Introduction to Flex PCB and Rigid Flex PCB Layer Stackup Types

Flex PCB and Rigid Flex PCB Layer Stackup Types

There are a number of standard PCB stackups available for flex and Rigid Flex PCB circuits, referred to as Types. These are summarized below.

Type 2– Double Layer Flex PCB

Double-sided flexible printed wiring containing two conductive layers with plated through holes, with or without stiffeners. -Plated through-holes provide connection between layers. -Components, stiffeners, pins and connectors can be used. -Access holes or exposed pads without covers can be on either or both sides; vias can be covered on both sides. -Suitable for static and dynamic flex applications. -Two conductive layers with an insulating layer between; outer layers can have covers or exposed pads.

Type 1– Single Layer Flex PCB

Single-sided flexible wiring containing one conductive layer and one or two polyimide outer cover layers. -Access holes to conductors can be on either one or both sides. -Components, stiffeners, pins and connectors can be used. -No plating in component holes. -Suitable for static and dynamic flex applications. -One conductive layer, either laminated between two insulating layers or uncovered on one side.

Type 3– Multilayer Flex PCB

Multilayer flexible PCB containing three or more conductive layers with plated-through holes, with or without stiffeners. -Access holes or exposed pads without covers can be on either or both sides. -Plated through-holes provide connection between layers. -Three or more flexible conductive layers with flexible insulating layers between each one; outer layers can have covers or exposed pads. -Components, stiffeners, pins and connectors can be used. -Vias can be blind or buried. -Typically used for static flex PCB applications.

Type 4– Multilayer Rigid Flex PCB

Multilayer rigid and flexible material combinations (Rigid Flex PCB) containing three or more conductive layers with plated-through holes. Rigid Flex PCB has conductors on the rigid layers, which differentiates it from multilayer circuits with stiffeners.

Type 4– Multilayer Rigid Flex PCB

Multilayer rigid and flexible PCB material combinations (Rigid Flex PCB) containing three or more conductive layers with plated-through holes. Rigid Flex PCB has conductors on the rigid layers, which differentiates it from multilayer circuits with stiffeners. -Two or more conductive layers with either rigid or flexible insulation material as insulators between each one; outer layers can have covers or exposed pads. -Access holes or exposed pads without covers can be on either or both sides. -Plated through-holes extend through both rigid and flexible layers (apart from blind and buried vias). -Interconnects or vias can be fully covered for maximum insulation. -Stiffeners, connectors, Components, pins, heat sinks, and mounting brackets can be used.