point of the solder is either below the softening point of the substrate or above the softening point by about 20° C. or less.

Abstract: A metal clad circuit board includes a metal substrate. A dielectric layer is applied to the metal substrate. A conductive seed layer is printed on the dielectric layer. A conductive circuit layer is plated onto the conductive seed layer. Optionally, the conductive seed layer may be inkjet printed on the dielectric layer. Alternatively, the conductive seed layer may be pad printed on the dielectric layer. Optionally, the dielectric layer may be powder coated to the metal substrate. The dielectric layer may include polymers and fillers compression molded to the metal substrate. Optionally, the conductive circuit layer may be electroplated to the conductive seed layer. Optionally, a solder mask may be applied over the conductive circuit layer.

Abstract: A metal clad circuit board includes a metal substrate. A dielectric layer is applied to the metal substrate. A conductive seed layer is printed on the dielectric layer. A conductive circuit layer is plated onto the conductive seed layer. Optionally, the conductive seed layer may be inkjet printed on the dielectric layer. Alternatively, the conductive seed layer may be pad printed on the dielectric layer. Optionally, the dielectric layer may be powder coated to the metal substrate. The dielectric layer may include polymers and fillers compression molded to the metal substrate. Optionally, the conductive circuit layer may be electroplated to the conductive seed layer. Optionally, a solder mask may be applied over the conductive circuit layer.

Abstract: A switch comprises two substrates coated with conductive elements opposed to each other across a gap. At least one of the conductive elements comprises an intrinsically conductive polymer. The switch completes an electrical circuit when one of substrates is pressed toward the other of the substrates and the two conductive elements touch. The polarity applied to the intrinsically conductive polymer coating is, preferably, negative. The voltage applied to the electrical circuit, is, preferably, less than five volts; more preferably, the voltage applied to the electrical circuit is less than three volts; even more preferably, the voltage applied to the electrical circuit is less than one volt.