Rigid Flex Be Used in Military Applications
Rigid flex is a popular choice for today’s electronic devices that require a high degree of reliability, durability and flexibility. These printed circuit boards are used in everything from small consumer products like smartphones and MP3 players to military equipment such as aircraft missile-launch detectors, portable cameras and medical imaging equipment. Rigid flex is often the best solution for complex design applications that must withstand harsh environmental conditions and extreme temperatures.
Rigid-flex circuit boards combine the stability of rigid flex PCBs with the pliability and conformability of flexible printed circuit boards to provide the best of both worlds. They feature rigid sections with a layer stackup optimized for the specific application and flex regions with a layer stackup that includes conductive copper traces, signal layers and an adhesive. These conductive copper layers are then interconnected by solder or etch-and-reflow connections to deliver power and data signals throughout the circuit board.
A rigid-flex circuit board requires fewer points of interconnection than traditional circuit boards. This reduces the number of contact crimps, connectors or solder joints that can potentially fail under stress, and also makes the finished product much lighter. This is an important consideration for military and aerospace applications, where every ounce counts.
Can Rigid Flex Be Used in Military Applications?
In addition to reducing the overall weight of a device, rigid-flex circuits are also more durable than their counterparts. They can withstand a greater degree of vibration and shock and still perform well in drop testing. This is especially critical in military and aerospace equipment, where failure of the electronics can lead to dangerous or disastrous circumstances.
Another benefit of using rigid-flex is that the conductors in the flex region are more reliable than those in traditional PCBs. This is because the conductive paths don’t have to cross over multiple connections, as they do in wire harnesses. This also means that signals can be transmitted with greater speed and reliability since there are fewer potential points of failure.
The use of rigid-flex circuits also simplifies the assembly process. With fewer components, manufacturers can save time and money. In addition, a rigid-flex circuit board can be installed only one way, which reduces the risk of human error. It is important to note, however, that when working with a rigid-flex PCB, it is essential to observe rigid-flex design guidelines, such as a minimum bend radius and proper layout of the flex region.
To make the most of a rigid-flex PCB, it’s important to work with a tool that provides a 3D view of your bending region. This will make it easier to define the bending zone and design the correct packaging for your device. Working with integrated MCAD and ECAD rigid-flex design tools within a single program also streamlines the process of preparing your flex PCB for manufacturing, generating Gerber files and assembly drawings. To learn more about leveraging the advantages of rigid-flex circuits, download the free trial of Altium Designer and begin designing your next advanced electronic devices.
