Rigid-flex PCB Fabrication Service

When used in portable devices, rigid and flexible circuit boards offer the best of both worlds. Flexible circuit areas are suitable for products that need to bend in some places, while rigid circuit areas provide stability and strength for other areas of the product that need increased durability and shock absorption. Some of the main advantages include the following.

When customers choose rigid and flexible boards for their applications, they may find possible cost savings due to reduced material usage and easier assembly. Rigid-to-flexible circuits can be designed in smaller and lighter packages because the customer only has to pay for the reduced amount of material used in the final assembly. These cost savings may also be reflected in fewer components and connectors required

Rigid and flexible circuits have higher reliability against shock and vibration. With fewer interconnect points, they maintain high performance during drop tests. The product has also become lighter, which reduces the potential for failure

Rigid - Flexible PCB areas in flexible boards offer a wider range of functionality than traditional rigid boards with wired interconnects. When the product design requires high-speed signals and controlled impedance, the flexible plate can handle the transmission load effortlessly. Flexible areas can also provide a high level of shielding against EMI and RF interference from either component from internal or external sources of the product. Another benefit of rigid-flexible circuits is that they work reliably even in harsh environment applications. The plate has good corrosion resistance, chemical resistance and UV resistance linearity. They can also withstand temperatures of up to 200°C, while being able to dissipate the heat produced.

By combining rigid circuit boards and flex circuits into one integrated unit, the need for wired connections becomes significantly reduced and, in some cases, eliminated. The flex area materials take up 10% of the size and weight compared to wired solutions, allowing the customer to come up with product designs that are lighter and smaller in size (Figure 2) when required. One rigid-flex circuit board can fit in places where multiple rigid boards, connectors, and wiring harnesses would not be able to, and its tighter bend capabilities offers interconnect solutions not available with any other solution.