Industries Commonly Use Rigid Flex Circuits
Rigid-flex circuits eliminate the need for extra connectors and cables and make it easier to streamline the design of an electronic assembly. In the process, they reduce overall assembly costs and improve performance. Rigid-flex PCBs can also provide improved service reliability for applications that experience shock or vibration. They can handle high current and voltage levels without the risk of failure that can occur when flexible cables or connectors are used.
Depending on the type of application, rigid-flex PCBs can feature multiple layers of a flexible circuit attached to one or more rigid boards internally or externally, according to the design specifications of the circuit board. Rigid-flex circuits are often made of a conductive metal foil that is etched and laminated to rigid polyimide or copper cladding substrates, and the individual flex sections are provided with plated through holes (PTH) for connecting the various components.
Instrumentation and test equipment applications frequently use rigid flex circuits. This is because they require PCBs that are reliable, able to support high data rates and frequencies, and can withstand repeated use and calibration. Rigid-flex circuits meet these requirements and can be produced in small sizes, making them ideal for these applications.
Medical and surgical devices are another common use of rigid-flex circuits. These types of devices are usually designed to withstand harsh environments, including high temperatures, radiation, and vibration. In addition, they must be able to perform under tight spaces or with limited space. Rigid flex circuits are an ideal solution for these situations because they allow medical professionals to easily connect to the devices, which can help them diagnose and treat patients.
What Industries Commonly Use Rigid Flex Circuits?
Rigid flex circuits are also popular in industrial automation applications, such as robotic control systems. These systems require a high level of precision and reliability, so the PCBs must be able to provide the correct information in real-time and handle multiple input signals at once. This is possible with rigid-flex PCBs, as they can be produced in small sizes and can handle high currents and voltages.
In these and other applications, rigid-flex circuits can simplify the design of an electronic system by allowing engineers to eliminate the need for connectors and cables, which are often a source of failure in complex assemblies. They can also be produced in shorter lead times and at lower cost.
However, there are some scenarios in which rigid-flex circuits may not be the right solution. They can be more difficult to fabricate than traditional rigid-circuit boards and are more expensive for low-volume production or prototyping. They also require specialized fabrication techniques, so they are best suited for medium- to high-volume production runs. However, it’s important for engineers to weigh the pros and cons of using rigid-flex circuits to determine if they are appropriate for their specific application.
