Flex Circuit Boards Can Be Used in Implantable Medical Devices
As medical and wearable devices continue to get smaller, flex circuit boards are becoming increasingly popular. These circuits offer numerous benefits that make them an ideal choice for these types of applications, such as lower cost, less weight, and more flexibility than traditional rigid PCBs. However, the small size of these boards can present challenges when designing them, especially when it comes to ensuring they can withstand the rigorous use that medical and wearable devices often undergo.
One such challenge is ensuring that the copper traces on a flex circuit board are able to withstand dynamic bending and movement without delaminating or breaking. To combat this, Sierra Circuits recommends using anchors (also known as spurs) on all flex connections. The anchors help to stabilize the flex connection during dynamic bending and help to prevent stress concentration points that can cause delamination. Another solution is to use a more flexible base material and thinner copper. This helps to reduce the risk of damage caused by flexing and bending, while also improving conductivity.
A flex circuit’s flexibility is also an important factor when considering its application in implantable medical devices, which are designed to be placed inside the body for extended periods of time. Rigid-flex circuits can be rolled up into a compact shape, making them ideal for this type of application. The ability of a flex circuit to resist steady movement and bending, while also interconnecting several planes, makes it a great option for implantable devices such as pacemakers.
How Flex Circuit Boards Can Be Used in Implantable Medical Devices
The specialized materials used in flex circuits can also provide advantages for medical devices, such as the ability to protect the electronics from electromagnetic interference (EMI). This is particularly important when designing implantable medical devices, which must be able to interact with the environment around them. Rigid-flex circuits can also allow for the addition of specialized features that would be impossible to achieve on a traditional rigid PCB.
Medical and wearable devices are often tucked away in tight spaces, where space is at a premium. Using a flex PCB allows designers to create these devices in unconventional form factors, such as a tube that can hold a medication dispenser or a wristband that monitors heart activity. Rigid-flex circuits can even be made into a custom-molded shape to fit inside a device, such as a cochlear implant, which treats hearing loss by providing artificial sounds through the cochlea.
When choosing a manufacturer to work with on a flex or rigid-flex PCB project, it is important to ensure they have the expertise needed for medical-grade production. At BST, we have years of experience engineering and manufacturing high-technology rigid, flex, and rigid-flex PCBs, including a variety of complex designs for medical devices. Contact us today to discuss how we can provide the high-quality and customization you need for your next project.