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Making use of tablets or smartphones comes easy. However, have you ever considered the components? Among these components is the flex circuits.
In this guide, we’ll be teaching you what you need to know about flexible printed circuit board. We will be focusing more on the major characteristics of this PCB.
Flexible printed circuit boards are the best solutions for electronic requirements. You can also refer to them as flex circuits board, flexible circuits, and flex pcb. Basically, this is a PCB that can flex. For this reason, there are different forms with most especially in functionality, design, and fabrication.
Basically, flex circuits are made up of a dielectric layer and a metallic layer bond together. You can make use of many conductive metals; however, the most common of these conductors is copper. Let us consider some of the benefits of flex pcb manufacturer
The technology of flex pcb offer different possibilities for different products and designs. Its flexible nature is included among the most desired attributes of connectors, wires, cables, and PCBs. Below are some of the benefits of making use of flex circuit .
Flex circuits boards come in different types. The type to choose depends on whatever mode of application you’re using.
Single Layer flexible circuit boards
This flex circuit is made up of one conductive layer on one side of the printed circuit board. Actually, it is made up of one layer of copper between polyimide dielectrics. Holes may be formed in the base film. You can do this by soldering so as to allow the passing through of component lead.
Single layer PCBs can find their way through without cover layers or cover coats. However, the major practice in manufacturing this flexible circuit boards usually involves the cover layer.
The amount involved in fabricating this flexible circuit board is high compared to that of rigid PCBs with single layers.
Double Sided flexible circuit boards
This type is made up of two conductive layers, and between them has polyimide insulation. The outer part may either be left open or cover it using a copper pad.
Other elements can be added to the double sided flexible PCB. These elements include stiffeners, pins, and connectors. Some major applications of double sided flexible PCBs include:
Multi-layer Flexible PCBs
This has to do with combining several double and single sided fpc flexible printed circuit. These multiple layers are dependent on shielding and/or surface mounted technologies and complex interconnections in order to keep them together.
This type of flexible PCB offers the most effective and efficient solution regarding design challenges. You will therefore need them to:
This connection combines both the rigid and flexible circuit technologies. Majority of rigid flex circuits have multiple layers of flexible circuits which are all connected to one strong and rigid board. This connection can be external or internal; this depends on the application’s nature.
This flexible circuit is often in a state of flex and they may be found on bends. This connection is a bit more challenging because it must be done in a 3D space. This ensures that the design has more spatial and greater efficiency.
Flexible Printed Circuit Board Material
A flexible circuit’s elements must meet the material’s life expectancy and requirements. Asides from this, the material must work with other flexible circuit boards parts. This ensures the circuit’s reliability and manufacturing ease.
In summary, the material’s performance must be improved in order to improve the circuit’s performance. While assembling a flexible PCBs, you’ll need different materials. Let’s consider these materials.
The film and the substrate’s function depend on the insulation medium and conductor carrier. In addition, the substrate must have the curling and bending ability.
Usually, flexible PCB material include the PET (polyester) films and the PI (polyimide) film. Asides from this, other polymer films can be found like aramid, polyethylene naphthalate, PTFE, and more.
The substrate material should be picked up due to the performance and cost of the material. The most common type used by flex pcb manufacturers is the Pi polyimide. It can survive extremely high temperatures thereby getting rid of any possible melting. Also, it can stay elastic and flexible after thermal polymerization.
Conductor Materials
The use of conductor materials, which will supply current efficiently, is needed. In the majority of flex circuits, copper is the major conductor used.
Copper serves as a very effective conductor and is readily accessible too. You can also acquire copper at a low rate compared to some other materials.
Heat dissipation also joins electrical conductivity in requiring a reliable heat conductor. Materials that can remove heat from your flexible circuit can be used. The amount of current the copper will conduct depends on its thickness. Other conductor types that you can consider include Cupronickel, BeCu, and stainless steel.
There are adhesives between the copper and polyimide film in all fpc pcb. You may utilize two major adhesives, which includes acrylic and epoxy. This adhesive material must have the required strength to withstand copper’s high temperatures.
With insulators, users are protected from shock whenever electric current passes through the conductor or copper. The best material to serve as an insulator is the polyimide film. Regarding rigid flex printed circuit boards, you’ll combine prepreg and FR4 in the rigid part.
Specification of flexible circuit boards
In designing a flexible circuit, there are some specifications to consider. These specifications will assist the flex pcb manufacturer to know what should be included.
Number of Layers
Flex circuit are of different types. This is why specifying the type that suits your needs is necessary. The different board types come with different numbers of layers. With respect to your specifications, the number of layers could be one, two, or multiple.
Surface Finish
This is available in different forms. There’s no particular surface finish for specific applications. With this, you are given the freedom of selecting from the surface finishes available in the industry. These include Gold and Soldering, Immersion Tin, Immersion Silver, Hot Air Solder Level, Organic Coating OSP, Electrolytic tin plating, and more.
This is also referred to as solder stop mask coating or solder resist. They are available in different forms. It’s important you specify the solder mask type needed and where you want or need it.
You can either place it on both sides of your flex PCB or on one side. Your flex PCB fpc type will also guide you on where the solder mask should be placed.
Copper Weight
This is also very important. The copper’s weight will be determined based on your application. Take note that the flexibility can be compromised by the copper’s weight. Therefore, make sure you don’t compromise on the design’s flexibility.
Spacing
Spacing affects the design’s functionality greatly. With small spacing, the functionality may be compromised, which may cause the whole circuit to experience short circuiting. Make the specifications of your device as wide as possible. The wider it is, the higher your device’s functionality.
Hole Sizes
The holes should be tighter to prevent any issues with drilling. This ensures the mounted components on the substrate are tighter whenever the circuit is flexing.
Quality Tests
Your design has to pass through this process. Quality tests reveal how well your design will function.
Quality Compliance
This makes sure that the design adheres to the quality standards set by the different bodies. The major quality standards that the design must comply with include ISO 9001:2000 and RoHS.
Conclusion
By now, we are sure that your knowledge of flex circuit is top notch. Now, you can make your own designs with assistance from your manufacturer. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!