DP Patterning, the Swedish developer of sustainable flexible printed circuits, and ams OSRAM, a global leader in lighting and sensor technology, have unveiled a joint demonstrator that illustrates how future automotive lighting could be produced more cheaply and with a markedly lower carbon footprint.
The system combines ams OSRAM’s Open System Protocol (OSP), which gives carmakers greater freedom in designing and controlling vehicle lighting, with the smart LED driver AS1163. The setup allows hundreds of light points, sensors, and actuators to be connected along a single continuous line, simplifying the electronics architecture and reducing reliance on complex multilayer printed circuit boards. This enables the integration of DP Patterning’s environmentally friendly flexible circuits.
“By combining the expertise of ams OSRAM in intelligent LED control with DP Patterning’s flex PCB technology, we unlock new design freedom for automotive interiors,” said Andrea Maria Saraceno, Application Engineer at ams OSRAM. “This approach not only adapts to complex shapes but also paves the way for more sustainable interior lighting.”
The collaboration, which began in April 2025, was first showcased at the Productronica trade fair in Munich in November.
Staffan Nordlinder, CEO of DP Patterning, said the demonstrator highlighted the potential for cost savings and environmental gains. “We are very pleased that ams OSRAM has demonstrated a concrete way of applying our circuits in a smart, energy-efficient solution. The potential is enormous,” he said, adding that the company is seeking additional industrial partners to scale production through pilot projects.
DP Patterning’s technology, developed in Norrköping, Sweden, replaces traditional chemical etching with a patented dry mechanical process, cutting environmental impact by up to 98%. By substituting aluminium for silver, material costs are reduced, while faster production speeds and easier handling improve overall efficiency.
The company has supplied flexible PCBs to automotive, consumer electronics, communications, MedTech, aviation, and industrial clients worldwide and is now aiming to establish regional micro-plants for high-volume production closer to customers.
