PCB Tech - Benefits of using FPC in medical and wearable devices

This article mainly describes several main reasons why flexible FPCs are used in medical equipment and wearable devices

Flexible circuits solve various challenges faced by FPC manufacturers. One of the distinguishing features of FPC is that it allows FPC manufacturers to manufacture smaller devices. Let's look at several main reasons why flexible FPCs are used in medical equipment and wearable devices.

A major trend in medical devices and wearable devices is miniaturization. These gadgets need to be as small as possible while still performing their designated functions reliably. Flexible circuits solve various challenges faced by FPC manufacturers. One of the distinguishing features of FPC is that it allows FPC manufacturers to manufacture smaller devices. Let's look at several main reasons why flexible FPCs are used in medical equipment and wearable devices.

Dynamic bending

FPC has extraordinary bending or bending ability. Medical equipment usually expands/contracts during its operation. The bending characteristics of FPC make it very suitable for medical applications.

This property is also very beneficial for applications connected by hinge devices. For designers in the healthcare industry, flexibility is particularly challenging because in the past, this was not a major consideration for medical electronics. Most early medical devices used to be larger and more robust. With the advent of flexible circuits, medical equipment is being developed to be more compact, durable and flexible.

reliability

Reliability is the ability of a system to continue to perform its required functions without causing performance degradation or failure. In medical applications and wearable devices, reliability becomes critical. Often, interconnection points are a potential source of electrical failure. The flexible circuit minimizes connection points and simplifies assembly. This feature of flexible circuits eliminates the opportunity for defects such as poor interconnection. FPC is basically made of polyimide material. These polyimide FPC materials can withstand various environmental and chemical changes. The ductility and flexibility of FPC materials minimize the impact of shock and vibration events.

Electrical reliability

FPC materials are basically very suitable for high-speed signal applications. The following features of FPC make it electrically reliable: Compared with standard rigid materials, the dielectric constant is improved; uniform material thickness; consistent trace width and spacing; trace width calculator.

Space and weight

One of the dynamic characteristics of medical equipment and wearable devices in the new era is the minimization of size. These gadgets must be as small as possible while performing the required functions. The growing demand for such small devices in the medical industry makes FPC an ideal choice for such devices. The flexible circuit has a thin copper layer and insulating layer. Therefore, the bending radius of the FPC can be minimized as required. Therefore, these FPCs can be adapted to a narrower space.