Mimic the price
In some designs, rigid flex PCB will certainly not be a sensible alternative, and you should do your due persistance in determining the break-even point where the prices have to do with equal. This sort of price simulation can be done by taking into consideration the total quoted prices for fabrication as well as assembly. The PCBs can be quoted before design, as long as the specifications of design are well understood (for example, the layer stack, estimated through count, track as well as space proportions, and so on). We performed a rigid flex PCB manufacturing expense simulation with an actual rigid flex PCB design and a relative rigid-cable-rigid equivalent. The element BoMs for contrast differed only in the wire and ports needed for the non-flex version. For our simulation, the conventional design is consisted of four-layer boards that utilize flexible cord as well as connectors in between them, while the rigi flex circuits design is a four-layer PCB with 2 internal flexible circuits layers. PCB Manufacturing price for both layouts is based on real PCB manufacturers quotes, and includes the price of assembly.
Find your break-even point
As the job volume shown in Figure 1 strikes 100 devices, the rigid flex PCB design comes to be a more affordable choice compared with the standard design approach. A crucial reason for this expense savings is that stiff flex circuits do not use connectors/cables or need any type of port assembly. Also, they include enhanced reliability and also procedure returns. However that’s simply the pointer of the iceberg.Because inflexible flex PCBs require no wire assembly, their total assembly effort is minimized, as is their examination intricacy– both of which drive down cost. Additionally, fewer parts need to be purchased, reducing the supply chain threat. Rigid flex PCBs can be created to make item upkeep easier and as a result, more economical throughout the item lifecycle.
Design in 3D to make sure success
Early sychronisation in between the programmers and the rigid flex PCB manufacturer, sustained by the use of a modern-day PCB design device, is one more factor making rigid flex PCB modern technology a many more economical alternative. Rigid flex PCB layouts need closer cooperation in between the developer as well as fabricator than traditional rigid board styles. The tradeoffs called for to create a successful rigid flex PCB design translate to a set of design policies the developer can establish with the fabricator’s input. These considerations consist of the number of layers in the design, products options, recommended dimensions for traces and also vias, bond methods, and also dimensional control. With the right design tool, these factors to consider can be plainly specified and also given the correct weight they are entitled to at an early stage to ensure that the rigid flex PCB can be correctly enhanced, additionally maximizing its overall price as well.There’s no denying that existing market fads and consumer demands are pressing developers and also design groups to their restrictions, requiring them to look for brand-new choices to the electronic design obstacles they currently encounter. These difficulties, as well as specifically the needs being placed on today’s mobile phones, are pushing rigid flex PCB modern technology right into the mainstream, and also making it far more readily sensible for a variety of applications. The accessibility of modern PCB design tools that support 3D product development, very early cooperation, and all necessary rigid flex PCB definitions as well as simulation considerably minimize the discomfort of rigid flex PCB design as well as make it a lot more convincing solution– one that under the best situations is less costly than rigid-cable-rigid PCB design. For today’s design teams, that choice may simply suggest the difference in between item success or failure.