Product
A flexible PCB, often called a flex circuit or FPC, is a printed circuit board that is designed to be bent, twisted, and folded without losing its electrical integrity. Unlike traditional rigid PCBs made from fiberglass, flex PCBs use a flexible plastic substrate, most commonly polyimide (PI). This unique characteristic makes them invaluable in a wide range of products, especially where space is at a premium or where the device needs to conform to a specific shape.
Product Features
Flexibility and Bendability: This is the primary feature. Flex PCBs can be designed for both static (one-time) and dynamic (repeated) flexing. This allows them to fit into tight, irregular spaces and to replace bulky, multi-part wiring harnesses, which are prone to failure.
Space and Weight Reduction: Because of their thin and lightweight nature, flexible PCBs can dramatically reduce the size and weight of an electronic device. They eliminate the need for connectors, rigid boards, and wiring, creating a more compact and efficient design.
Enhanced Reliability: By integrating circuits into a single, continuous structure, flex PCBs reduce the number of solder joints and mechanical connectors—which are common points of failure. This leads to a more reliable and durable final product, especially in applications subject to vibration and movemen
Thermal Management: The thin materials used in flex circuits, particularly polyimide, offer excellent thermal stability and can dissipate heat more effectively than some rigid materials, allowing them to operate reliably in high-temperature environments.
High-Density Integration: Flex PCBs can be manufactured with a high density of components and traces, allowing complex circuitry to be placed in a very small footprint. This is crucial for miniaturization in modern electronics.Types of Flexible PCBs
Flexible PCBs come in different configurations to suit various application needs:Single-Sided Flex PCB: The most basic type, with a single conductive layer on a flexible substrate.
Double-Sided Flex PCB: Features a conductive layer on both sides of the substrate, connected by plated through-holes (vias).Multi-Layer Flex PCB: Contains three or more conductive layers separated by insulating layers, allowing for highly complex circuits.
Rigid-Flex PCB: A hybrid board that combines rigid sections for component mounting with flexible sections for interconnection, offering a three-dimensional design solution.
Common Applications:
Flexible PCBs are a cornerstone of modern electronics, found in a wide array of products across different industries:
Consumer Electronics:
Smartphones and Laptops: Used to connect the display, camera module, and battery to the main logic board.
Wearable Devices: Integral in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and AR/VR headsets, where the circuit needs to conform to the body or a compact, curved casing.
Medical Devices:
Implantable Devices: Pacemakers, defibrillators use flex circuits for their small size and reliability.
Surgical Tools and Diagnostic Equipment: Used in endoscopes and ultrasound probes where circuits must navigate complex spaces.
Automotive:
ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems): Used in sensors, cameras, and radar systems to provide reliable connections that can withstand vibrations and temperature changes.
Infotainment Systems: Integrate complex electronics into dashboards and other vehicle interiors.
Aerospace and Defense:
Avionics: Used in satellites, drones, and aircraft for their lightweight and durable properties, which are critical in weight-sensitive applications and extreme environments.
Industrial: Robotics: Connect parts that need to move and flex, such as in robotic arms or automated machinery.
Technical Parameters:
| Board Type |
Flexible PCB |
| Layer |
2 layer |
| Copper Thickness |
1/1oz |
| Board Thickness |
0.1-0.5mm |
| Material |
Polymide |
| Min. Line Spacing |
0.1mm |
| Solder Mask Color |
Green, Blue, White, Coverlay |
| Min. Hole Size |
0.1mm |
| Surface finish |
Immersion golden |
| Application |
Industrial, Automotive, Etc. |
