In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI)

Mechanical & Electrical Advantages Over Traditional IVI PCBs

Flexible PI-based IVI circuits outperform rigid FR4 PCBs in automotive infotainment systems by offering 90% higher vibration resistance (withstanding 15g RMS vibration) and 20% lower signal loss at 6 GHz, critical for 4K video and 5G connectivity (Consumer Technology Association, 2025). Mechanically, PI circuits withstand 80,000 temperature cycles (-40°C to 85°C) without solder joint failure, 2x more than FR4, which fails after 40,000 cycles. Electrically, PI's low dielectric constant (3.2) reduces EMI interference by 15%, ensuring stable wireless smart device connectivity for in-vehicle entertainment and navigation systems.

Material & Fabrication Breakthroughs for IVI Applications

Research teams in advanced display technology have developed a transparent PI substrate for curved IVI displays, published in Journal of Display Technology (2025), achieving 92% light transmittance and a 1mm bending radius. This enables seamless curved dashboard displays that integrate navigation, climate control, and multimedia entertainment functions. Separately, automotive component manufacturers have created a roll-to-roll (R2R) laser patterning process for PI touch circuits, reducing bezel width by 30% and enabling edge-to-edge full-size IVI screens in compact vehicle interiors.

Industry Application Cases in IVI Systems

In mid-to-high-end passenger vehicles, PI-based curved IVI displays reduce driver eye movement by 18% compared to flat FR4-based screens, optimizing driving focus and safety (Automotive Safety Engineering Association, 2025). For pure electric passenger models, PI touch circuits enable 10x faster touch response (10ms vs. 100ms) and 50% longer lifespan than FR4 alternatives, reducing in-vehicle electronic maintenance rates. In family new energy vehicles, PI-based wireless charging modules integrated with IVI systems maintain 95% efficiency even with 10mm device misalignment, vs. 80% for FR4-based modules, improving user experience for rear-seat entertainment.

Production & Durability Challenges for IVI Deployment

Cost remains a core barrier: as of Q2 2025, PI-based IVI displays cost $450 per unit, 1.7x more than FR4-based displays (Display Supply Chain Consultants, 2025). Scratch resistance is another key issue: PI surfaces (3H hardness) are prone to damage from automotive interior cleaning chemicals, requiring a high-hardness glass overlay that adds 12% to module thickness and 18% to production costs. Additionally, repairing PI-based IVI circuits is 3x more expensive than FR4 due to embedded touch sensors and flexible wiring, increasing after-sales maintenance costs for automotive electronic systems.