Rigid Flex Circuits Suitable for High Temperature Environments
Rigid flex circuits are versatile printed circuit boards that combine the best of rigid and flexible board design. They are used in a variety of applications including medical devices, aerospace equipment, consumer electronics and automotive electronics. These circuits are designed to provide the flexibility needed for curved surfaces while maintaining high levels of structural integrity.
They are constructed of 3 standard materials: copper for the printed circuit board patterns, flex core(s) to which the copper is attached and coverlays that encapsulate the external components. The flex cores and coverlays are made from a wide range of materials with different maximum operating temperature capabilities. Choosing the right material for your design will ensure that your flex circuit is capable of withstanding the environmental conditions in which it will be operating.
Using low-quality PCBs can result in mechanical failure and instability that may impact the safety of the device or people using it. This can lead to potential injuries, equipment malfunctions and other costly problems. When considering rigid flex circuits for critical applications, it is important to only use high-quality products that have been manufactured by a reputable manufacturer.
When designing a flex circuit, it is recommended to route traces perpendicular to the bend line to prevent stress points that could cause them to break. These stress points are usually created when the traces transition from thick to thin areas. This can be prevented by ensuring that the trace widths are gradually decreased or by using fillets to create smooth transitions that are free of stress points.
Are Rigid Flex Circuits Suitable for High Temperature Environments?
Additionally, traces that are exposed to excessive mechanical stress should be thickened where possible to prevent them from being lifted off of the flex circuit. This can be accomplished by increasing the surface area of the copper or by utilizing anchor points to increase the amount of force required to lift the trace.
Another way to reduce stress points on a flex circuit is by connecting the copper traces through vias or plated through-holes rather than directly with other traces. This eliminates the possibility of stressing the connection point with other traces and increases the overall strength of the flex circuit.
In addition, avoiding stress points can be further reduced by routing the traces around the edges of the flex circuit rather than in the center. This can help to increase the durability and longevity of the flex circuit by reducing the number of places where stress points can develop.
Using rigid-flex circuits in a high-temperature environment requires careful planning and design to minimize the risks of structural failure, electrical or mechanical failure, or other issues. However, with proper collaboration between design teams, manufacturers, fabricators and assemblers, this type of PCB can be an excellent choice for critical applications in need of flexibility and strength. Working with a reliable rigid-flex manufacturer like Avanti Circuits can help ensure that your product is designed and produced to the highest quality standards to provide years of performance in demanding environments.
