The biggest problem with using flexible circuits up to the successful start of the program, to underestimate what is involved. Too often a little time and attention to the process chain that provides the flex team treated like commodities. As a result, the high start up costs and delay product introduction, usually has the quality.
The following are five common errors companies using flexible circuit check at the start of the project.
1. Vendor selection and due diligence will not: a lot of unique features and flexibility to choose from, each issue has a PCB supplier. “Some providers” as appropriate to meet the needs of your home, or basing the selection on strict price can cause a disappointment.
2. Not include suppliers in the design process: flexcircuit manufacture a lot of nuances: it is the fact that the flexibility does not face a hard board for the design, add challenges. Suppliers and easily build a more stable and ultimately more cost-effective product design can be helpful. Forcing suppliers to build in time to print and a lot of good for a less stable product quality problems can occur.
3. PCB CAD software to design flex: This issue is related to the previous point, but, PCB software unique to the flexible circuit design, production and quality in general to avoid the problem does not occur. Material stability is not acceptable behavior, sharp edges, near the bend point solder fillets, it does not address the standard PCB design software is part of the problem.
4. Compressed Schedule: Flex e-package design is often the last element. Finally, the product team to resolve the flex circuit when we get around, they are already behind schedule. The pressure can be forced to cut short. As a result, many manufacturing and reliability of the product during the period in question is a well-designed products. In addition, you produce a rapid rotation is forced to pay a premium for.
5. Believe that there are no restrictions on Flex: Flexible circuits in excess of millions of cycles, can operate in a dynamic flex applications. This circuit is sometimes one will think it has something mighty. However, mechanical wear, a sharp bend radii and other factors, such as twist and can cause premature failure. To provide knowledge about the application can recognize the long-term limit.
Flexible circuits are often the most cost-effective electronic packaging interconnect means. Their durability, weight and design features to provide a host of benefits. Avoid the mistakes start a successful product can go a long way in securing.
