Flex PCB is often used in devices that require flexible connection or used in devices with complex bend or path. There are usually the following situations where components need to be soldered on a flexible circuit board:
Bend or bend part:
Flex PCBs are often used in devices that require frequent bending, such as foldable devices and wearable devices. Because the components are soldered in these areas which can make sure the connection is secure and will not loosen or break the parts due to bending.
High vibration environment:
Flex PCBs are often used in applications that need to withstand high vibration environment, such as aerospace, automotive industries, etc. In these environment, soldered components can provide a more reliable connection than socket connections, reducing the possibility of disconnection or poor contact.
Space limitations:
In some small and complex products containing electronic circuits, flex PCB is the best choice to connect the circuit. In this case, the components need to be welded directly to the flexible circuit board, which can save space and ensure the reliability of the connection.
Large temperature variation:
Being able to adapt well to changes in ambient temperature is also one of the characteristics of the flexible circuit board, so welding components on the flexible circuit board can ensure that the connection will not be affected by temperature changes and loose or fall off.
Flex PCBs can be soldered to which component types
These components soldered onto a flexible circuit board are often referred to as surface mount components (SMDS). Some common soldering flexible PCB components are:
Surface Mount Chips (SMD Chips): This includes various types of integrated circuit chips, such as microprocessors, sensors, amplifiers, etc. They usually have many sizes and variety of encapsulation types, such as chip type, QFN, QFP, etc.
Diodes and Transistors: These components are used in circuits for functions such as rectification, switching, and amplification. They can also be soldered to flexible circuit boards by surface mount.
LED lights: Soldering LED lights on flexible PCB is commonly used in applications such as indicators, lighting and displays. They are available in a variety of package types, including SMD LEDs that can be soldered directly onto flexible circuit boards.
SMD Resistors and Capacitors: These components are typically used for basic functions of a circuit, such as resistors for limiting current and capacitors for storing charge or smoothing voltage. They are available in a variety of sizes and ratings.
Connectors: Although the flexible circuit board itself already provides the function of flexible connection, sometimes it may be necessary to solder connectors on the flexible PCB in order to connect to other devices or modules.
Sensors and micro devices: These include various types of sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature sensors, etc., as well as micro actuators or MEMS devices. These tiny components are better suitable for using with flexible circuit boards.
Inductors: Used for functions such as filtering, variable voltage and energy storage in circuits. They can also be soldered to flexible circuit boards by surface mount.
In general, when we want to achieve flexible, lightweight, reliable connections, it’s often chosen to solder components on flex PCB. At the same time, when we select the components, we need consider the size of components, power consumption, performance requirements and the design and manufacturing process of the flexible PCB.
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