Flex PCB Takes the Design World By Storm

Reno, Nevada, August 1, 2012 – Flexible printed circuit boards (PCB) are growing in popularity and have many uses in electronics and medical devices such as: iPod, iPad, printers, televisions, cellular phones, and virtually any medical equipment often feature flexible PCB. Demand is increasing due to its flexibility, space-consciousness and light weight design. 

High quality PCB suppliers are instrumental in the delivery of the electronics coveted by Americans. Quality flex PCB consists of silicon and electrical conduit to comprise a complete system of electrical circuits. Flexible PCB allows designers the ability to design devices with smaller footprints because this type of board can be manipulated into unique designs. 

Since flexible PCB can be twisted or rolled into nearly every design, designers are not limited to standard packaging. They can be more creative with their designs and space conservation efforts. Many designers are pleased with the benefits received from new flexible PCB technology. 

There are several different types of flexible PCB available: single-sided, normal double-sided, multi-layer and rigid-flex. Single-sided PI-coated copper board is a single-layer conductor that is covered in a layer of preservative. The preservative is added after the etching process. Single-sided PCB is commonly used in flex cables, printer flex, flexible heaters and LED flex. The technology has been proven effective in these applications. 

Normal double-sided PI-coated copper board is covered in a layer of preservative after the etching process. This transforms the device into a double-layer conductor. Double-layer conductors are most commonly used in telecommunication and high frequency communication applications.

Multi-layer PCB devices are created by gluing together several single-sided PI-coated copper boards. The adhesive used is pressure-sensitive. Multi-layer PCB are often found in medical devices and applications. The conductor is highly effective and pliable.

Rigid flex PCB is a combination or hybrid circuit board technology. The best of both worlds are combined to bring an exceptional solution to device designers. Rigid boards are preferred for high supporting ability. High pliability is preferred for designs that do not fit a traditional package. 

Compared to other options flexible PCB is more expensive. Many designers find the expense justifiable considering the space-savings and functionality. Prior to purchasing flexible PCB, a cost-benefit analysis should be conducted to determine whether the investment is sound. In most instances, designers choose flexible PCB over other options. 

With numerous flexible PCB types available, there are countless choices for designers. Designers can integrate the technology in a variety of designs. Not only is flexible PCB round in hard disk drives and printers, but the technology is most recently been found in LED connector technology. This is just one example of its use, but flexible PCB has a variety of other applications available for designers to consider and modify. 

Flexible PCB is the wave of the future. As technology develops, flexible PCB will allow even smaller designs. Every designer should consider how integrated flexible PCB will increase functionality of their designs and help to conserve space. Ask an expert about how to effectively integrate flexible PCB into your basic designs.