ADFlex Solutions Supplies Flexible Interconnects to IBM for ThinkPad 701C Subnotebook Computer

Strategic Insights -

ADFlex Solutions Inc. has announced that it is supplying flexible circuit-based interconnects to International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) for its new ThinkPad 701C subnotebook computer, also known as "Butterfly." This open-ended supply arrangement is expected to result in multimillion-dollar revenues for ADFlex over the next 18 months. The company has designed and is producing two flex-based interconnect assemblies: one linking the computer's liquid crystal display (LCD) to the main processor board, and the other connecting the hard disk drive to the computer's main board.

Key Takeaways:

  • ADFlex Solutions is supplying flexible circuit-based interconnects to IBM for the ThinkPad 701C subnotebook computer, with an estimated multimillion-dollar revenue potential over 18 months.
  • The company has designed and produced two key interconnect assemblies: one for the LCD and another for the hard disk drive.
  • The interconnects are electrically shielded by a flexible, low-cost, screened conductive link developed by ADFlex that meets radiated emissions requirements.
  • This deal showcases the importance of flex technology in enabling manufacturers to design smaller yet fully functional notebook computers and other products.
  • The initial sales of the ThinkPad 701C indicate that IBM has successfully met the demands for smaller and more functional products.
  • ADFlex Solutions is a leading U.S. supplier of flexible circuit-based interconnect solutions to the computer, computer peripheral, and communication industries.

Statistics:

  • Estimated multimillion-dollar revenue potential for ADFlex over 18 months: not specified
  • Number of flex-based interconnect assemblies designed and produced by ADFlex: 2
  • Frequency of radiated emissions met by the screened conductive link: not specified
  • Number of notebook computers that mention the importance of flex technology: 1 (the ThinkPad 701C)
  • Number of product categories that utilize flex-based interconnects, according to ADFlex Solutions: 6 (cellular telephones, hard disk drives, consumer products, notebook computers, pagers, and personal communications systems)

Sources:

  • ADFlex Solutions Inc. (April 4, 1995)
  • International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) (publisher not specified)
  • Silverman Heller Associates, Los Angeles (public relations firm)

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