Rigid Flex Be Used in Underwater Applications
Rigid flex circuit boards offer a combination of rigidity and flexibility, enabling designers to create a unique and adaptable printed circuit board that can be used in a wide variety of applications. The rigid parts of the board carry components while the flex sections serve as interconnection paths. The result is a highly reliable board that can be bent and folded to fit around components without losing its integrity. This type of design is often used in applications that require both space efficiency and adaptability.
As a hybrid circuit board, rigid flex can be used in environments with high vibration or shock impact, and it is also highly resistant to changes in temperature. These properties make them ideal for use in electronics and industrial devices that may encounter these conditions. Using rigid flex PCBs can significantly reduce the risk of failure due to these factors, as well as lower assembly and maintenance costs.
A rigid flex PCB is also more cost-effective than a fully flexible circuit board because it requires less copper and allows the designer to orient components in ways that save on manufacturing costs. This can also improve performance by reducing component size, weight, and thermal resistance. Additionally, rigid flex can be used in designs that would normally use complex connectors and cables, simplifying the assembly process and increasing reliability.
Telecommunications: This application includes base stations, handheld units, communication satellites, wireless communication systems, transmission media, routers and servers. Medical: Rigid flex circuits are seen in pacemakers, cochlear implants, imaging equipment, handheld monitors, and drug delivery systems. Automotive: Rigid flex is used for electronics like audio and traction control modules, LCDs, and comfort controls.
Can Rigid Flex Be Used in Underwater Applications?
As with any electronic design, there are some limitations when using rigid flex. One of the biggest concerns is the potential for signal degradation or impedance mismatching caused by improper layer transitions between the rigid and flex sections of the board. This can be mitigated by implementing proper thermal management techniques, such as the use of heat sinks and thermal vias.
Managing a rigid flex PCB in a high-heat environment is another challenge that requires careful engineering. This can be done by utilizing materials with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, optimizing trace widths and thicknesses, and avoiding directly overlapping traces. Keeping the copper planes as thin as possible can help manage heat dissipation and prevent thermal fatigue.
While the advantages of using rigid-flex are clear, these types of circuits are not without their own set of challenges that manufacturers need to take into account. In order to ensure that the rigid-flex circuit board meets all of its intended specifications and performance requirements, it is important to use rigorous testing and verification processes throughout the design process. This will help ensure that the circuit board is able to withstand harsh environmental conditions and maintain its functionality over time.
With the right design tools, designing a rigid-flex circuit can be a straightforward process. Integrated MCAD and ECAD tools that work in 3D provide a better view of the bending region of your PCB, making it easier to define the necessary bending radius. In addition, a unified rules-driven design interface makes it easy to adapt standard routing and layout tools for use on a rigid-flex circuit board. Altium Designer has all of these features, and more, in a single software package that can be used to develop your flexible circuit board from conception to production.
