rigid flex pcb

Advantages, Disadvantages and Industry Applications of Rigid-Flex PCBs

Rigid-flex PCB is a hybrid PCB that combines the characteristics of rigid PCB and flexible PCB, which can maximize the functional efficiency of various applications. It has the advantages of both rigid PCB and flexible PCB, with higher reliability and wider PCB functions.

Advantages of Rigid-Flex PCBs

Rigid-Flex PCBs have many advantages, including light weight, easy assembly and repair, and enhanced reliability, performance, and flexibility of electronic devices. Other advantages include:

01

Compact Size
Electronic devices are becoming smaller and more flexible. The versatility of rigid-flex boards allows them to be easily bent and folded to fit small devices and properly connect micro components. This miniaturization also makes devices lighter.

02

Improved Reliability
Due to the reduction of solder joints and board-to-board connectors, there is less possibility of connection impedance. In addition, the connection between rigid PCB and flexible PCB layers is safe and reliable, reducing the occurrence of circuit failure.

03

Space Saving
Due to the built-in interconnection circuits in the flexible PCB substrate, rigid-flex boards have more space for wiring. This makes the board suitable for compactly designed applications because there is no need for excessive space to accommodate wiring harnesses and large-sized connectors.

04

Reduced Cost
Although the cost of rigid-flex boards is higher than that of ordinary rigid PCBs, they are more economical in assembly: due to the smaller size and fewer connections, rigid-flex board assembly requires fewer materials, parts and connector components, reducing the procurement and assembly costs of the end product. This means that the use of rigid-flex boards can significantly reduce the total manufacturing cost of assembly and logistics.

05

Easy to test
The subcircuits of the rigid-flex board are already interconnected, so automated testing can be easily performed. This test allows manufacturers to troubleshoot connection problems before assembling components, thus avoiding unnecessary waste and expense.

06

Design flexibility
The 3D design and multi-layer flexible PCB circuits make the rigid-flex board highly flexible and able to adapt to small devices. Therefore, the device is no longer restricted to a specific PCB design like rigid PCB boards, because the rigid-flex board can bend to a radius and can be suitable for a variety of applications.

07

Resistant to high temperatures and harsh conditions
The rigid-flex board uses polyimide with high thermal stability, so it can withstand high temperatures. At the same time, it combines the advantages of rigid PCB and flexible PCB, and has excellent radiation resistance, resistance to harmful oils and chemicals, and tolerance to extreme shock, vibration and other harsh industrial conditions. Therefore, it is ideal for equipment that may be subject to excessive movement and vibration.

Disadvantages of Rigid-Flex PCB

Rigid-Flex PCB has many advantages, but also has quite a few disadvantages. First, its production process is long and relatively difficult, requiring more materials and manpower to increase production speed, which in turn increases costs. If the design needs to be adjusted during the testing phase, it may be necessary to return to the Gerber design to correct the error, which increases expenditure and time costs, and its yield is usually low.

Applications of Rigid-Flex PCBs

The characteristics and functional advantages of Rigid-Flex PCBs, such as reduced interface connections, minimal packaging weight and size, and resistance to extreme conditions, make them popular in the commercial, industrial, and household sectors. In addition to small consumer products such as mobile phones and multimedia players, they are also used in the following industries:

01

Medical Industry
Applicable to devices such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, handheld monitors, imaging devices, drug delivery systems, wireless controllers, etc.

02

Aerospace
This application can produce equipment such as radar equipment, GPS, radio communication systems, control tower systems, sensors, noise and vibration test systems, motion sensors, and environmental and climate test chambers.

03

Telecommunications
Such as base stations, handheld devices, communication satellites, wireless communication systems, signal processing systems, transmission media, routers and servers, online signal extension systems, etc.

04

Consumer Appliances
This is a common application of rigid-flex boards, including ovens, TV remote controls, washing systems, lighting systems, solar systems, UV water purifiers, electronic irons, etc.

05

Automotive
Rigid-flex PCBs are used in electronic control modules, transmission controls, LCDs, comfort control units, and products such as air conditioning, music, traction control, entertainment, and navigation systems.

06

Military Sector
Rigid-flex PCBs have important applications in this regard and can be used to produce weapon guidance systems, communication systems, GPS, aircraft missile launch detectors, surveillance or tracking systems, etc.

07

Manufacturing
In this field, rigid-flex boards are used in test equipment, electrical switches, industrial automation systems, control panels, industrial air conditioners, and CCTV surveillance systems.