Benefits of Using Flexible Printed Circuit Boards

A flexible printed circuit (FPC connector) is a type of connector technology used for electronic equipment. This type of connectors was developed to meet the demand for lighter connector solutions, smaller pitch spacing, and lower profile heights.

 

This type of connector technology are used for the following applications: cameras, mobile and smart phones, personal computers and tablets, game consoles, copiers, printers, medical equipment, and GPS devices, to name a few.

 

They are made with a photolithographic technology, which is a process that uses light in transferring a pattern from a photomask to a light-sensitive chemical on the substrate.

 

There are many benefits to using a flexible printed circuit boards in connectivity. Here are a few of them:

 

FPC boards are flexible. Flexibility is the most outstanding benefit of using a flexible printed circuit board. Because an FPC board is elastic, placement around the edges and boards is made possible and easy. Flexibility also requires very little to no wiring in connections, thereby eliminating failures in wire connections and improving the reliability of the device.

 

FPC boards are lightweight and save a lot of space. Compared to rigid printed circuit boards (PCB) or wire harness applications, FPC boards are up to 60% lighter and smaller. This makes storing and installation easier and more convenient. They can be bent, twisted, and folded, which is a highly beneficial property in complex and tight-fitting assemblies.

 

FPC boards can withstand more bending cycles. FPC boards are capable to withstand up to 200.000 bending cycles with standard material

 

FPC boards are vibration-proof. Due to their flexible and lightweight properties, FPC boards absorb vibration and effectively reduce its impact in connections.

 

FPC boards can withstand harsh environments. FPC boards may be built with materials that are corrosion-resistant, moisture-proof, waterproof, and shock-proof, making them suitable for use in harsh operating environments.

 

FPC boards may be used for high-power applications. FPC connector boards are built with heavy copper layers that may be used for high-power applications.

 

Flexible boards are suited to surface mount technology. (SMT) Because FPC boards are capable of offering a strain-free bonding site for the SMT component, they are highly suited for use in SMT applications. The flexible base absorbs thermal stresses, thus decreasing the chances of solder joint failure.

 

Flexible boards are capable of effective thermal management. Because these conductors have a greater surface to volume ratio than a round wire, it allows for easy dissipation of heat away from the circuit. This is major advantage as compared to using rigid boards, where the dielectric substrate inhibits the flow of heat.

 

FPC boards are capable of dynamic flexing. As compared to a flat ribbon cable, an FPC board is capable of a higher amount of flexures. Because of this, they are the preferred connector type for providing reliable interconnection for applications where millions of flexures are required, as in interconnections between moving parts.

 

FPC boards are reliable. The track routing in FPC boards is determined by artworks, which eliminates the chances of wiring errors. This translates to highly reliable interconnections.

 

FPC boards are cost-effective. With FPC boards, the finished assembly packaging size is smaller and the material costs are lower. Also, wire routing errors are decreased, resulting in lower testing times and lower additional costs.

 

In summary, FPC connector boards are highly durable, reliable, and cost-effective as opposed to rigid circuit boards. Because of this, they are more preferred in a lot of household electronic applications, such as cell phones, clocks, televisions, and the like.