main applications of flexible PCBs
Many different types of devices depend on flexible printed circuit boards. These include electronics such as calculators, cell phones, printers and LCD televisions; medical devices such as heart monitors, pacemakers, and hearing aids; industrial equipment such as robotic arms, processing machines and bar code equipment; and aerospace/military devices such as radar systems. These circuits are built from thin, durable flexible sheets of polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that can be rolled, folded or curved to fit into an enclosure. They also feature conductive material traces that are etched on their surfaces and covered with an adhesive layer to protect the layers from moisture, dirt and other contaminants.
A main application for flex PCBs is to connect components and wires in tight spaces that cannot accommodate conventional rigid boards or wire harnesses. A flex circuit board replaces a traditional wiring harness or ribbon connector by connecting the components through the flex circuits. This makes the assembly process much faster and easier. In addition, a flexible pcb can reduce the number of parts, connections and wires needed for a given function. It can also take up less space in the enclosure and provide a more streamlined and aesthetically appealing design.
Another benefit of a flex circuit is its ability to be bent or curved, and it can handle jerks or vibration that would break a rigid PCB. This is because the flex circuits absorb and distribute the stresses that can occur during operation and transportation. The flexibility of a flex circuit board can also improve the cooling air flow and allow the circuits to more efficiently disperse heat.
Ultimately, a flex PCB is more reliable than a rigid PCB because it can withstand harsh environments and varying temperatures. The flexible construction helps to protect the internal circuits from electromagnetic interference (EMI).
What are the main applications of flexible PCBs?
One of the best reasons for a company to use a flex circuit is its significant reduction in weight. This is due to the fact that a flex circuit uses a much thinner substrate than a rigid PCB, which means it can be lighter and more compact. It is also less expensive to build a flex circuit board, especially when the design is complex and there are several layers of interconnections.
A flex PCB can also be used to replace a wire harness and eliminate the source of potential errors associated with hand-built wire harnesses. A flex circuit can offer a more consistent and higher quality construction, which will cut costs for the manufacturer.
The type of flex circuit you need depends on your specific design and application. For example, if you are building a device that will need to handle a high current, it is important to use a Class 2 flex PCB. These are more robust and can withstand more frequent bending, resulting in longer life expectancy for the device. Unlike Class 1 flex circuits, Class 2 circuits require stricter design and fabrication rules to ensure that the product is of a high quality.
Signal transmission on flexible PCBs follows the same principles as rigid PCBs, but with considerations for the flexible substrate’s properties. Signals travel through conductive traces, usually made of copper, on the flexible substrate. The key factors influencing signal transmission include impedance control, signal integrity, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) management.