They consist of conductive strips of metal, usually copper, encapsulated with an insulating dielectric material made of polyimide or a solder mask. Polyimide is an excellent insulator that allows the circuit to bend, resist contamination and withstand high temperatures.
Electronic interconnection device – carries electronic signals and power
Similar to a printed circuit board, yet flexible
Conforms to small spaces and contoured shapes
Eliminates or enables the use of smaller, less expensive connectors
Provides mechanical flexing
Shields radiated noise for EMI
Flexible printed circuit board technology offers a multitude of possibilities for different types of products and designs. Flex is a design solution that delivers the best attributes of wire, cable, connectors and printed circuit boards – all in one interconnect solution.
Reduces size and weight – a flex circuit can be up to 70% lighter than a printed circuit board
Improves electronic packaging – gives designers the ability to solve packaging and interconnect issues based on the ability to form, bend and move
Interconnect solution – reduces the number of interconnects (wire, cables, connectors, PCBs)
Conformability – the thinness of the material allows for advanced 3-D packaging
Electrical integration – tailored solutions can be created based on the myriad of material choices, plating and designs
Heat dissipation/power – Polyimide dielectrics can withstand high temperatures required for a high power application
Mechanical and electrical repeatability
Cost savings – typically 30% to hand wiring
Space savings – typically 60%
Assembly savings
Reliability improvements
Wiring errors eliminated