Custom Flexible Printed Circuits
Custom Flexible Printed Circuits for Seamless Integration
CSI Keyboards designs and manufactures custom flexible printed circuits for compact electronic applications. Using copper circuitry on flexible substrates, we create solutions tailored to your layout, connection, and performance requirements.
Our options include single-sided, double-sided, multilayer, and rigid-flex circuits, with component assembly and connection features available to suit the design.
Single- and Double-Sided Flex Circuits
Single-sided circuits have one copper conductor layer on a flexible substrate. Double-sided circuits have two conductor layers, which can be connected through plated holes.
Both can be designed with coverlay as needed.
Multilayer Flex
Circuits
Multilayer flex circuits combine three or more conductor layers separated by insulating materials. They can accommodate more complex routing and connections in a compact assembly.
Rigid-Flex
Circuits
Rigid-flex circuits combine flexible circuitry with rigid circuit board sections in one assembly. They’re useful when a design needs both flexible connections and rigid areas for mounting or components.
SMT and Component Assembly
CSI Keyboards offers surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly for flexible circuits, allowing electronic components to be mounted directly onto the circuit. Combining the circuit and components into one assembly can help simplify integration into your product.
We work with customers to develop flexible circuit assemblies around their layout, connection, and application requirements.
Flexible Circuits in Membrane Switches
CSI Keyboards incorporates copper flex circuitry into custom membrane switches and keypads. Etched copper traces on a flexible substrate provide a compact way to connect switch contacts, components, and the device’s electronics.
Each circuit can be designed around the interface’s layout, connection requirements, and available space.
Why Choose Copper Flex Circuitry?
Copper flex circuits combine conductive copper traces with a thin, flexible substrate. Compared with printed silver circuitry, copper flex can offer advantages for applications that require compact routing, component assembly, or demanding operating conditions.
- Fine-pitch routing: Etched copper traces can support tight spacing and complex circuit layouts.
- Component assembly: Copper flex can accommodate soldered components, connectors, and surface-mount devices when designed for the assembly process.
- Electrical performance: Copper conductors provide low-resistance pathways for signals and power.
- Thermal stability: Polyimide-based circuits can be suitable for applications involving elevated processing or operating temperatures, depending on the materials selected.
- Flexible construction: Circuits can be designed to bend or fold to fit available space. Bend performance depends on the construction and how the circuit is used.
- Connection options: Connector tails, contact finishes, and stiffeners can be selected to suit the product’s assembly requirements.
The right circuit construction depends on your design, operating environment, and performance requirements. CSI Keyboards can help you evaluate the options for your application.