Flexible printed circuits (FPCs) feature similar conductive pathways as their rigid counterparts. Electricity can flow through these conductive pathways. The conducive pathways will essentially guide electricity from a given source to a particular destination.
Only FPCs, however, are flexible. They are made of a flexible material that can bend without breaking. Rigid circuits, on the other hand, are made of a rigid, non-flexible material. Even if you’re familiar with their physical characteristics, you might be wondering what FPCS are used for exactly. Here are some of the most common applications for FPCs.
Laptops
Unbeknownst to many people, laptops often feature one or more FPCs. FPCs are used to connect the display to the motherboard. Laptops have a foldable design. You can close a laptop by folding down the display. You can open a laptop by folding the display up. With their foldable design, they require the use of an FPC. Rigid circuits may break when folded. FPCs can be folded countless times without breaking or otherwise sustaining damage.
Smartphones
Many smartphones feature FPCs. Smartphones have become larger in recent years. Research shows that the average smartphone is now over 6 inches in diameter. Even with their larger size, though, they still have a limited amount of space. Rather than using large and bulky rigid circuits, many manufacturers use FPCs.
Hearing Aids
FPCs are commonly used hearing aids. Millions of people wear hearing aids. Hearing aids are small medical devices worn in the ears. They are designed to amplify sounds and, thus, help the wearer hear more easily. There are dozens of different types of hearing aids, but many of them feature FPCs. FPCs conserve space while offering greater flexibility and versatility than rigid circuits.
Cameras
You can find FPCs in cameras. Both standard cameras and disposable cameras often feature FPCs. Cameras use FPCs for the same purpose of guiding electricity.
FPCs have countless applications. They are used in laptops, smartphones, hearing aids, cameras and many other devices. Like rigid circuits, FPCs offer conductive pathways for electricity.
Class 1, 2 and 3 FPCs
It’s important to note that the class of an FPC will influence the applications for which it’s used. Class 1 FPCs are typically used for disposable electronics, such as disposable cameras. Class 2 FPCs are typically used for consumer electronics. Class 3 FPCs are used for military and defense electronics as well as medical devices.
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