PCB News - Why use flexible circuit boards in satellites

Satellite system:
The satellite system consists of three main circuits, including the satellite, receiver and transmitter.Satellites are increasingly used for disaster risk management, weather forecasting, remote sensing, geopositioning and navigation.
Materials in satellite PCB: ceramics, hydrocarbons, thermosetting polymer composites developed by Rogers, and Isola, Inc.Manufacturers have been allowed to develop highly reliable satellite PCB's.

In satellite applications, flexible circuit boards have several advantages over rigid PCBs. The characteristics of flexible circuit boards (such as reducing weight and improving reliability) make flexible circuit boards the best choice for space applications. Let us look at some of the functions of flexible circuit boards suitable for space applications.

reliability

When designing a PCB for space applications, the reliability of the PCB becomes very important. There are some examples of satellites that have been in operation for more than 30 years. Dynamic flexible circuits can withstand greater pressure than rigid PCBs. Flexible circuit boards can replace connectors that are more likely to cause interconnection failures. Most of the connections in the flexible circuit board are made through the substrate. Since satellites are subjected to harsh conditions, flexible circuit boards can withstand them. The design of the flexible circuit board allows it to be bent thousands of times during operation. This will enable the flexible PCB to work under adverse conditions.

Versatility

Operating electronic systems in space is very challenging. Designers will need common electronic components to overcome these obstacles. Flexible circuit boards are more adaptable than any other type of PCB because they enable designers to achieve strange shapes. Flexible circuits can form complex three-dimensional shapes with branches that branch to multiple connectors, while rigid PCBs cannot. Sometimes, it is not feasible to place a large rigid PCB in a small part of the spacecraft. The flexible circuit can be easily installed on the surface on which it is installed.

Compact and lightweight

The flexible circuit has a thinner copper layer and insulating layer. Therefore, the bending radius of the flexible circuit board can be minimized as required. Therefore, these PCBs can be adapted to a narrower space.