Flex circuits are used in electronics manufacturing and consist of a layer of plastic that can be bent without damaging components. They are commonly used in consumer applications like cameras and cell phones, as well as in industrial applications like solar cells for satellites.
A flex circuit refers to one of the processes used to manufacture electronics. In electronics manufacturing, there are two main types of electronic assemblies: printed circuit boards and flex circuit boards. Printed circuit boards are several layers of copper foil laminated together to form a rigid platform for wiring components. A flex circuit consists of a layer of plastic such as polyamide film that can be performed with electronic flex circuits.
The main difference is that circuit boards cannot be bent where as flexible circuit boards can be bent during use and not cause damage to components. The most common uses for flex circuit boards are in consumer applications such as cameras and cell phones.
Cameras are being built in smaller and smaller packages. The consumer wants a camera that is light and easy to carry in a purse or pocket. By using printed flex circuits, the manufacturer is able to get a very small package that still has more features, such as additional memory and video capability.
Cell phones also use a flex circuit to make a smaller package to meet consumer demand. Known as a dynamic application, the flex circuit board in a cell phone is actually bent with each use in the flip phone variety. The circuit runs the length of the phone and when in use is open so the person can call and talk. When the call ends and the phone is not in use, the flexible circuit is folded back inside the phone case.
Flexible printed circuits are also used in industrial applications. Since a flex circuit does not require as many layers as a circuit board, it can be used in places where there is not enough space for a circuit board to fit. Some of the more common uses for tight flex circuits are in solar cells for satellites.
Solar cells are used to capture sunlight and convert it into energy. This type of energy conversion, known as photovoltaics, requires lightweight materials that can be used for power in satellites. Flexible circuits are ideal for this application because they can be formed into any shape needed and folded and stored when not in use. This is especially useful on manned spaceflight where space is at a premium but a significant amount of power is required to support crew activities.
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