Global PCB Connections: Rigid-flex and Flexible PCBs—The Backbone of Modern Electronics
Flexible Thinking: The Key to a Successful Flex Circuit Design Transfer
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
Optimizing mSAP to Produce Flex for Biofluid Sensor Probes
October 17, 2024 | Dean Neuburger, Sheldahl Flexible TechnologiesEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Improvements in flexible printed circuitry technology offer solutions that enable advancement in other technologies, enabling new circuit design and capability possibilities for customers’ applications. This article will overview advancements developed and implemented to produce a flexible circuit that meets new and challenging requirements for a customer’s medical application. This discussion will highlight development ideas more than details about the final processing scheme.
The medical application was a sensor designed to be inserted in a body to monitor activity of fluids by measuring minute electrical inflections. Good circuit performance required circuit production that achieves specific geometric precision of small circuit features with net ends far apart. Feature dimensions of the circuit design were approximately 75 µmdistance in one of the axes combined with overall length of approximately half a meter between net ends on opposite layers for circuit components and connector terminations.
An additional requirement was that the base material needed to be very thin to physically fit within the medical device. The material choice was Novaclad diclad, which is adhesiveless and available with 25 µm polyimide film, a very thin and flexible construction—appealing to the customer for functioning well in their application. The processing technique needed to be modified semi-additive processing (mSAP).
To read this entire article, which appeared in the October 2024 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Direct Metallization: A Sustainable Shift in PCB Fabrication
07/31/2025 | Jim Watkowski, Harry Yang, and Mark Edwards, MacDermid Alpha Electronics SolutionsThe global electronics industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need for more resilient supply chains and environmentally sustainable manufacturing practices. Printed circuit boards (PCBs), the backbone of interconnection for electronic devices, are at the center of this shift. Traditionally, PCB fabrication has relied heavily on electroless copper, a process that, while effective, is resource-intensive and environmentally hazardous. In response, many manufacturers are turning to direct metallization technologies as a cleaner, more efficient alternative.
MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions Unveils Unified Global Website to Deepen Customer, Talent, and Stakeholder Engagement
07/31/2025 | MacDermid Alpha Electronics SolutionsMacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, the electronics business of Elements Solutions Inc, today launched macdermidalpha.com - a unified global website built to deepen digital engagement. The launch marks a significant milestone in the business’ ongoing commitment to delivering more meaningful, interactive, and impactful experiences for its customers, talent, and stakeholders worldwide.
Solving the Toughest BGA Challenges in Electronics
07/30/2025 | Nash Bell, BEST Inc.Since the late 1990s, ball grid array (BGA) packages have emerged as a preferred package style for electronic devices. Compared with high-density ultra-fine pitch quad flat packs (QFPs), BGA packages significantly reduce the required footprint on printed circuit boards (PCBs) by approximately 50%.
Reciprocal Tariffs and Talent Bottlenecks are Driving Changes in PCB Investment in Southeast Asia
07/30/2025 | TPCAAs the global supply chain continues to restructure, Southeast Asia, leveraging its geographical advantages and favorable policies, has become a strategic hub for global circuit board manufacturing.
From Attraction to Action: Where Marketing Ends and Sales Begins
07/29/2025 | Brittany Martin, I-Connect007Before a PO hits the system, marketing has already done a lot of heavy lifting. Without strategic marketing, the PO might never arrive. At I-Connect007, we have been fortunate to help many companies achieve sales success through marketing. The key to success? Understanding how marketing leads to sales.