Flexible PCB Applications and Advantages

Flexible PCBs can be used in almost all electrical and electronics industries. However, flexible PCBs are more expensive than normal rigid PCBs, and they have been extensively used in these industries:

1. Flexible PCBs in Automotive Electronics

Flexible circuit boards are used in automotive systems/parts including anti-lock braking systems, airbag controllers, dash systems, instrumental panels, etc. Flex PCBs fit into the small parts and provide flexibility for engineers. Automotive components need to withstand heat and cold and experience vibration during use.?There is no need to worry about flexible PCBs in such circumstances.

2. Flexible PCBs in Aerospace Components

Flexible PCBs are used in different parts of the aviation industry, such as in holographic waveguide helmet-mounted displays providing high-resolution 3D images. In satellites, flexible PCBs are used to replace connectors that may cause interconnect errors, and they can fold and bend thousands of times, carry components, and directly connect different parts.

3. Flexible PCBs in computer electronics

Computer operations rely on flexible PCBs as computers have a small space and flex PCBs pass signals. Desktops usually apply 4 and 6 layers FPC boards, and laptops with a smaller space require 8-layers FPC boards.

4. Flexible PCBs in smartphones

Smartphones are tiny, light-weighted, portable, and multifunctional. Inside the small smartphones, there are plenty of flexible PCBs used to carry and connect various components. Flex PCBs fit tiny spaces and keep our smartphones safe, and they are resistant to heat and the environment.

5. Flexible PCBs in medical devices

Flexible PCBs are extensively used in medical appliances such as swallowable pill cameras, gastroscopy, glass hearing devices, etc. Flexible PCBs are small, thin, foldable, and durable, and these metrics make them necessary for medical devices that have a small space and require precision. Below is a double-sided flexible PCB for gastroscopy.

Besides, flexible PCBs are also used in wearable devices, digital cameras, etc. Flexible PCBs are extensively used in these middle and high-end devices because of the below advantages.

Advantages of Flexible PCBs

• Direct board-to-board/device connection, without the need for bulky cable connectors and wires.
• Light-weighted, thin, and smaller than conventional PCBs.
• Flexible, able to bend thousands of times without harm to the board.
• Able to withstand up to 400°C high temperatures.