Improved Harness Technology™
Amphenol Trackwise specialises in flexible PCB manufacturing, producing single-layer and multilayer flexible printed circuits (FPCs) using its patented* Improved Harness Technology™ (IHT) manufacturing process. IHT enables Trackwise to manufacture flexible printed circuits of any length at its facility in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, UK.
Products manufactured using IHT can offer significant weight and space savings, increased repeatability and reliability, and reduced assembly time.
IHT flexible printed circuits can be:
- Multilayer or single-layer
- Used as point-to-point interconnects or carry SMDs to become APCBs
- Manufactured to withstand harsh environments, from -110°C to 260°C and 40g RMS vibration
- Fine enough to replace microwires in medical catheters and endoscopes, using less than 100μm track and gap.
Length-Unlimited Multilayer Flexible PCBs
In weight and size-sensitive applications, multilayer flexible PCBs manufactured using Improved Harness Technology™ can provide a lightweight, space-saving alternative to traditional wiring harnesses. IHT enables Amphenol Trackwise to manufacture flexible multilayer printed circuit boards without the length restrictions associated with conventional PCB production.
Trackwise’s patented manufacturing process transforms traditionally static PCB manufacturing processes into dynamic, roll-to-roll processes, enabling the production of long-length flexible printed circuits for applications where conventional panel sizes would otherwise be restrictive.
In July 2026, Amphenol Trackwise announced the successful manufacture of a 100-metre multilayer flexible circuit for an industrial customer. Manufactured using IHT, the circuit demonstrates Trackwise’s ability to produce ultra-long flexible electronics beyond conventional PCB panel sizes.
When used as an alternative to traditional wiring harnesses, IHT can provide benefits in weight, space, reliability and repeatability while reducing the need for intermediate connections.
*European Patent No. 2810543, UK Patent No: GB2498994, US Patent No: US2015108084, Canada Patent No: 2862772, Brazil Patent No: BR1120140190330, China Patent No: ZL201380011859.6
Applications of Improved Harness Technology™
Improved Harness Technology™ can be applied across a range of industries where weight, space, length and repeatability are important considerations. Amphenol Trackwise uses IHT to manufacture flexible printed circuits for applications across aerospace, automotive, medical, and scientific & industrial markets.
Aerospace
Length-unlimited flexible printed circuits can provide a lightweight, space-saving alternative to conventional aircraft wiring harnesses, with applications spanning extended distances across aerospace and avionics systems.
Automotive
IHT flexible printed circuits are particularly suited to alternative power vehicles and battery packs, where they can be used for high-voltage power and control circuits while reducing the weight and space associated with conventional wire harnesses.
Medical
Ultra-long and finely etched flexible printed circuits can support catheter-based and minimally invasive medical applications, where compact dimensions, flexibility and increasingly complex electronics are required.
Scientific & Industrial
IHT provides long-length flexible printed circuit solutions for specialist scientific and industrial applications where conventional PCB dimensions may be restrictive.
Patents
- UK Patent Number GB2498994 – granted March 2014
- US Patent Number US2015108084 – granted January 2016
- China Patent Number ZL201380011859.6 – granted April 2018
- EU Patent Number 2810543 – granted August 2019
- Canada Patent Number 2862772 – granted July 2020
- Brazil Patent Number BR1120140190330 – granted December 2021
WHITE PAPERS
For more information regarding replacing shielded twisted pairs with flex, please visit our White Papers page to download the PDF.
Improved Harness Technology™ FAQs
Improved Harness Technology™ (IHT) is Amphenol Trackwise’s patented manufacturing process for producing long-length, multilayer flexible printed circuits (FPCs). The process transforms traditionally static PCB manufacturing processes into dynamic, roll-to-roll processes, allowing flexible circuits to be manufactured without conventional length restrictions.
IHT enables Amphenol Trackwise to manufacture length-unlimited multilayer flexible PCBs, with the required length determined by the specific application. In 2026, Amphenol Trackwise successfully manufactured a 100-metre multilayer flexible circuit using IHT for an industrial customer.
Yes. Flexible printed circuits were developed as a lightweight, space-saving alternative to traditional wire harnesses. IHT flexible PCBs can reduce weight and physical volume while providing digitally defined routing and connections that improve repeatability and reduce the number of assembly steps required.
Conventional PCB manufacturing processes such as drilling, imaging, pressing and plating are traditionally static. IHT transforms these into dynamic processes through modifications to existing PCB and roll-to-roll electrolaminate equipment and manufacturing techniques, enabling the production of long-length flexible printed circuits.
Amphenol Trackwise can manufacture IHT flexible circuits using materials including PI, PTFE, PEEK and FR4 for semi-flex applications. Conductor options include copper up to 2oz and aluminium for lightweight GND applications. Not all materials are available in roll form, so requirements should be discussed with the Trackwise team.
Improved Harness Technology™ can be used across applications in aerospace, automotive, medical, and scientific & industrial markets. IHT is particularly suited to applications where factors such as weight, space, circuit length and repeatability are important considerations.