Kazuhiro Nagaoka

Title: Kazuhiro Nagaoka: Innovator in Flexible Printed Circuits

Introduction

Kazuhiro Nagaoka is a prominent inventor based in Fujisawa, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of flexible printed circuits, particularly in applications related to hard disk drives. With a total of 12 patents to his name, Nagaoka's work has had a substantial impact on the technology industry.

Latest Patents

One of Nagaoka's latest patents is for a flexible printed circuit copper overlay designed for temperature management. This innovation includes a hard disk drive flexible printed circuit (FPC) that features multiple fingers extending from a main portion. Each finger is equipped with a first wiring layer containing a first electrically conductive trace layout and a second wiring layer with a second electrically conductive trace layout. A base film is interposed between these layers, and the first conductive trace layout includes at least one thermally conductive protective island. This design provides a protective thermal barrier to the base film, effectively reducing maximum temperatures across various layers of the FPC laminate, preventing damage, and improving manufacturing yields.

Another notable patent focuses on a flexible printed circuit finger layout aimed at minimizing crosstalk. This FPC for hard disk drives incorporates a plurality of electrical traces, ensuring that aggressor traces are isolated from victim traces to avoid signal degradation. The design allows for aggressor traces to be positioned together at the edges of the top and bottom wiring layers, physically separating them from the victim traces. This innovative routing strategy enhances signal integrity and overall performance.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Kazuhiro Nagaoka has worked with several notable companies, including Western Digital Technologies, Inc. and HGST Netherlands, B.V. His expertise in flexible printed circuits has made him a valuable asset in the technology sector.

Collaborations

Nagaoka has collaborated with talented individuals such as Nobumasa Nishiyama and Kimihiko Sudo. These partnerships have contributed to the advancement of his innovative projects and patents.

Conclusion

Kazuhiro Nagaoka's contributions to the field of flexible printed circuits have established him as a leading inventor in the technology industry. His innovative patents continue to influence the design and functionality of hard disk drives, showcasing his commitment to advancing technology.