Understading Flexible PCBs

In some cases, applications require a flexible circuit board assembly. This means that the assembly is mounted upon a board that is not entirely rigid as most people imagine a circuit board to be. These are also called flex circuits, and they are usually mounted upon flexible plastic or in some cases, a type of polyester or polymer film. Most of the time, these boards can use the same components that get attached to rigid boards. Some type of metal foil is usually used as the conductive material. Laminates are used as adhesives.

Flex circuits are usually much thinner and lighter than their rigid counterparts. This might be critical when rigid boards won't work because of weight, space, or shape limitations.

Uses of Flexible Circuit Boards and Flexible Board Technology

Some applications may either have very tight space or shape constraints. Others require some flexibility because the shape of the container can change. Another advantage is that these flexible circuit board assemblies are light and can conserve space for shipping. To understand this, consider some example products that might make good use of this technology.

Everyday Products With Flexible Circuit Boards

Some everyday consumer products that may contain flexible circuits include flip phones, electronic cameras, and computer keyboards. Medical devices may also need a lot of connections in a very tight spaces, and these may also use flex circuits. In some cases, there are even applications that require having PCBs, or printed circuit boards, sewn into clothing.

Obviously, circuits that are flexible and light like the cloth that they are sewn into would be a good choice for "smart clothes."

Flexible Boards in Space

While not exactly printed circuit boards, flexible solar cells use similar technology. These are a staple of the space industry because they are very light and can actually get rolled up to save space during launch into space. Once they are in space, they can be unrolled and deployed on satellites or the space station.

The Growing Demand for Flex Circuits

As electronics companies devise smaller and lighter types of wearable tech, like smart watches, the demand for flexible circuit boards should increase.