{"id":7077,"date":"2019-11-15T12:55:53","date_gmt":"2019-11-15T19:55:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.mentor.com\/jimmartens\/?p=7077"},"modified":"2026-03-27T09:34:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T13:34:07","slug":"should-you-consider-using-rigid-flex-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/electronic-systems-design\/2019\/11\/15\/should-you-consider-using-rigid-flex-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"Should you consider using rigid-flex technology?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Electronic design is ever-changing to adapt with demand. The industry is currently shifting to incorporate more rigid-flex circuits as the preferred interconnect technology for items that would otherwise be off-board, or require a smaller form factor. Industries like IoT, wearables, communications, automotive, and medical are all being challenged to make products smaller, more reliable, and cheaper.\u00a0\u00a0The solution to solve these design issues is rigid-flex!\u00a0\u00a0In fact, the global demand for the flexible electronics is expected to generate revenue of $16.5B by 2021 and grow more than 21% between 2016 and 2021.<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s 8 GREAT reasons why the demand for rigid-flex is increasing:<\/strong><\/div>\n
1. Reliability<\/div>\n
2. Less assembly steps<\/div>\n
3. Higher temperature compliance<\/div>\n
4. Improved signal integrity<\/div>\n
5. Long-term material cost savings<\/div>\n
6. Less parts to manage on BOM<\/div>\n
7. Uses less space<\/div>\n
8. Enables designs that would not be possible with rigid boards<\/div>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Why have you or so many other companies avoided this technology?\u00a0\u00a0Because it’s an unknown, due to the lack of experience and tool requirements needed to create the special features associated with flex design.\u00a0\u00a0Historically, companies have used mechanical tools that have zero intelligence for electrical elements.\u00a0\u00a0This leads to time wasted doing extensive design reviews or producing multiple prototypes to get it right.\u00a0\u00a0Electrical designers have tried using PCB tools, which provides some intelligence for DRCs, and eases the trace and plane routing.\u00a0\u00a0However, most tools don’t have the special features required to properly design a flex.<\/p>\n

So, what are the special design features required for flex design?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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-Layer stack-up that’s aware of special flex layers<\/div>\n
-Additional requirements for copper and soldermask pads<\/div>\n
-Need for teardrops<\/div>\n
-Need for arced traces<\/div>\n
-Bend area requirements<\/div>\n
-Viewing mechanical and electrical together in 3D to simplify the design process<\/div>\n
-Special requirements for manufacturing<\/div>\n
-Stiffeners, if needed<\/div>\n

<\/h4>\n

PADS\u00ae Professional stands apart from every other electrical engineering tool, because it provides all the technology required to design a flex and rigid-flex product.\u00a0\u00a0Designing with the confidence – knowing you don’t have to deal with work-arounds or produce multiple prototypes to ensure you’ll have a highly reliable product –\u00a0\u00a0is what you’ll get with PAD Professional flex technology.<\/p>\n

To learn more about PADS Professional Rigid-flex technology, watch this video with a full demonstration of the power and productivity gains you can realize as you upgrade and get more with PADS Professional!<\/h3>\n
<\/div>\n

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