Benefits & Applications of Flexible PCB

As the name suggests, flexible printed circuit boards have physical flexibility. These PCBs are widely used in mechanically sensitive equipment because the flexibility allows the circuit board to resist vibration. Flexible PCBs are more durable than traditional circuit boards, but flexible PCB manufacturing processes are sensitive and complex.

The difference between flexible PCB and traditional PCB and flexible PCB application PCB proofing

Due to the light weight of the design, the circuit board can be shaped according to the housing, can be packed in a small volume, and the overall size of the final product can be reduced. Flex PCBs eliminate the excessive use of wiring harnesses and connectors in PCBs.

Flexible PCB Application

Rigid boards add some restrictions to product design because they cannot be installed in a limited space. Circuit boards need to have vibration resistance in products that are often subjected to mechanical shocks.

Flexible PCBs are more suitable for this situation because they can be bent and wrapped if needed. They can survive in harsh temperatures ranging from -200 to 400 degrees Celsius. Compared with traditional PCBs, these functions make flex PCB more reliable and durable.

Computer and accessories

Flexible PCBs are very powerful in terms of signal and atmospheric conditions. The hard drive in the computer contains Flex PCB. Because these PCBs provide high data transfer rates on physically small circuit boards. Other consumer elcetronics, such as printers,PDAs,smartphone and laptop LCDs are usually designed with flexible PCBs for similar reasons.

Aerospace Industry

The electronic systems of airplanes are often jammed with cables and are lighter in weight. A typical Airbus contains nearly 100 kilometers of cable, while a helicopter contains approximately 12 kilometers of cable. There is no compromise on the reliability and performance of aircraft systems. The flexible PCB reduces the weight and can be significantly improved even when subjected to mechanical shock, making it an ideal choice for aircraft.

Automotive Industry

Over time, automotive products have become more compact. Flexible PCBs brings flexibility to product, because these PCBs can be placed in a limited space regardless of feature size and still work efficiently. Flex PCB enables designers to produce lightweight products while maintaining product performance.

Flexible PCBs are commonly used in engine management computers, airbag controllers and other electronic components in automotive products. Since cars are often exposed to high temperatures, which is tolerable for flexible PCBs, these circuit boards have modern automotive products.

Smartphones

Mobile phones are small, but have many functions. Ever wondered how to design dense circuits in such a compact enclosure? The flexible PCB can realize the synchronization of multiple components while requiring the least space.

It is disadvantageous to connect the wiring harness or the rigid board for the synchronization assembly because the size and shape of the mobile phone are limited. In addition, mobile phones will heat up, and traditional circuit boards cannot withstand high temperatures. In addition, Flex PCBs have also added a waterproof function to the design.

Nowadays, mobile phones and digital books are developing flexible PCBs, which is a major technological breakthrough. Imagine packaging the phone or bending the pages of a digital book? It is impossible to use a rigid PCB. With the advancement of technology, flexible PCBs are also evolving, and we hope that in the near future, we can bend mobile phones like pages.

The difference between flexible PCB and traditional PCB and flexible PCB application PCB proofing

Medical Devices

Medical electronic products need to be highly accurate and durable. Wearable devices currently under development are usually developed using Flexible PCBs, and their flexibility makes them suitable for host use.

Today, wearable devices are used to track physical health. These gadgets are very compact and delicate. Flex PCB can implant sensors on the patient’s skin and monitor the results on a smart watch or mobile phone. This revolution in wearable medical devices is brought about by flexible PCBs.

Usually medical devices need to be placed inside the human body, such as pacemakers or pill cameras are often exposed to extreme atmospheric conditions and flexible PCBs are most suitable for this situation.

Rigid PCBs are big size, along with their low performance makes it unsuitable for high signal transmission application, not unfavorable for medical electronic products either.

Recent research on Flex PCB has enabled scientists to develop Flex PCBs that are more suitable for medical devices. These PCBs are developed using organic materials to provide more suitable quality for prosthetic components. Compared with flexible traditional PCBs, these circuit boards are more flexible, which is exciting for the development of high-performance prosthetics.

Industrial applications of Flex-Rigid PCBs

The flexible PCB can withstand extreme weather conditions and can perform well even in harsh environments. RF equipment is usually designed with Flex PCB because the robustness of these PCBs keeps the signal strength unaffected.

In addition, Flex PCB is used in industrial machines and power distribution control systems.

Sensors

Flex PCBs have revolutionized sensors. Modern sensors are manufactured on flexible PCBs, which reduces their size. These sensors can be placed in limited and irregular spaces, suitable for designs or more compact products.

Military Equipment

Most modern military equipment uses Flex PCBs such as radar systems in military vehicles. Control systems in military-grade equipment require robustness of high signal and conductive paths. Because the equipment must be used at extreme temperatures, weather conditions often cannot withstand rigid PCBs. In addition, military equipment is often affected by vibration and mechanical stress, which is very tolerable for flexible PCBs. For these reasons, Flex PCB is best suited for military equipment.