Flex Circuits
Is it necessary to specify IPC performance class and circuit type on your fabrication drawing? While it is a VERY good idea, you do not have to specify those features. The circuit type should be obvious from the cross-sectional view that every good flex circuit drawing contains (you have one of those on your drawing, […]
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 […]
The challenge with cumulative tolerances is meeting the dimensional requirements for items 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. Read the full article at I-Connect 007 – Mar 2026
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) […]