Connectors Used With Flexible PCBs
PCB connectors provide an important function in the manufacture of electronics, facilitating signal transmission and power distribution between components on different circuit boards or between a flexible pcb and other electronic devices. They offer a range of advantages over traditional wire connections, including design flexibility and cost-efficiency. The key is to choose the right type of connector for your project.
One of the most common types of PCB connectors are surface mount terminal (SMT) connectors. These are designed for direct mounting onto the surface of a PCB, eliminating the need for through-hole soldering and offering ease of assembly. They are particularly effective in high-volume production and are widely used in electronic devices that require a slim profile or those with densely packed components.
Another type of PCB connector is the flex connector. Unlike SMT, flex connectors can accommodate a larger number of conductors and are typically used in applications that involve high-density connections. They are also designed to be more robust than standard connectors, with kinked legs and a locking mechanism that prevents loosening or pulling out of position.
In addition to facilitating high-speed data transmission, flex connectors are also ideal for use in mobile applications. In fact, they are often used in combination with a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) to connect an LCD display to the rest of the device. FPCs are a common feature of mobile phones, tablets and laptops, where space is at a premium. Adhere to design rules for flex circuits, including minimum bend radius, trace width, and spacing to prevent cracking or delamination.
Types of Connectors Used With Flexible PCBs
When it comes to determining the best type of connector for your flex PCB, there are many things to consider. The leading conducting material is copper, which can be either electro deposit or rolled and annealed (RA). ED copper has a column array shape that leads to an even and flat structure, making it accessible to roughening and etching processing. RA copper, on the other hand, has a fish scale pattern and is inaccessible to these processes.
Other factors that affect the selection of a PCB connector include its flexibility, termination point and mechanical stress. Since flex circuits are more likely to be subjected to physical stress than rigid PCBs, it is essential to choose a material that will be durable and withstand the stresses of everyday use. Polyimide is an excellent choice, as it is extremely tough, tolerant of soldering and reflow cycles, and resistant to temperature fluctuations.
A reliable flex PCB supplier will be able to recommend the best type of connector hardware for your specific application. They can also assist you with any additional services, such as adding what is known as a stiffener to specified areas of the flex circuit to increase its overall thickness. This option will increase the price of your flexible pcb, but it is an effective way to reduce the risk of failure caused by mechanical stress. It’s worth noting that stiffeners can also be added to rigid PCBs. However, this option increases the overall cost of the rigid PCB, as it requires more materials and manufacturing steps.