Flexible printed circuit (FPC) has been designed to meet the demands of the market. Some wearable devices or mobile devices require high current draw functions like brighter displays. This trend will continue. Therefore, this need isn’t in line with the drive towards devices that are becoming lighter and thinner every year. Also, batteries must be lighter and smaller as well.
Therefore, the connector between the circuit board and battery must be small, but must be able to conduct greater currents. In this article, our primary focus is on battery FPC.
What is Battery FPC?
The flexible printed circuit (FPC) ultrathin lithium ceramic battery is designed in a way that it breaks through the procedures of traditional lithium batteries. Battery FPC integrates a flexible circuit board as a packaging material and base material. The ultrathin battery is small. Therefore, it is easy to carry. Also, this battery is safe, hence, it can’t cause any explosion, fire, or combustion.
Also, this battery can withstand high temperature, physical impact, and low temperature. Battery FPC is very easy to assemble and it can be connected with a circuit board. Also, this battery features a flexibility radius that ranges between 15-17mm. This battery can’t cause explosion or fire even after exposing it to overcharge testing via ultrahigh external voltage.
A battery FPC serves as a protection to the lithium-ion battery pack. Also, FPC which means flexible printed circuit is a type of protection circuit module. Furthermore, an FPC is ideal for use in flexible devices. You will find them in wearables such as medical monitoring devices and smartwatches. These devices integrate lithium polymer.
A flexible printed circuit comprises a base film and several wires created on the base film. The battery FPC is very easy to carry. When tested by varying temperature, physical impact and electrically damage test, this battery can’t cause leakage, explosion, or fire.
Therefore, it serves a battery connector in tablets, smartphones, and some wearable devices. FPCs are ideal for use in near field communication (NFC) devices. Also, the NFC chip usually comes with the battery since it is a suitable location to communicate from.
The production process of FPCs involves grafting on a flexible copper clad and cutting into different sizes of layers.
What are the Features of Battery FPC?
High retention force
This battery features high retention force despite being small and having a thin profile. Therefore, this contributes to the performance of these batteries when used in devices. Also, a battery FPC can retain stored energy for a longer period.
High connection reliability
Despite its thin profile, this battery connector offers high connection reliability. This makes it ideal as a battery connector for mobile devices.
High assembly efficiency
This battery realizes high assembly efficiency with ease of positioning when attaching the socket to header.
What are the Differences Between FFC and FPC?
Most times, people interchange FPC for FFC. These two terms are used interchangeably in the PCB industry. Although FPC and FFC provide advanced features, they are entirely different. So, how do you distinguish between FPC and FFC connectors?
Well, the first difference is in their meaning. FPC means flexible printed circuit while FFC means flexible flat cable. Also, FFC is a type of cable that is flat and flexible while FPC is a flexible printed circuit. FFC connectors are films with metallic termination that is parallel to the foundation. FPC comprises inserted or printed circuitry on the FPC cable board.
FFC and FPC play different roles. FFC cables are extensively integrated for high flex applications. Also, FPC is available in LCD, antennas, printers, etc. Over the years, FPCs have developed. In terms of their manufacturing process, FPCs are different form FFCs. The production process of FPCs involves grafting on a flexible copper clad and cutting into different sizes of layers.
On the other hand FFC involves a lamination of flat PET and copper wires. This is the reason behind its extra thickness. also, FFCs are specially made with layers of wires. Also, there is a difference between these connectors in terms of their thicknesses.
The suitable thickness of FFC ranges between 0.5mm and 2.54mm. Meanwhile, the thickness of FPC cables range between 0.15mm and 0.2mm. Furthermore, the manufacturing strategies of FFCs are very classified. In contrast, FFCs are a bit vulnerable. FFCs comprise highly conductive components. Therefore, with these differences, these connectors can’t replace each other.
The FPC connector connects printed circuit boards and flexible printed circuits. One of the ways to connect FPCs is by inserting them directly in the connector. Also, it is possible to connect them with flexible flat cable (FFC).
Parts of an FPC Connector
The FPC connector connects printed circuit boards and flexible printed circuits. There are three crucial parts of an FPC connector. These include:
Terminal
The terminal ensures a stable contact performance. It integrates a narrow contact method to achieve this. Furthermore, it selects the material with great mechanical properties.
Plastic body
This is a sheet-like barrier framework you can organize after installation. Also, this provides a certain stabilization force. The plastic body needs to be rigid and string based on the specifications of the application. Also, there must not be any wrap deflection throughout the soldering of SMT.
Card lock
The fastening parts help to lock the FFC/FPC in order to preserve a certain contact force when implanting the FPC/FFC. Therefore, the parts must be rigid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the applications of FPC connectors?
FPC connectors are widely used in handy terminals, industrial robots, smart meters, and semiconductor production equipment.
What are the types of FPC connectors?
There are several types of FPC connectors. They include flexible multilayer circuits, single layer circuits, and two-sided layers.
Conclusion
The major application of a battery FPC is its connection in smartphones and some wearable devices that integrate embedded batteries. The connector between a PCB and battery must be able to conduct greater currents. Also, a battery FPC maintains a thin profile and a high retention force. Also, this battery features 6 A current capability.
