Flex Circuits
In the world of cumulative tolerances, it can really be a challenge to meet the items being dimensioned on a drawing or specification for a flexible or rigid flex circuit. It is critical to understand the fabrication processes, and how features are defined when creating your tolerance requirements. Here are some common features and […]
In my more than four decades in the industry, I’ve watched design tools and manufacturing capabilities evolve in ways we could hardly have imagined when I started, touching everything from conventional rigid boards to today’s highly sophisticated flexible and rigid-flex circuits. But anyone with meaningful experience in the PCB industry can relate to the phrase, […]
Flexible printed circuits are increasingly being designed to do more than route signals. In many applications, the flex circuit must also provide robust electrical interfaces, mechanical reinforcement, and reliable transitions between the circuit and surrounding assemblies. One effective way to accomplish this is through the integration of copper or nickel tabs, which can be integrated […]
While most flexible circuits are used in a relatively dry environment, there are applications where water contact or submersion is required. Knowing in advance what types of water contact variables can affect the performance of the flex will help you to create a successful design. You need to first evaluate the application and answer the […]
Ever since the introduction of circuit boards, they have been evolving. They started as single sided, graduating to double-sided with plated through holes. Shortly thereafter multilayer circuit boards were introduced. The evolution didn’t stop there. New substrates began to come to the market with improved electrical and mechanical properties allowing designers to create denser designs […]
There are many connectors and termination options that are manufactured specifically for use with flexible circuits and flat flexible cables. Zero insertion force (ZIF) connectors (Figure 1) and insulation displacement connectors (Figure 2) are both good examples. They offer reliable and inexpensive ways to terminate a flexible circuit. At the same time virtually any connector […]
Q: Why are flex circuits more expensive than comparable rigid PCBs? What are the major costs drivers? A: The reason that flex circuits cost materials used to fabricate the circuits. First more than comparable rigid PCBs stems mainly from the of all, flex materials (i.e., clad and unclad polyimide film with or without acrylic adhesive) […]