Single-sided flexible Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) provide a variety of benefits when used in a package, or as a part of a system. These PCBs have been around since the 1950s, and are still popular the market. This post explores the reasons for their continual acclaim.
Basic Structure of Single Sided Flexible Circuits
A single sided PCB is made up of a single layer of conductive material, and it is ideal for low- density designs. The basic structure of a single-sided flex PCB comprises:
- A layer of polyimide
- A layer of adhesive
- A layer of conductor – copper
- A layer of adhesive
- A layer of polyamide
The bottom or the top layer is routed or drilled to find the copper layer, which enables external connections. As with other flexible circuits, these single-sided circuits allow various generic variations too.
Conditions to Use Single Sided PCBs
Single Sided PCBs are ideal to use for the following:
- Service and installations flexing
- Compact sized applications
- Applications with dynamic flexing
- Unusually formed and folded applications
- Service/installations flexing
Single-sided PCB Applications
Single-sided PCBs are very simple, however, they are used in a variety of complex circuits. Following are some of the popular applications of single-sided PCBs.
- Power Supplies
- Timing Circuits
- Digital Calculators
- LED Lightings
- Packaging Equipment
- Radio and Stereo Equipment
- Camera Systems
- Vending Machines
- Coffee Makers
- Solid state drives
Benefits of Single-sided Flexible Circuits
The following benefits of single-sided PCBs account for their popularity:
- Minimal Probability of Manufacturing Issues: With automated production techniques and accurate designs, flexible single-sided circuits reduce the chances for human errors. This indicates there is a minimal probability of manufacturing issues.
- Available at Affordable Prices: This is one of the main drivers for the popularity of PCBs with a single side copper conductor. These circuits require less labor during the assembly. Generally, complete interconnect systems are replaced or installed, against the individual hard PC boards. This helps reduce errors and control manufacturing costs. Thus, be it for a prototype design, low volume or high volume design, the costs are low and turnaround times are shorter.
- Reliability: A single-sided flex PCB can flex and move without any chances of failure. The thermal stability of polyamide allows the PCBs to withstand high heat and temperature.
- Weight and Package Size Reduction: Flexible single sided PCBs feature thinner substrates. This thinness accounts for streamlined designs, flexibility, and elasticity. This contributes to low weight and package size reduction. With increasing demand for low weight circuits, the single-sided PCBs are sure to remain popular.
The above-mentioned benefits suggest why single sided PCBs have been in demand for more than 50 years. If you wish to have your flexible single-sided PCBs designed from a reliable supplier, then you can always consider Rigiflex. The company delivers flexible, rigid, and rigid-flexible circuits to its clients across various industry verticals.
