Facing the Future: The Role of 5G and Beyond in Shaping PCB Demand
It’s Only Common Sense: Stop Pitching, Start Listening
Trouble in Your Tank: Causes of Plating Voids, Pre-electroless Copper
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:
Suggested Items
Accurate Circuit Engineering: Be Nimble, Quick, and Open to Change
05/12/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineJames Hofer, general manager of Accurate Circuit Engineering (ACE) in Southern California, shares his insights about his specialty, quick-turn company, the market, and the interesting times in which we find ourselves. James remains optimistic about bringing manufacturing back to the United States and takes great pride in the work that ACE does to support military, defense, and aerospace. As James looks toward a prosperous 2025, he reflects on his 40 years in the business and learning that the secret to success is not trying to be everything to everyone.
Nick Koop Launches IPC Flex Design Class
05/06/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineNick Koop is director of flex technology for TTM Technologies, and he’s been a staple of IPC’s flex committees for decades. He’s also a longtime flex design instructor, and he’s about to debut a new IPC class, Flex and Rigid-Flex Design for Manufacturability, which will run May 12–21. In this interview, Nick tells us about this new class and what attendees can expect to learn.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Advancements for Flexible Circuit Technologies
04/11/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOMark Finstad and Chris Clark from Flexible Circuit Technologies discuss their new marketing campaign for catheter circuits, featuring larger formats and advanced specifications. They explain the development of in-house materials for high-density circuits, enhancing cost competitiveness. They highlight the opening of a new facility in China for advanced assembly services, along with focused training sessions to fill industry education gaps and promote early customer engagement for better project outcomes.
CEE PCB Appoints Markus Voeltz to Business Development Director Europe
04/02/2025 | CEE PCBCEE PCB, a leading manufacturer of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and flexible printed circuits (FPCs) with 3 production facilities in China, is expanding its presence in Europe and began providing local support in March 2025. With 25 years of experience in the industry, the company is enhancing its commitment to European customers by providing more direct collaboration for technical inquiries and advice.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Discover Comprehensive PCB Solutions with American Standard Circuits
04/01/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOAnaya Vardya, CEO of American Standard Circuits, highlights the company's dedication to offering complete PCB solutions. The company provides free design packages and caters to various sectors, including military and telecommunications.