flexible PCB boards used in medical devices
PCBs are at the heart of many medical devices, helping to monitor health metrics, diagnose illness and provide treatment. Historically, these medical devices were large and unyielding, but technological advancements have made it possible for medical professionals to create smaller, more flexible healthcare tools. Flexible printed circuit boards are one of these innovative solutions, providing flexibility in a small package and improved durability.
Medical-grade flexible pcb board are held to stricter standards than those of consumer electronics, ensuring patient safety and optimal performance. This requires a rigorous process of design, inspection and testing to minimize risks throughout the development cycle. It also necessitates adherence to IPC Class 3 electronic requirements, including no annular ring breakout, tight tolerances on conductor spacing and width, and more.
Whether a device is meant to detect cancerous cells in a sample of blood or to guide a robot through surgery, medical-grade PCBs must be durable and reliable. This is especially true for implantable devices, which are subject to harsh, abrasive environments and repeated flexing and twisting over the course of their lifetime. Flex PCBs can withstand these extremes, delivering the reliability needed for critical medical applications.
Are flexible PCB boards used in medical devices?
The flexible nature of a flex PCB allows it to conform to the shape of an ergonomic design, making them ideal for wearable medical technology. Whether it’s a fitness tracker or a bionic earpiece, these devices are designed to be worn for extended periods of time and must remain comfortable and stable.
Flex PCBs can reduce the number of interconnection points, which can lead to failures and malfunctions, in a device. They can also withstand a wider temperature range than rigid PCBs, which makes them an ideal choice for the high-temperature environments found in some medical equipment. They are also smaller in size and lighter in weight, which helps make them more suitable for the tight spaces commonly seen in medical wearables.
A wide range of medical equipment uses PCBs, from diagnostic devices like ultrasound machines and MRI scanners to surgical tools like electrocautery systems and screwdrivers. Flexible PCBs can help manufacturers create smaller, more portable tools that offer improved maneuverability and precision in the hands of surgeons.
A flexible PCB, also known as a flex circuit, is made of a thin, flexible substrate, typically polyimide, which provides both durability and flexibility. The substrate’s flexibility allows the circuit to conform to a desired shape during assembly and installation. Copper traces are etched onto the flexible substrate to create the conductive pathways, which are then coated with protective layers to ensure reliability and performance.
In addition to being flexible and robust, a flex PCB is also more cost-effective than its rigid counterparts. This makes it a great option for manufacturers of medical devices that are regulated by the FDA, which requires strict compliance with guidelines and rules. This includes establishing registration with the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, listing all of the medical devices produced by the company, and maintaining documentation of all stages in the product lifecycle. Working with a reputable flex PCB manufacturer can make all the difference in ensuring that a device meets stringent guidelines and is safe for use by patients.
