Why Use Flex PCB in Medical and Wearables Devices?

Fitness wearables and medical devices (including wearable and implantable medical devices) have become
increasingly popular, and these markets are forecast to grow over the next few years. They have
something in common: most of them require flexible printed
circuits. We tell you why flex PCBs are used in medical devices and wearables.

But, as new technologies emerge, new design challenges arise. We carefully study some significant design
trends to help companies move forward in this area.

The big picture

From a general perspective, when companies seek to design health-related wearables and medical devices,
there are two extensive issues to keep in mind: purpose and usability.

Application

First, a medical device or wearable must achieve a valuable and clear purpose. It may seem obvious, but
wearable startup companies often start with solutions. Instead, wearable and medical designers should
begin by identifying and understanding existing clinical challenges that their devices will solve or
alleviate.

Ease of use

Likewise, medical devices, and even more importantly, wearables, need to make sense. Wearables and
medical devices have different design standards and are designed from a different perspective than
smartphones. Many designers view wearables in the same light as they do smartphones. Simply put, this
approach is not feasible. Wearables and medical devices require more precision and specialization and
have unique physical requirements. Focusing on usability is essential to ensure that the device provides
definitive value and utility.

Physical considerations

After completing the project details, the focus shifts to conceptualizing and turning your goals into
reality.

With the concept, the problem becomes reality. When it comes to wearable technology and medical devices
in the healthcare field, two areas need special attention.

Miniaturization

To shine in this field, you need to think small. A primary trend in medical devices and wearables is
miniaturization – These gadgets need to be as small as possible while performing their designated
functions reliably. Many companies now aim to minimize the size of electronics. It is effectively
invisible to individuals.

If you want to think big, you need to think small.

Flexibility

Just as importantly, companies in this area need to solve the difficulties of designing for flexibility.
Wearable devices often have to withstand more bending and multiple scenarios than most electronic
devices. Flexibility is particularly challenging for designers in the healthcare field. In the past, it
has not been a primary consideration for medical electronics. As the MDDI report highlights, most of
these devices used to be larger and more rugged. It is changing as wearables and implantable medical
devices become more popular. Unlike their rigid PCB alternatives, flex and rigid-flex circuit boards are
more durable, more heat-resistant, and (you guessed it) more flexible.

Flex PCB in the Medical Industry

These physical requirements make flexible printed circuit boards a natural fit for wearables and medical
devices in the healthcare sector.

"With the development of wearables in the medical device field, two-dimensional electronic circuits
are no longer ideal. Devices with interconnected moving parts or sensors fixed to the patient require
flexible printed circuits."

Flexible PCBs have the advantage of being more flexible than rigid PCBs, but they can also be
smaller, lighter, and more durable. These make flexible PCBs ideal for wearable
technology.

Flexibility is critical for healthcare wearables.

Of course, there are many design decisions for flexible PCBs, and designers in this field must consider
elements unique to healthcare devices. For more details on the guidelines and rules for a specific
design, you need to understand what category and type of flexible board your board belongs
to.

Flexible PCBs in medical devices offer as much or more reliability than rigid alternatives and supply
huger durability. Instead, the question is making the right design choices with flexible PCBs. An
obvious example is the question of which manufacturing category to use, given the specific nature and
purpose of the wearable or medical device.

Flexible PCB Challenges and Requirements for Wearable Technology

In a recent interview, flexible circuit experts discussed emerging use cases for wearable devices,
including functional devices designed for military personnel and medical professionals, such as heart
monitors. In addition, he noted that flexible PCBs continue to evolve so that they can
be used in the medical industry for applications, including drug delivery systems and watches. They can
monitor circulatory and respiratory system data and send it to the wearer's cardiologist.

High-quality one-stop PCB assembly service: In terms of the flexible PCBs in these
devices, the small scale required for ordinary flex applications means that everything inside is getting
smaller and smaller, which can create some significant challenges in the PCB process.