Basically, Rigid-Flex PCB is a mixture of rigid board as well as flexible circuits. There are two main components of this circuit, such as flexible circuit along with the multiply layers function and single or more boards (rigid), which are connected either in the form internal or external way regarding the different applications.

The primary purpose of these systems is to adjust in a very small place in a modern device. Furthermore, it also helps us to increase the reliability of our appliances and reduce the usage of the different interconnectors, such as cables and plugs. Moreover, this system is also very dynamic due to these flexible circuits, which can modify according to different uses. Apart from this, a rigid board also provides stability to this system. Additionally, it also reduces cost as well as errors from our system.

This circuit board system is similar to other flexible circuit systems except for one change, a rigid board system. This is also proliferated the stability as well as reliability of this system as compared to other boards.

ADVANTAGES OF RIGID-FLEX PCB

There are many benefits that we can avail through the usage of Rigid-flex PCB in the different products in this modern era. There are the following advantages that make this system more viable as compared to other counterparts.

• Reliability: The most prominent factor is reliability that made this circuit exceptional as compared to other ones. The reason behind this stability rigid board, which reduces interconnection in this circuit system. If we have a fewer number of connection points in our system then there is less chance of failure of these products. Moreover, the performance of these systems is also extraordinary in various situations, particularly in shock as well as vibration.
• Performance under harsh conditions: Sometimes, various appliances have to work in very harsh conditions such as high temperatures. On the other hand, rigid-flex PC B could handle temperatures from -200 to 400 degrees and maintain their performance during these conditions. Furthermore, these boards could handle UV rays. Hence, the use of these circuits is most common in space for various purposes. Moreover, it can perform in very high voltage and harsh mechanical conditions. Furthermore, it also has a good heat removal system, such as fins.

• Reduction in the size and weight: The size of rigid-flex PCB is very small regarding the old cable and wire system. Therefore, we use these systems in very tiny spaces and can change the size by keep design in our mind. Additionally, it is very essential for us to keep the low weight of such devices, namely medical wearable. In this way, we can increase our comfort due to this lightweight. Therefore, most engineers prefer to use rigid-flex PCB in such a system.
• Reduction of cost: The circuit boards are produced through machines. Hence, the number of errors in this would be very low as compared to the previous old system. Besides this, a rigid board could the span life of this PCB due to reliability. Furthermore, we can also able to save money in the assembly field. In this way, we are able to reduce the price of a different electronic appliances in our daily life things.

Applications and examples of Flex-Rigid PCB 

Flex-Rigid PCB has an enormous number of applications in our life. In the past few decades, the main use of this type was in the field of the military, and it also plays a crucial role in the invention of aerospace. Nowadays, the demand of this sort is also increasing in the consumer markets due to its extra benefits. Moreover, the usage of Flex-Rigid PCB is inevitable in the case of motion.

1. Medical Wearable’s

In some cases, it is very essential for doctors to get updates regarding the condition of their patients. In this modern era, we have plenty of fitness trackers that could help doctors to check different information about the patient. They can observe their heartbeats and also keep track of calories, which they burnt during their exercise. In this way, they will be able to recommend a better suggestion regarding their physical conditions. As we mentioned above, this flex-rigid PCB could work in the situation of motion. Therefore, the use of circuits in smart watches is widespread.

Besides this, we need a very lightweight and small device on our body for the betterment of our comfort. Secondly, we need reliability due to some harsh conditions in our life. These requirements can be fulfilled by the means of flex-rigid boards. Therefore, it is a very essential part of medical wearable’s. Smart Jackets and Pacemakers are the mains examples of these systems in our daily lives.

1. Industrial Applications 

These days, different equipment needs to work in very harsh conditions, such as high temperatures and under various stresses. Besides this, we also need durability during operation. All above requirements we can avail by the means of Flex-rigid PCB. Furthermore, the use of these circuits is very common in the communication device because it carries only very space as compared to the old cable system. Due to its design, it is very easy to adjust different sensors along with this circuits system. Apart from this, we need to work in various irregular places in industries fields and this board can easily use due to its flexibility and stability. For instance, ABS Sensors and CT Scanners are the main examples of their use in our industry.

1. Electronic Products

The use of rigid-flex PCB in different electronic appliances is very common in our society. Few things are required during the manufacturing of these devices, such as lightweight, small dimensions, accuracy, durability, span life, and a lot of other factors. These requirements could be fulfilled by the means of rigid-flex PCB due to its properties. 

As a result, the use of these circuits systems is very common in electronic fields, namely smart devices. USB, Ethernet, and Cell Phones are a very common use of this circuit. Besides this, Digital Cameras, Bar Code Scanners, and Computer Servers are examples of these circuit systems in our life.