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Flexible Printed Circuits

Types

– Single Sided Flex Circuits

A single layer flex circuit is the most basic and consists of a flexible polyimide film laminated to a thin sheet of copper. The copper layer is then chemically etched to produce a circuit pattern specific to your specific design requirements. A polyimide coverlay is then added for insulation and environmental protection of the circuit.

The basic layering or “stack-up” of a single sided flex circuit is as follows:

 

–Single Sided Flex Circuit with Dual Access

A dual access flex circuit is simply a single sided flex circuit that is manufactured so that the conductive material can be accessed from both sides of the circuit. Flexible Circuit is a front runner in this technology utilizing specialized lasers and processing to skive open the polyimide layer of the base material to allow for dual access to the single copper layer.

 

 

–Double Sided Flex Circuits

A double sided flex circuit is a circuit having two conductive layers, one on each side of the base layer of polyimide within the circuit. Trace patterns, specific to your needs, can be created on both sides of the substrate film and can be connected where desired with copper plated through-holes. The plated through holes make electrical connections between the two layers. The basic stack-up of a double sided circuit with a PSA based stiffener is illustrated below:

– Multi Layer Flex Circuits

Multi layer flex circuits combine several single- or double-sided circuits with complex interconnections, shielding and/or surface mounted technologies in a multi layer design. The multi layers may or may not be continuously laminated together throughout the production process. If your design needs require maximum flexibility, continuous lamination may not be appropriate (see Air Gap under Advanced Features). Multi layer circuits are and effective solution when confronted with design challenges such as: unavoidable crossovers, specific impedance requirements, elimination of crosstalk, additional shielding and high component density. Flexible Circuit is proud to be able to say that "We Go Where Others Will Not" when it comes to helping you with design solutions utilizing multi layer flex circuits.

An example stack-up of a four layer flex circuit is illustrated below:

– Rigid Flex Circuits

Rigid Flex Circuits combine the best of both rigid boards and flex circuits laminated together into one circuit. The combination circuit is then interconnected by plated thru holes. Rigid Flex Circuits allow for higher component in the rigid areas yet are flexible in other areas to allow for the benefits provided by flex circuits.

The standard stack-up of a 4-Layer Rigid Flex Circuit is as follows:

For additional information see Rigid Flex Circuits

In summary, if you have flexible circuit design or flexible printed circuit board needs, we can help. For more in depth information, click on the links below:

 

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