BANNOCKBURN, IL — IPC has released a new standard that defines the makeup and testing of electronics textiles.

Developed through input from 140 members of the IPC D-72 Textiles Materials Subcommittee, IPC-8921, Requirements for Woven and Knitted Electronics Textiles (E-Textiles) Integrated with Conductive Fibers, Conductive Yarns and/or Wires, establishes classifications and designations for e-textiles integrated with e-fibers, e-yarns and e-wires and standardizes key characteristics, durability testing and industry test methods. Key characteristics include electrical resistance, electromagnetic immunity, thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, specific heat capacity, thermal shock resistance, outgassing, Tg and melting point.

IPC-8921 includes 20 new terms and definitions for e-textiles and will set quality assurance provisions and test frequency. It is the first baseline compilation that merges the textile industry and the electronic performance attributes in one document. When used as a benchmark of e-textile performance, products can be analyzed and compared for use in any application. Development expectations and outcomes can be shared between user and seller for transparency.

“We are thrilled to release IPC-8921,” said Stephanie Rodgers, director of advanced product development, Apex Mills, and co-chair of the IPC D-72 Textiles Materials Subcommittee. “This is an international standard representing the collective knowledge of OEMs/Brands, EMS companies, electronic and product design teams, materials suppliers, academia, test laboratories and designers. In the rapidly changing field of e-textiles, we are proud to provide best practices for the industry.”

For more information, visit https://shop.ipc.org/IPC-8921-English-D.