When to Use Rigid Circuit Boards?
Are you thinking of a rigid printed circuit board whenever you come across the term PCB? The term PCB may be used to denote either a rigid or flexible PCB. Flexible PCB is generally referred to as flex circuits, flexible printed circuit boards, flex boards, or flexible circuit boards. In precise terms, they are also referred to as flexible electronics. In recent times flex circuits have gained a lot of popularity because of their ability to bend and twist in different configurations. In the fundamental sense of the words, both the rigid as well as flexible printed circuit boards provide the same functions. These boards establish a connection with different electrical and mechanical components.
From the perspective of weight
Typically the cost of rigid PCBs is way less than flex circuits. The word typically is mentioned, especially when you are taking into consideration the cost of ownership. In specific cases, some of the applications concerning flexible PCBs may even turn out to be less pricey in comparison to rigid printed circuit boards. That is one of the primary reasons why you will need to develop a fair understanding of the total cost concerning ownership. There is an overall reduction of the weight of rigid-flex boards due to the elimination of cables and connectors.
Connection stability
There are quite a few of the electronic devices such as flat-screen televisions, monitors, desktop computers, laptops, and toys of kids that make use of rigid PCBs. Such electronic gadgets do not depend on flexible PCBs. On the other hand, you may come across flex circuits in various high-performance devices, smartphones as well as cameras. A higher degree of reliability in connection can be attained in rigid-flex boards due to less dependency on solder joints. Flex circuit technology may be used in case of low tech applications. Such applications may include LED lights that are under the counter. Some of the reasons behind their usage may be attributed to higher sophistication level and ease of installation.
Delving into the circuitry world
You can make use of both the circuits in the form of a unified PCB. There are certain situations which may require a combination of both flex circuit as well as a rigid circuit. While you are dealing with the design of rigid PCBs, there are specific rules which you will have to take into consideration. Such factors may include minimum space, minimum distance, and the thickness of the design and the minimum size of holes. Apart from these various manufacturing process steps may be required to be shared between flexible as well as rigid PCBs.
Making a smart choice
It would help if you carried an intensive homework using the online platform. The idea is to obtain the names of some of the reliable manufacturers. Make sure that the manufacturer you select is known in the industry for its research operations. They should also lay a great deal of emphasis on customer satisfaction.
