rigid flex circuits different from hybrid circuits
Rigid flex circuits combine rigid PCB components with flexible PCB elements. They can be shaped to fit the product they are embedded within, and offer the best of both worlds – stability where it’s needed most in rigid components, but flexibility in areas where bending or flexing is necessary. They are also ideal in situations where power and space saving is crucial. For example, they are the perfect choice for implantable medical devices such as cochlear implants and retinal implants. Providing powerful computing capabilities in a small form factor, they can be used to reduce the size of these critical systems and ensure the safety of patients using them.
The rigid sections of a rigid flex are built using materials such as FR-4 or specialized Rogers laminates. Conductive traces are then applied to the substrates and sealed in place with adhesive layers. Coverlay and silkscreen are then added, as well as stiffeners where necessary. Depending on the application, they may be plated with copper or tin.
When compared to traditional rigid printed circuit boards, rigid flex circuits offer significant cost savings. This is due to the fact that they eliminate the need for component mounting and wire assemblies, reducing manufacturing costs and installation and repair time. The durability of rigid flex circuits also offers substantial cost savings when it comes to maintenance. They are more resilient than traditional rigid PCBs and can withstand thousands of flex cycles without losing functionality.
How are rigid flex circuits different from hybrid circuits?
While it may be tempting to opt for the lowest price solution when designing a rigid flex circuit, manufacturers should weigh up the pros and cons of each option carefully. Investing in the best quality rigid flex design will offer a long-term savings and provide a superior product. rigid flex circuits are especially suitable for high reliability applications, where failure of connectors or cables could result in hazardous conditions.
Compared to standard rigid circuits, rigid-flex boards are much smaller and lighter. They also provide a high level of reliability and have the potential to be shaped to fit the product they are installed in. These advantages make them a popular choice for many industries, such as aerospace and automotive engineering.
In order to create a flexible section in your rigid-flex circuit, the first step is to define the bending region of your circuit board. This can be done by using a standard routing and layout tool with a 3D view. This will help you to understand the mechanics of the flex section of your circuit board and identify any fabric obstacles or bend radius requirements that need to be taken into account when laying out your design.
With the right design software, you can quickly and easily prepare your flex or rigid-flex circuit for production. Altium Designer places all of your design tools into a unified, rules-based design environment that can adapt to your specific needs and requirements. To learn more about how a unified design workflow can benefit your rigid-flex PCB project, get in touch with our team.
