Core Value and Challenges of Rigid-Flex PCB Technology

Rigid-Flex PCBs integrate rigid and flexible circuits into a single structure, widely used in aerospace, dispositifs médicaux, électronique grand public, and automotive systems. Their core advantages include:

• Space Optimization: 3D routing reduces space usage by up to 60%.
• Enhanced Reliability: Eliminates connectors to minimize failure points and improve mechanical stability.
• Signal Integrity: Reduces reflection and loss in high-frequency signal transmission.

Cependant, Rigid-Flex PCB design presents unique challenges:

• Material Compatibility: CTE mismatch between rigid and flexible zones causes stress concentration.
• Bending Endurance: Dynamic bending areas must withstand >100,000 cycles (IPC-6013D Class 3 standard).
• Process Complexity: Requires layer-to-layer alignment accuracy of ±25 μm for multilayer designs.

Our Professional Capability Matrix

1. Material Selection and Stackup Design

• Flexible Substrates: High-performance materials like DuPont Pyralux® AP and Panasonic MEGTRON®, achieving bend radii as low as 0.5 mm.
• Rigid Substrates: Supports hybrid use of FR-4, high-Tg materials, and Rogers high-frequency laminates.
• Adhesive Materials: Low-flow prepreg ensures post-lamination thickness uniformity within ±5%.

2. Precision Routing Design

• Flexible Zone Design:
  • Largeur/espacement minimum des traces: 50 µm, épaisseur du cuivre: 12–35 μm.
  • Curved routing to optimize stress distribution, avoiding 90° angles.
• Rigid Zone Design:
  • Supports 20+ layer HDI with impedance control accuracy of ±5%.
  • Differential pair length matching tolerance: ±5 mil.

3. Bending Zone Optimization

• Bend Radius Calculation: Complies with IPC-2223 (dynamic bend radius R ≥6T, where T is total flex thickness).
• Reinforcement Design: Adds stainless steel stiffeners or PI cover films to enhance mechanical strength.
• Stress Simulation: Validates fatigue life using ANSYS Mechanical.

4. High-Reliability Interconnect Design

• Rigid-Flex Transition Zones: Stepped window-opening design prevents stress concentration.
• Blind/Buried Via Technology: Laser drilling accuracy ±15 μm, supporting 0.1 mm microvias.
• Surface Finishes: Options include ENIG, or d'immersion, and OSP for diverse applications.

Full-Process Technical Support System

Design Verification Phase

• 3D Modeling & Simulation: Optimizes routing with Cadence Allegro and Mentor Xpedition.
• Thermal Analysis: Validates heat distribution using Flotherm®.
• Mechanical Stress Testing: HALT tests (-55℃ to 150℃ cycling, 20G vibration).

Manufacturing Process Control

• Laser Cutting: Flex zone contour accuracy ±50 μm.
• Vacuum Lamination: Ensures bubble-free bonding between rigid and flex layers.
• AOI Inspection: 100% automated optical inspection with defect detection rate >99.9%.

Essai & Attestation

• Tests électriques: 4-wire impedance testing and TDR fault localization.
• Bend Cycle Testing: Exceeds 100,000 dynamic bends (IPC-6013D Class 3).
• Environmental Reliability Testing: 1,000 hours at 85℃/85% RH.

Typical Application Scenarios

• Aérospatial: Satellite deployable antennas and avionics systems compliant with IPC-6013DS space-grade standards.
• Dispositifs médicaux: Endoscopes and wearables supporting >10,000 dynamic bends.
• Electronique grand public: Foldable smartphones and AR/VR devices with bend radii down to 1 mm.
• Automotive Electronics: ADAS and in-vehicle cameras meeting AEC-Q200 standards.

Service Models & Technical Support

• Rapid Prototyping: Delivers 8-layer Rigid-Flex PCB samples within 72 heures.
• Design Review Services: Provides DFM/DFA reports for manufacturability optimization.
• Failure Analysis Lab: Offers cross-section analysis and SEM/EDS material testing.
• Certification Support: ISO 9001/IATF 16949 certified with military-grade NADCAP accreditation.

From Concept to Mass Production

With over a decade of Rigid-Flex PCB expertise, 150+ successful projects, we deliver intelligent, high-reliability solutions for your innovative products.

Contact our PCB expert team now to obtain a customized design evaluation report!