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Why Rigid Flexible PCBs are Attaining Popularity?
Embedded Advisor | Monday, January 25, 2021
The combination of rigid and flexible PCBs is fostering innovative and unique capabilities that better circuit boards, thereby resulting in significant advantages.
FREMONT, CA: Advancements in technology have made the integration of rigid and flexible PCBs possible today. The integrated circuit boards, known as rigid-flex PCBs, offer several unique advantages that make them a better and practical option than rigid or flexible PCBs. However, many chip manufacturers, as well as electronics companies, are either unaware of these advantages or are unwilling to experiment with rigid-flex boards. The following list sheds light on some of the factors that contribute towards making rigid-flex options more attractive and can help stakeholders realize the opportunities they present.
• Optimized Sizes
Compared to rigid circuit boards, rigid-flex alternatives can have smaller sizes without compromising on functionalities. Since rigid-flex PCBs eliminate the need for connectors, the rest of the components can be fit into smaller areas allowing optimized dimensions. The reduction in the size of PCBs is beneficial from the perspective of cost. Fabricating smaller boards requires fewer resources. Besides, the size of electronics devices in which the PCBs are incorporated can also be subsequently made sleeker.
• Streamlined Fabrication and Reduced Assembling Requirements
Rigid-flex PCB manufacturing might seem expensive from the outset. However, when multiple rigid PCBs have to be manufactured and connected, the economics changes significantly. The need for connectors and cable assemblies to connect the rigid PCBs surpasses the cost of manufacturing rigid-flex PCBs. Besides, the elimination of connectors also makes fabrication more streamlined and requires only one production line in the case of the rigid-flex PCBs.
• Longevity of PCBs
Finding the right balance between initial costs of fabrication and the subsequent longevity of a product is essential. In this respect as well, rigid-flex options perform better than rigid PCBs owing to their longer lifespan. Long-term reliability is one of the biggest advantages that rigid-flex PCBs have. This longevity and reliability can be attributed to the elimination of complex interconnects.
As the applications of PCBs become diverse and more critical than ever, the advantages of rigid-flex alternatives will gradually come to the fore and see greater adoption.
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