utilize flex PCBs
Flex PCBs, also known as flexible circuit boards, are a type of printed circuit board that allows designers to curve and bend the board according to its design. This technology enables manufacturers to create smaller, more compact electronics that can still be powerful and reliable. Flex PCBs have a wide range of applications and are an essential component in most electronic devices today.
A flex pcb is made from a thin non-reinforced plastic sheet (typically polyimide) that supports the copper wires. Unlike rigid PCBs, which use fiberglass-reinforced epoxy, flex circuits are able to withstand much higher temperatures without damage. They also have the ability to withstand shocks and vibrations, which makes them ideal for harsh environments.
The most popular application of a flex pcb is in mobile phones and other portable gadgets. Their popularity skyrocketed during the 2000s as consumers demanded small, portable electronic devices that could perform heavy computing tasks while offering entertainment features such as cameras and video games.
What industries commonly utilize flex PCBs?
This technological advancement required the development of thinner, more lightweight components that could be used to support these new products. The flexibility of a flex pcb was crucial to this evolution, as it allowed designers to incorporate multiple functions into their devices without increasing their size or weight.
The medical industry is another major user of flex circuits. Diagnostic monitors that track blood pressure, glucose, heart rate and other metrics often utilize a flex circuit to relay this information to a computer. This specialized circuitry is also useful in invasive devices such as pacemakers, which are surgically inserted into the body.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are another common application for flex circuits. These circuits help LEDs to operate more efficiently by diverting heat away from the bulbs, which reduces their energy consumption and extends their lifespan. This is possible because flex circuits can be bent to accommodate the bulb’s shape and prevent overheating.
In addition to these uses, flex circuits are useful in manufacturing wearable technologies such as smartwatches and health trackers. Their capacity to adjust to the shape of the human body makes them a vital part of these modern wearables, as they can ensure that the circuitry is properly positioned inside of the device to provide accurate readings and data.
The construction of a flex pcb differs depending on the product in which it will be used. Single-layer flex circuits are typically built with two rigid sections and one flexible section, while double-layer designs include four rigid layers along with two flexible ones. Rigid-flex circuits are constructed with a core made of adhesive-less polyimide, along with stiffeners that may be comprised of FR-4 fiberglass or pressure sensitive adhesives. Manufacturers can then fortify these layers with copper, prepreg and solder mask before they are ready to be assembled.
