What is the Lifespan of Rigid Flex Circuit Boards?
Lifespan of Rigid Flex Circuit Boards
Rigid flex circuit boards are used across many industries in applications that require a combination of flexibility, space efficiency and high reliability. They are especially common in aerospace and military applications like aircraft instrumentation and medical devices. They can also be found in industrial electronics, automotive and electrical machinery as well as other environments where flexibility is needed. But what exactly is the lifespan of rigid flex circuit boards? How long do they last and what causes them to fail? This article will take a look at some of the factors that affect the lifespan of rigid flex circuit boards, including their material composition, fabrication and assembly processes.
Material composition is one of the most important factors in determining the lifespan of rigid flex circuit. The material chosen must be able to withstand the specific conditions in which it will be used. For example, some materials are more suited to high temperatures and moisture than others. The choice of material should also be based on the mechanical properties required for the application, such as strength, hardness and elasticity.
The etching and drilling processes used in the production of a rigid flex circuit board are another factor that affects its longevity. This is because the quality of these processes directly impacts the integrity of the circuit board itself. Therefore, it is essential that they are carried out accurately and professionally. The use of advanced tools and equipment, such as etch masks and drills, is also critical for the best results.
What is the Lifespan of Rigid Flex Circuit Boards?
During a circuit’s operation, it will experience a great deal of thermal expansion and contraction. This happens because of the heat generated by current passing through conductive traces and copper planes on the board. The expansion and contraction of the flex sections can cause them to stretch or elongate, which will ultimately lead to mechanical stress and failure. However, if the flex section has a rigid core attached to it, the expansion and contraction will be minimal and the stress will be lessened.
In addition to these factors, the design of a rigid flex circuit board can also impact its lifespan. In particular, the thickness of the copper plating and the size of the holes are crucial for maintaining a high level of reliability. Thicker copper plating and larger holes increase the overall stress on the flex area. This can cause the copper to break down and fail, leading to a short circuit.
To prevent this from happening, designers should choose the appropriate thickness of copper for the flex section of the PCB and keep the etch size as small as possible to reduce stress on the flex area. In addition, it is also a good idea to incorporate flex-friendly features in the design of the PCB. These include hold-down tabs, which help to maintain the flex circuit in place during soldering and rework processes. This will help to ensure that the flex circuit is able to withstand the stresses of a working environment.