Flex PCBs for Smart City
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are a key component in every electronic device we use. They enable the interconnection of components and circuits in a way that can fit into smaller spaces, reduce weight and increase efficiency. PCBs have become the cornerstone of modern technology and are used in everything from smartphones to medical devices. PCBs are now available in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the needs of different applications. The most common are rigid and flex PCBs.
Flex PCBs combine rigidity and flexibility to offer the best of both worlds. They have higher current carrying capacity than traditional rigid PCBs and can bend and fold to accommodate a product’s unique form factor. In turn, this enables designers to maximize the space in their product while increasing the reliability of the circuit connections.
PCBs with flex layers are also often used in devices that are subjected to vibration. Vibration causes mechanical stress on the circuit board, which can lead to material fatigue and mechanical failure. flex rigid pcb can be designed to withstand these conditions by using localized rigid material, called stiffeners, that can add strength and thickness to specific areas of the board.
Flex PCBs for Smart City Infrastructure
The flex in a rigid flex PCB can be routed without damaging the copper. However, it is important to make sure that the traces do not cross over the flex ribbon and that the minimum bend radius of the flexible section is not exceeded. This can be accomplished by using a staggered layer stack and making sure that the traces are not routed near the edges of the flex ribbon.
Another consideration is that the rigid sections of a flex PCB must be compatible with the flexible sections in terms of materials and design. In particular, the materials must be able to handle temperature variations and expansion. In addition, the design must ensure that there are no gaps or openings between the rigid and flex sections of the PCB. Finally, the PCB must be designed for manufacturability and rigorous testing is required to verify that the final product meets all specifications and performance requirements.
To meet these challenges, it is crucial that your electrical and mechanical engineers work together throughout the design process. The right software tools can help you achieve this collaboration and ensure that your rigid-flex PCB will be both functional and reliable.
For example, Altium Designer’s layer stack manager and board planning mode let you easily define electrical connections between flex and rigid sections of the PCB. You can also quickly verify component placement and clearances with Altium Designer’s native MCAD features. With this level of integration, you can design rigid-flex and flex PCBs with confidence.
