Elementary, Mr. Watson: The Four Horsemen of Copper Confusion
The Shaughnessy Report: Zee Plane! Zee Plane!
Target Condition: Distribution of Power—Denounce the Ounce
Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should
March 20, 2025 | Tony Plemel, Flexible Circuit TechnologiesEstimated reading time: Less than a minute
Decisions are usually made by gathering information and differing opinions, then making the best choice based upon that information. The same process is used when designing flexible circuits and rigid-flex circuits.
For example, when designing a flex circuit or rigid-flex circuit, we consider some basic factors:
- Required layer count
- The size and shape based upon limited space
- Components on one side or both sides of a rigid or stiffened area
- Electrical, mechanical needs
- Layer stackup
These factors need to be carefully weighed on their own merit, and on how they interact with each other, in order to arrive at the most reliable and cost-effective design.
Let’s say a customer comes to me with a four-layer rigid-flex circuit design where the rigid copper-clad material is on the top and the flex copper-clad is on the bottom.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the March 2025 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Driving Innovation: Mechanical and Optical Processes During Rigid-flex Production
10/28/2025 | Kurt Palmer -- Column: Driving InnovationRigid-flex printed circuit boards are a highly effective solution for placing complex circuitry in tight, three-dimensional spaces. They are now indispensable across a range of industries, from medical devices and aerospace to advanced consumer electronics, helping designers make the most efficient use of available space. However, their unique construction—combining rigid and flexible materials—presents a fundamental challenge for PCB manufacturers.
Global PCB Connections: Understanding Your Fabricator’s Capabilities (or Niche)
10/08/2025 | Markus Voeltz -- Column: Global PCB ConnectionsNot every PCB fabricator is a good fit for every design. This is something many seasoned OEMs and greenhorn designers learn the hard way. The industry is full of talented board shops: global giants, regional specialists, niche fabricators, and everything in between. But even the best shop can fail a job if it's not the right fit for that specific board, volume, or customer requirement.
American Standard Circuits to Exhibit at SMTA International
10/06/2025 | American Standard CircuitsAnaya Vardya, President, and CEO of American Standard Circuits/ASC Sunstone Circuits has announced that his company will once again exhibit at SMTA International 2025 to be held at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois on October 19th through the 23rd, 2025.
American Standard Circuits to Exhibit at the Battery Show 2025
09/24/2025 | American Standard CircuitsAmerican Standard Circuits/ASC Sunstone Circuits will be exhibiting at the Battery Show North America to be held at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan, October 6-9, 2025.
ASC Sunstone Circuits to Exhibit at AEMS 2025
09/09/2025 | American Standard CircuitsASC Sunstone Circuits will be exhibiting at AEMS 2025 (Anaheim Electronics and Manufacturing Show) to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center on September 24 and 25, 2025.