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GC Aero |
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| Flexible Circuitry
has been a problem solving technology for over 20 years. Designed
originally to replace wiring harnesses, it has become a very
critical component for many packaging engineers. With the advances
in material technology it is easy to see why flexible
circuits are chosen over bulky wiring harnesses.
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| With new and rising requirements,
flexible circuits are the only solution for
certain applications. Hostile environments, complexity of design,
density of components, and dimensional requirements can be easily
met with flexible circuitry. |
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| These advantages have revolutionized
many industries including medical, automotive, aerospace and
computer related technologies. With the advances in Fine Line
applications it has created opportunities for miniaturization of
packaging as well as higher density related to component assembly’s. |
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| This Web Page has been created to help
you better understand flexible circuit
applications and related fields. This Page will not make you an
expert on Flexible Circuitry but will answer most of the common
misconceptions of this specialized technology. |
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| Flexible printed wiring or
Flexible circuit can be defined as a printed circuit
pattern using a layer of copper foil over a polymer base. Polymer
material is also used as the insulator for the exposed circuit
pattern. Being made of all flexible materials, it allows the
flexible circuit to be multidimensional.
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| It provides nearly unlimited
adaptability for electrical connections between component parts.
Flexible circuits can move, bend and twist
without damage to the conductor. Flexible circuitry
also allows conformity to different shapes. |
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| A single sided flex circuit (basic)
consists of a flexible polymer film laminated to a thin piece of
copper. It is then chemically etched to produce a circuit pattern.
Patterns can be created on both sides of the substrate film (double
sided) with via plated-through holes. The vias are to make
electrical connections between the two layers. A covercoat made of
polymer is added to insulate the copper foil. |
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| Multilayer circuits that are more
complex in design are also possible. With the lamination of several
double sided boards, multilayers are often the best choice. Add
fiberglass and now you have a Rigid/Flex. The advantage now is that
Components can be surface mounted without the fear of fracture that
you would receive from a normal PC Board. |
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| Similar to its Rigid Board
counterparts, Flexible circuits are
manufactured using a single piece of artwork rather than individual
wiring. This allows you to feel confident that the circuit pattern
will be identical for all the circuits. With automated processing it
ensures the reliability of the design. At GC Aero
we also have Fine line capabilities. The advantage of fine lined
circuits is that it allows for reduced size and weight of your
package . It also allows for a very dense component population. |
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| Flexible circuits
are not restricted to two dimensions. Not being restricted places
them in the domain of wires, ribbon cables and connectors. With a
rigid PC Board you have multiple systems that add weight, space and
also the chance of misplacement into you package.
Flexible circuits are often used to minimize this space
and weight problem. This is achieved because with a flexible circuit
you have only one thin system. Flexible circuits
can be designed to fit into the package only one way thus
eliminating the chance of errors commonly associated with wiring. |
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