Rigid Flex Circuit: revolutionizing electronic device engineering

source : Anirban Bhattacharya
Rigid flex circuits help in making electronic interconnections simpler and consistent. They are the hybrid structures that combine the robustness of rigid circuits and flexibility of flex boards. A rigid flex circuit can be highly useful in devices that are made to be robust in spite of being foldable.

Modern rigid flexible circuit boards are developed using Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and help to make electronic circuit configurations run in 3 axes. These circuit types are available in single-layered, double layered as well as multi layered varieties and are appropriate for medical, telecommunication, aerospace, and application in several electronic appliances. Rigid flex circuits are the reason behind several advanced and innovative packaging solutions in the electronic device world.

Rigid flex circuits can manage to save up to 75% of space and weight of a device. They are the reason behind in the replacement of various hardboards, cables and connectors resulting in compact as well as efficient products.

The sturdy structural design of a rigid flexible circuit allows it to work uninterrupted under severe mechanical vibration. The inherent flexibility of the base substrate results in reduction of the body mass as well as impact on solder joints.

Rigid flex circuits are made of two or more conductive layers. Other than an insulated base film, there are interlayer’s made of flexible or a rigid insulated material.

While in single-layer rigid flex circuits, the lower layers are made of exposed cover pads, double and multi-layered boards are constituted by several adhesive/adhesive less inner layers made to conform to the design specifications. Conducting layers laid in between the insulated layers help in smooth electrical conductance across the board.

There are various uses and advantages that are associated with a rigid flex circuits and flexibility is one amongst the many. Given to the increasing presence of innovative electronic designs, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that they have revolutionized the world of electronics.