Flex circuit assembly is an interconnection of different electronic components (like capacitors, resistors, transistors etc.) mounted on high-performance, flexible plastic substrate.
Subjected to a range of utilizations, where issues of flexibility and space constraints limit the use of rigid circuit boards, flex circuit assemblies are efficient alternatives to rigid circuit boards.
The base
Flex circuits gain their flexibility because of its flexible base or substrate - either made of a thermosetting plastic composition (like polyimide or PEEK films), malleable metallic foil, or a polyester sheet.
The flexible base makes flex circuits efficient to be used around edges and folds of an electronic connection.
The mounting
Flex boards comprise identical electronic components that are used in rigid circuit boards. They are mounted via Surface Mount Technology (SMT) that minimizes the use of wire harness and reduces chances of energy waste due to faulty wiring.
The assembly
The integrated electronic components in a flex circuit assembly comprise a buffer layer between circuit layer and the base film. This conducting layer helps in smooth electric conductivity across the board without involving the base film.
Along with the electronic component assembly; adhesive cover layer, solder mask (cover coat), stiffeners, and conductive interlayer work in close combination to result in successful functioning of the complex interconnecting system.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Flex circuit assembly – the reason behind many a robust and compact designs
Flex circuit assembly works as mechanical interconnects that negate any chance of energy waste due to faulty wiring. With the introduction of Surface Mount Technology (SMT), the arrangement of electrical components (or the assembly, as it is known to be) have become more equipped to sustain extreme mechanical stress and vibration. In addition, SMT also ensures that the modern flex circuit components offer greater surface area resulting in better heat dissipation during operation.
Other than several innovative, flat and dynamic flexible circuit designs, there are numerous flexible cable assemblies that work as efficient interconnects. These cables can be twisted across any axis and work as the basis of several innovative electronic packaging design solutions
In addition to flexible boards and wiring options, expert flex circuit manufacturers also offer innovative and integrated flex circuit assemblies that comply to several unique and innovative packaging needs.
Other than several innovative, flat and dynamic flexible circuit designs, there are numerous flexible cable assemblies that work as efficient interconnects. These cables can be twisted across any axis and work as the basis of several innovative electronic packaging design solutions
In addition to flexible boards and wiring options, expert flex circuit manufacturers also offer innovative and integrated flex circuit assemblies that comply to several unique and innovative packaging needs.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Rigid flex printed circuit boards – sturdily built , dynamically flexing
Rigid flex printed circuit boards are a blend of rigid and flex boards and come with synergistic capabilities of both PCB varieties. While a prominent portion of the board is comprised of rigid areas, flex circuit features constitute the regions where the board is designed to be flexible.
In this board design, where rigid areas work as the sturdy base for mounting of components and connectors, the flexible areas are points of dynamic flexion. The flex circuit arrangement also works as cushion for components that are sensitive towards vibration or mechanical stress.
The combination of the positives of the both circuitry patterns makes rigid flex printed circuit boards highly effective in innovative packaging needs. Although, they are a bit costlier than the standard multilayer circuit with stiffeners, the ability to conform to diverse design makes rigid flex circuits grow in popularity.
In this board design, where rigid areas work as the sturdy base for mounting of components and connectors, the flexible areas are points of dynamic flexion. The flex circuit arrangement also works as cushion for components that are sensitive towards vibration or mechanical stress.
The combination of the positives of the both circuitry patterns makes rigid flex printed circuit boards highly effective in innovative packaging needs. Although, they are a bit costlier than the standard multilayer circuit with stiffeners, the ability to conform to diverse design makes rigid flex circuits grow in popularity.
Rigid flex printed circuit
Rigid flex printed circuit boards or simply rigid flex boards are selective attachments of multiple flexible circuit interlayers. It is a hybrid structure that combines the 'rigidity' of rigid boards and 'flexibility' of flex circuits. The structure is highly useful in devices where different portions are intended to perform different roles.
Like other flex boards, rigid flex boards are formed of multiple inner layers attached together via adhesives formed of epoxy pre-impregnated composite fibres. In place of flexible layers, flexible cables can also combine with a rigid layer to result in a rigid flex circuit.
Some of the many benefits of rigid flex printed circuit boards are listed below:
Lower component count – Compared to traditional rigid boards or the only-flex boards, rigid flex circuit combinations work with lesser electronic components and interconnections.
Flexible design options – A combination of rigid and flexible substrate imparts necessary strength as well as flexibility to a rigid flex printed circuit. They give variable design options to a component manufacturer.
High density applications – The rigidity of a rigid flex circuit is utilized in structuring a high density electronic component assembly.
Package size and weight reduction – Wiring and bulkier component assembly on rigid boards result in an increase in weight and unwanted crowding. In comparison, rigid flex boards allow dual sided design possibility; and when used with SMT, result in better space utilization.
Evidently, lightweight and efficient rigid flex printed boards rule the electronic device manufacturing industry.
Like other flex boards, rigid flex boards are formed of multiple inner layers attached together via adhesives formed of epoxy pre-impregnated composite fibres. In place of flexible layers, flexible cables can also combine with a rigid layer to result in a rigid flex circuit.
Some of the many benefits of rigid flex printed circuit boards are listed below:
Lower component count – Compared to traditional rigid boards or the only-flex boards, rigid flex circuit combinations work with lesser electronic components and interconnections.
Flexible design options – A combination of rigid and flexible substrate imparts necessary strength as well as flexibility to a rigid flex printed circuit. They give variable design options to a component manufacturer.
High density applications – The rigidity of a rigid flex circuit is utilized in structuring a high density electronic component assembly.
Package size and weight reduction – Wiring and bulkier component assembly on rigid boards result in an increase in weight and unwanted crowding. In comparison, rigid flex boards allow dual sided design possibility; and when used with SMT, result in better space utilization.
Evidently, lightweight and efficient rigid flex printed boards rule the electronic device manufacturing industry.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Rigid flex circuit – rigidity and resilience in one entity
Rigid flex circuits combine the positive features of both 'rigid circuits boards' and 'flexible circuit boards'. These hybrid board varieties are strong and rigid like a conventional rigid board, and have flexibility of a flex circuit board.
Rigid flex circuit boards work ideally well in situations where the requirement is of double sided compound mounting. The sturdy rigid surface is capable to hold electronic components on both sides of the board.
Localized 'flexibility' and 'rigidity' of rigid flex circuit boards helps in negating any multi-board installation requirement in the same electronic device. Evidently, in case of complex devices, the hybrid rigid flex board minimizes the total cost of production.
Better flexibility on localized areas makes a rigid flex board particularly useful in devices where specific body segments are intended to be used for different purposes.
Thus, while resistant rigid areas are capable to hold components of bigger mass, resilient flex areas offer much needed flexibility to work around folding areas.
Rigid flex circuit boards work ideally well in situations where the requirement is of double sided compound mounting. The sturdy rigid surface is capable to hold electronic components on both sides of the board.
Localized 'flexibility' and 'rigidity' of rigid flex circuit boards helps in negating any multi-board installation requirement in the same electronic device. Evidently, in case of complex devices, the hybrid rigid flex board minimizes the total cost of production.
Better flexibility on localized areas makes a rigid flex board particularly useful in devices where specific body segments are intended to be used for different purposes.
Thus, while resistant rigid areas are capable to hold components of bigger mass, resilient flex areas offer much needed flexibility to work around folding areas.
Rigid flex circuit – flexibility and rigidity, all in one
Rigid flex circuits comprise an assembly of electric components mounted on both the sides of the board and are ideal for designs that are intended to work in space constraints. The board architecture results in improved impedance control and saves any requirement of multiple rigid-flex board arrangement. With localized flexion possibility, rigid flex circuit boards work particularly well for devices that are designed to be used in static applications while specific areas are meant for folding.
These hybrid circuits can work with up to sixteen layers, and replace bulky and clumsy wire harness with compact and robust Surface Mount Component assembly. Rigid flex circuits are most useful in cases of designs that comprise multiple circuit layers and intended to undergo several bending cycles.
In addition to surface mounting, rigid flex circuits also come with the provision of through-hole connection of electrical components in areas where flexion is not required. With such a range of possibilities available, no wonder rigid flex circuits have already become popular amongst equipment manufacturers.
These hybrid circuits can work with up to sixteen layers, and replace bulky and clumsy wire harness with compact and robust Surface Mount Component assembly. Rigid flex circuits are most useful in cases of designs that comprise multiple circuit layers and intended to undergo several bending cycles.
In addition to surface mounting, rigid flex circuits also come with the provision of through-hole connection of electrical components in areas where flexion is not required. With such a range of possibilities available, no wonder rigid flex circuits have already become popular amongst equipment manufacturers.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Flex circuits – innovative, lightweight, and reliable
Flex circuits offer the opportunity to realize innovative packaging ideas in practicality. In comparison to 'wire harness', flex circuits result in better heat dissipation. They carry electricity better than round wires with similar cross sectional area.
Absence of repeated wiring, cables and connectors makes a flex circuit the natural choice in an ultra thin and featherweight packaging need. Adhesive less laminates, High Density Interconnect (HDI) possibilities and thin copper layers make flex circuits ideal components for a compact, lightweight and effective electronic device.
Flex circuits are reliable and are designed to withstand the rigors of medical, military and aerospace applications. Reduced connectors and resultant decrease in electrical transmission faults, minimizes their maintenance cost also.
Absence of repeated wiring, cables and connectors makes a flex circuit the natural choice in an ultra thin and featherweight packaging need. Adhesive less laminates, High Density Interconnect (HDI) possibilities and thin copper layers make flex circuits ideal components for a compact, lightweight and effective electronic device.
Flex circuits are reliable and are designed to withstand the rigors of medical, military and aerospace applications. Reduced connectors and resultant decrease in electrical transmission faults, minimizes their maintenance cost also.
Flexible printed circuits – the bending essentials
Flex printed circuits come in different sizes and shapes. While single-layered varieties work best in devices meant for multiple bending cycles, flex circuits with two or more layers are the perfect fit for devices designed to be used in static applications. The bend radius of a flexible circuit largely governs the mechanical design of the device to which the circuit is to be implemented.
From the numbers of factors responsible in bend or flexibility of the flex printed circuits, thickness plays the most essential role. While an approximate circuit thickness of 0.006'' is maintained in each layers of a flexible printed circuit, the areas subjugated to flexion are made less thicker.
Many a modern printed flex circuits are constituted by adhesive-less inner layers with conductors arranged in a staggered manner. Compared to their adhesive counterparts, adhesive-less layers are able to reduce the circuit thickness by .001-.002''. A staggered arrangement of conductors, in comparison to the 'on top' design, helps the circuitry design to withstand better twists and turns.
From the numbers of factors responsible in bend or flexibility of the flex printed circuits, thickness plays the most essential role. While an approximate circuit thickness of 0.006'' is maintained in each layers of a flexible printed circuit, the areas subjugated to flexion are made less thicker.
Many a modern printed flex circuits are constituted by adhesive-less inner layers with conductors arranged in a staggered manner. Compared to their adhesive counterparts, adhesive-less layers are able to reduce the circuit thickness by .001-.002''. A staggered arrangement of conductors, in comparison to the 'on top' design, helps the circuitry design to withstand better twists and turns.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Flex circuit manufacture – the essentials
FCBs are the heart of several modern, compact, lightweight, and efficient electronic devices.
However, like the variety of the use of flex circuits, a successful flex circuit manufacturing process is driven by a number of essential components. Following are two such points that touch to the process of manufacture of flex circuits.
Materials used
Selection of the right plastic substrates plays a very important role in a flex circuit manufacturing process.
The range includes substrates like polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalene (PEN), polyester (PET), gold, constantan, beryllium copper, and stainless steel - all with a varied degree of flexural strength.
Since, these substrates work as the base for the entire board architecture, they should be selected in perfect accordance to the final application of the circuit board.
Design essentials
A flex circuit can be single-sided, single access double-sided, multi-access double-sided, or rigid-flex multilayered. A flex circuit manufacturing process depends largely on these design differences too.
However, like the variety of the use of flex circuits, a successful flex circuit manufacturing process is driven by a number of essential components. Following are two such points that touch to the process of manufacture of flex circuits.
Materials used
Selection of the right plastic substrates plays a very important role in a flex circuit manufacturing process.
The range includes substrates like polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalene (PEN), polyester (PET), gold, constantan, beryllium copper, and stainless steel - all with a varied degree of flexural strength.
Since, these substrates work as the base for the entire board architecture, they should be selected in perfect accordance to the final application of the circuit board.
Design essentials
A flex circuit can be single-sided, single access double-sided, multi-access double-sided, or rigid-flex multilayered. A flex circuit manufacturing process depends largely on these design differences too.
The cover coating essentials in flex circuit design
The cover coating layer is a transparent and elastic coating over a flex circuit board. It covers and isolate conductive areas of a circuit pattern and helps in smooth electric conductivity across the board.
Some essential functions of cover coating are, to:
- Protect conductors from the surrounding corrosive constituents of the environment
- Insulate on-board conductors electrically
- Strengthen solder coating areas for component assembly
Cover coating can be either of the two following categories:
1. Cover layer - It is a layer of adhesive coated film. The film is laminated to the conductive pattern via temperature or hydraulic press.
2. Covercoat or solder mask - A solder mask is a lacquer polymer coat that provide long lasting protecting cover over the flex circuit components. Three most popular varieties of solder masks are, screen printed solder mask, liquid photoimagable (LPI) soldermask (screen printed, roll coated or spray coated), and dry film photoimagable soldermask (semi-cured liquid mask applied as a film roll).
Of the two coating varieties, screen printed solder mark is the most cost-efficient widely popular option available today.
Some essential functions of cover coating are, to:
- Protect conductors from the surrounding corrosive constituents of the environment
- Insulate on-board conductors electrically
- Strengthen solder coating areas for component assembly
Cover coating can be either of the two following categories:
1. Cover layer - It is a layer of adhesive coated film. The film is laminated to the conductive pattern via temperature or hydraulic press.
2. Covercoat or solder mask - A solder mask is a lacquer polymer coat that provide long lasting protecting cover over the flex circuit components. Three most popular varieties of solder masks are, screen printed solder mask, liquid photoimagable (LPI) soldermask (screen printed, roll coated or spray coated), and dry film photoimagable soldermask (semi-cured liquid mask applied as a film roll).
Of the two coating varieties, screen printed solder mark is the most cost-efficient widely popular option available today.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Flex circuit design - SMT and enhanced efficiency!
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) has superseded the former through-hole design technique. SMT complements to efficiency and flexibility of flex circuit design; and are together responsible for many a powerful, light weight, and durable electronic devices of today's world.
Surface mount technology - adding to the usefulness of flex circuits
If flexibility is the most prominent characteristic of flex circuits, SMT offers it with additional efficiency. An 'automated component placement technique', followed in SMT, works with 'pick and place' robotic machines. The technique results into lesser, if not nil, manufacturing errors in an SMC (Surface Mount Components) assembly of a flex circuit. It ensures that the compact electronic circuit components are placed precisely on both sides of a board (even with higher design density) and work in better co-ordination.
Evidently, if you are looking for a new electronic component, it should be none other than the one having a flex circuit with surface mount components running its core.
Surface mount technology - adding to the usefulness of flex circuits
If flexibility is the most prominent characteristic of flex circuits, SMT offers it with additional efficiency. An 'automated component placement technique', followed in SMT, works with 'pick and place' robotic machines. The technique results into lesser, if not nil, manufacturing errors in an SMC (Surface Mount Components) assembly of a flex circuit. It ensures that the compact electronic circuit components are placed precisely on both sides of a board (even with higher design density) and work in better co-ordination.
Evidently, if you are looking for a new electronic component, it should be none other than the one having a flex circuit with surface mount components running its core.
Flex circuit design - the basics
Flex circuits or FCBs (flex circuit boards) are interconnections of electrical components mounted on high-performance thermosetting substrates like polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Film etc. These ductile plastic bases are the reasons behind the characteristic flexibility of flex circuit boards.
Flex circuit designs - the variety
Based on the levels of conductive and insulted interlayer's, there are five prominent varieties in which flex circuit design are segregated. They are,
1. Single layer flex boards
2. Double layer flex boards
3. Multilayer flex boards with single access hole
4. Multilayer flex boards with multiple access holes
5. Rigid flex boards
In addition to these prominent flex circuit design types, several modern manufacturers offer effective integrated design solutions that combine efficacies of all these varieties into one single unit. Many a modern manufacturers also develop rugged Flex coils that answer the problem of wiring errors.
Flex circuit design - the cost regulators
In flex circuit design, factors like number of access holes, interlayer's, plated through holes etc., play a major role in overall costing of a circuit design.
Flex circuit designs - the variety
Based on the levels of conductive and insulted interlayer's, there are five prominent varieties in which flex circuit design are segregated. They are,
1. Single layer flex boards
2. Double layer flex boards
3. Multilayer flex boards with single access hole
4. Multilayer flex boards with multiple access holes
5. Rigid flex boards
In addition to these prominent flex circuit design types, several modern manufacturers offer effective integrated design solutions that combine efficacies of all these varieties into one single unit. Many a modern manufacturers also develop rugged Flex coils that answer the problem of wiring errors.
Flex circuit design - the cost regulators
In flex circuit design, factors like number of access holes, interlayer's, plated through holes etc., play a major role in overall costing of a circuit design.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Flex circuit assembly - the efficient interconnection
Flex circuit assembly is an interconnection of different electronic components (like capacitors, resistors, transistors etc.) mounted on high-performance, flexible plastic substrate.
Subjected to a range of utilizations, where issues of flexibility and space constraints limit the use of rigid circuit boards, flex circuit assemblies are efficient alternatives to rigid circuit boards.
The base
Flex circuits gain their flexibility because of its flexible base or substrate - either made of a thermosetting plastic composition (like polyimide or PEEK films), malleable metallic foil, or a polyester sheet.
The flexible base makes flex circuits efficient to be used around edges and folds of an electronic connection.
The mounting
Flex boards comprise identical electronic components that are used in rigid circuit boards. They are mounted via Surface Mount Technology (SMT) that minimizes the use of wire harness and reduces chances of energy waste due to faulty wiring.
The assembly
The integrated electronic components in a flex circuit assembly comprise a buffer layer between circuit layer and the base film. This conducting layer helps in smooth electric conductivity across the board without involving the base film.
Along with the electronic component assembly; adhesive cover layer, solder mask (cover coat), stiffeners, and conductive interlayer work in close combination to result in successful functioning of the complex interconnecting system.
Subjected to a range of utilizations, where issues of flexibility and space constraints limit the use of rigid circuit boards, flex circuit assemblies are efficient alternatives to rigid circuit boards.
The base
Flex circuits gain their flexibility because of its flexible base or substrate - either made of a thermosetting plastic composition (like polyimide or PEEK films), malleable metallic foil, or a polyester sheet.
The flexible base makes flex circuits efficient to be used around edges and folds of an electronic connection.
The mounting
Flex boards comprise identical electronic components that are used in rigid circuit boards. They are mounted via Surface Mount Technology (SMT) that minimizes the use of wire harness and reduces chances of energy waste due to faulty wiring.
The assembly
The integrated electronic components in a flex circuit assembly comprise a buffer layer between circuit layer and the base film. This conducting layer helps in smooth electric conductivity across the board without involving the base film.
Along with the electronic component assembly; adhesive cover layer, solder mask (cover coat), stiffeners, and conductive interlayer work in close combination to result in successful functioning of the complex interconnecting system.
Flex circuit assembly - the reason behind many a robust and compact designs
Flex circuit assembly works as mechanical interconnects that negate any chance of energy waste due to faulty wiring. With the introduction of Surface Mount Technology (SMT), the arrangement of electrical components (or the assembly, as it is known to be) have become more equipped to sustain extreme mechanical stress and vibration. In addition, SMT also ensures that the modern flex circuit components offer greater surface area resulting in better heat dissipation during operation.
Other than several innovative, flat and dynamic flexible circuit designs, there are numerous flexible cable assemblies that work as efficient interconnects. These cables can be twisted across any axis and work as the basis of several innovative electronic packaging design solutions
In addition to flexible boards and wiring options, expert flex circuit manufacturers also offer innovative and integrated flex circuit assemblies that comply to several unique and innovative packaging needs.
Other than several innovative, flat and dynamic flexible circuit designs, there are numerous flexible cable assemblies that work as efficient interconnects. These cables can be twisted across any axis and work as the basis of several innovative electronic packaging design solutions
In addition to flexible boards and wiring options, expert flex circuit manufacturers also offer innovative and integrated flex circuit assemblies that comply to several unique and innovative packaging needs.
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