What Are Flexible Circuits?

They consist of conductive strips of metal, usually copper, encapsulated with an insulating dielectric material made of polyimide or a solder mask. Polyimide is an excellent insulator that allows the circuit to bend, resist contamination and withstand high temperatures.

PRIME FUNCTION OF A FLEXIBLE CIRCUIT

• Electronic interconnection device – carries electronic signals and power
• Similar to a printed circuit board, yet flexible
• Conforms to small spaces and contoured shapes
• Eliminates or enables the use of smaller, less expensive connectors
• Provides mechanical flexing
• Shields radiated noise for EMI

BENEFITS OF A FLEXIBLE CIRCUIT

Flexible printed circuit board technology offers a multitude of possibilities for different types of products and designs. Flex is a design solution that delivers the best attributes of wire, cable, connectors and printed circuit boards – all in one interconnect solution.

• Reduces size and weight – a flex circuit can be up to 70% lighter than a printed circuit board
• Improves electronic packaging – gives designers the ability to solve packaging and interconnect issues based on the ability to form, bend and move
• Interconnect solution – reduces the number of interconnects (wire, cables, connectors, PCBs)
• Conformability – the thinness of the material allows for advanced 3-D packaging
• Electrical integration – tailored solutions can be created based on the myriad of material choices, plating and designs
• Heat dissipation/power – Polyimide dielectrics can withstand high temperatures required for a high power application
• Mechanical and electrical repeatability
• Cost savings – typically 30% to hand wiring
• Space savings – typically 60%
• Assembly savings
• Reliability improvements
• Wiring errors eliminated