Flexible Circuits and Their Use
Flex circuits is a latest technology being used in this modern world. It allows you to assemble electronic circuits by mounting electronic devices on a flexible plastic substrate such as PEEK film and polyimide. Flex circuits are also available in the form of screen printed silver circuits, mainly found on polyester. These flex circuits can be formed by using same components as used in printed circuit boards. Here the board can take any shape, depending on its usage.
These flex circuits are used in areas where connection between two components is required. These circuits are used in areas where space savings, flexibility, or production constraints, limit services of rigid circuit boards. Computer keyboard is the best example of a flex circuit.
Flexible circuits are single, or double sided, or multi layered. These circuits are much thinner than a normal PCB. They are 100-150 microns less than normal PCB. Single sided flexible circuit is designed by using dielectric film of copper clad. This dielectric film can be taken from polyester or polyimide. Exposed copper features of these flexible circuits are protected by conventional surface finishes like Gold, Tin, and Nickel etc. These flexible circuits usually have printed notation, they also have rigidizers or local stiffeners. Manufacturing a single sided flexible circuit is quite easy compared to a double sided circuit.