Why You Should Use Flex Circuits

Why You Should Use Flex Circuits

Flex Circuits offer multiple advantages for anyone considering their use in a future project or if you’re trying to decide on revamping your current design. The most prominent features include Packaging, Reliability, Capabilities, and Cost Savings.

Packaging

Unlike regular printed circuit boards (PCBs) Flex Circuits can fit where no other solutions are able. You can even save more space by replacing a wired assembly with a Flex Circuit(s). Flex designs are typically only 10% the space and weight of wired solutions. There is also an increase in tighter bend capabilities. There may even be opportunity to replace multiple PCBs, connectors, etc. with a single rigid-flex unit.

Reliability

Flex Circuits with Multiple Interconnects

When it comes to reliability, Flex Circuits have you covered. They can reduce the overall number of interconnects required. This means fewer solder joints, connectors, and contact crimps. With fewer interconnects there will be fewer potential sources of failure and in turn improved reliability. Additionally, the weight reduction and flexibility of the circuit improves vibration and shock performance.
 

Capabilities

Flex material properties perform very well in high speed controlled impedance designs. As far as component/connector assembly is concerned Flex PCBs accepts any component or connector that can be assembled to a Rigid PCB. Additional options that are available include ZIF connectors, crimped contacts, and direct solder.

Flex circuits also perform well in harsh environments. Extreme temperature applications can run between 200 + Celsius and flex provides better heat dissipation than Rigid PCBs. Flex circuits also have excellent resistance to chemical, radiation, and UV exposure.    

Cost Savings

Ultimately the major concern for most is not just the benefits but the savings included in the benefit. Using Flexible PCBs reduces the overall finished assembly packaging and material requirements. Replacing multiple components will lower assembly costs due to fewer parts and simplified installation. Assembly errors will be less frequent as there is only one correct way to install.
  

Conclusion

This was meant to raise awareness to some of the advantages Flex Circuit Boards can offer. In the end your end product(s) will see improvement in packaging, reliability, capabilities, and cost savings. 

To learn more information please visit our home page at www.epectec.com.