FPC Applications in the Medical Field
Customer Case Studies
Company Name: Ismail
Company Location: Germany
Cooperation Duration: 2015 – Present
FPC Medical Application: Medical Instruments
Order Service: FPC Samples, FPC Mass Production, and SMT Service.
FPC Medical Application Example: Ismail
Ismail’s purchasing manager contacted us after the Hong Kong Electronic Fair. As discussed at that time, they mainly provide medical instruments in Western Europe and required us to customize the FPC for their specific needs.
The basic application areas of FPC in the medical field
- Gastroscope circuit board: Although this technology has been around for a long time, the previous rigid circuit boards limited the flexibility and operability of the catheter for medical staff. However, with the use of FPC flexible boards in current gastroscopes, years of verification and production experience have resulted in improved bending and flexural properties.
- Medical device screens: FPC flexible boards are commonly used as adapter cables for screens, not only in medical devices but also in various screen displays. This widespread use confirms the effectiveness and flexibility of FPC boards.
- Medical device buttons: FPC soft boards are extensively used for buttons in medical devices. While sensitive product testing is required for medical buttons and other types of buttons, FPC boards have proven to be reliable.
- Heart Rate Regulators: The research on soft boards in MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) is an important area of study. As medical technology advances, the integration of electronic devices with the human body, such as pacemakers and electronic prosthetics, is being explored.
- B-ultrasound head circuit board: B-ultrasound technology allows for non-invasive imaging of the human body. FPC soft boards, when combined with electronic components, ensure accurate signal transmission. The frequency of the signal can be adjusted to achieve the desired level of signal video transmission.
- Medical hearing aids: FPC has been used in hearing aids for a long time. However, there have been challenges in terms of size and transmission quality, often resulting in noise interference.
Advantages of FPC in Medical Applications
FPC, or Flexible Printed Circuit, offers several advantages in the medical field. Its dynamic bending capability makes it suitable for medical devices that undergo expansion and contraction during operation. This flexibility allows for compact and durable designs, which is advantageous in the healthcare industry’s move towards smaller and more flexible devices.
Reliability is crucial in medical applications, and FPC provides a reliable solution. With fewer connection points and simplified assembly, the risk of electronic failures is minimized. FPC materials, such as polyimide, are resistant to environmental and chemical changes, reducing the impact of shock and vibration events.
FPC materials are also well-suited for high-speed signal applications, thanks to their increased dielectric constant, uniform material thickness, and consistent trace width and spacing. This enhances electrical reliability in medical devices.
Additionally, FPCs contribute to space and weight savings. With thinner layers of copper and insulation, FPCs can be designed with minimized bending radii, allowing them to fit into tighter spaces and meet the demand for smaller medical devices and wearables.