Single-Sided / Double-Sided Flexible PCBs

There are various types of flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs), but single-sided/double-sided flexible boards are characterized by their simple structure. This section explains the features, advantages and disadvantages of double-sided flexible substrates by utilizing them.

What is a single-sided/double-sided flexible board?

Single-Sided Flexible PCBs

Source: Sanyo Corporation Official Website
(http://www.wsanyo.jp/menu01/)

Single-sided flexible PCBs are composed of a base film with copper foil and a coverlay laminated on one side only.

These are the most basic form of Flexible PCB and are commonly used in applications where bending is required. Their flexibility makes them ideal for tight or dynamic installation spaces.

Double-Sided Flexible PCBs

Source: Sanyo Corporation Official Website
(http://www.wsanyo.jp/menu01/)

Double-sided flexible substrates are, feature copper foil and coverlay on both the top and bottom sides of the base film.

Like their single-sided counterparts, they are thin and flexible, allowing them to be installed in space-constrained electronic devices.

Advantages and disadvantages of each

Advantages and disadvantages of single-sided flexible boards

The advantage of double-sided flexible printed circuits is that complex wiring can be designed. Since both the front and back sides can be used, there is no need to divide the flexible printed circuit (FPC) into two. Compared to single-sided flexible printed circuits, the space for placing components also increases.

However, the space available for component placement is limited, and wiring flexibility is low. If complex wiring is required, other flexible substrates (FPC) should be selected.

Advantages and disadvantages of double-sided flexible boards

The advantage of surface flexibility is the ability to design complex wiringThe front and back of the FPC can be used. Since the front and back sides can be used, there is no need to split the flexible printed circuit board (FPC) into two pieces. Compared to single-sided flexible boards, the space available for component placement is also increased.

On the other hand, wiring cannot be made as dense as with multilayer flexible substrates. Multilayer flexible substrates are suitable when space is severely limited or when miniaturization is required.

Summary

Single-Sided/Double-Sided Flexible Printed Circuits Characterized by Simplicity

Single-sided/double-sided flexible printed circuits are characterized by their simple structure and the fact that they can be bent unlike rigid boards. However, single-sided/double-sided flexible printed circuits have different advantages and disadvantages.

There are other types of flexible printed circuits (FPCs), so choose the appropriate one.

See the List of Manufacturers
Handling Flexible PCBs