Allegro PCB Editor now offers Rigid-Flex applications where it’s common to have different fabrics across the final PCB product. The new functionality offers integrating more technology into less material space. This technology enables design flexibility way beyond conventional rigid interconnect methods. Rigid-flex consists of flex circuit(s) that are laminated within a rigid dielectric material. Base Material for flex is generally Polyester or Polyimide. The most common metal is Copper that is Rolled and Annealed (RA) as it is less prone to cracking under stress. Electrodeposited (ED) can be used for thinner foils. Coverlay is the material laminated to the outer layers of the flex circuit to insulate the copper conductors. Soldermask does not bend as well as polyimide or polyester.
Single Sided Flex
Construction of Rigid-Flex
How does Allegro PCB Editor help me with Rigid-Flex design?
The Cadence® Allegro® and OrCAD® 17.2-2016 release enables several new capabilities that minimize design iterations and lower overall cost for flex and rigid-flex designs.
Cross Section Support of Non-Conductor Layers
The Cross Section Editor now supports the entry of non-conductor layers; typically mask & coating layers used in rigid, flex or rigid-flex applications. These layers are usually added above the Top or below the Bottom surfaces but can also be added within the core stackup to accommodate multiple independent flex laminates.
The new Surface Finishes Class supports the following subclasses …
Multi-Cross Section Support
The Cross Section Editor has been enhanced to support multiple stackups, each capable of supporting conductor and non-conductor layers such as Soldermask and Coverlay. The Cross Section Editor provides total thicknesses for each stackup in terms of accumulated conductor layers as well as a mask layer option.
Physical Zones
Zones represent physical areas of the board that differ in layers/materials - rigid flex, material inlay.
The Zone Manager displays each zone placed in the design. It allows an easy way to assign physical zones to the stackup. You can view the Start/Stop layer of the Zone. Assign any existing Constraint Region to the Zone.
Inter Layer Design Rule Checks
Provides the ability to check geometries on two different Class/Subclasses used in rigid-flex designs. In typical Rigid Flex designs the creation of various masks, bend areas, stiffeners, etc. require special clearances or overlaps of materials and spacing. These objects are represented on specific subclasses that require a verification process to ensure that the clearances and overlaps are properly met. The Inter-Layer Checks provide much of that capability.
We will be posting more on the new functionalities in Allegro 17.2. Use the "Subscriptions" box at the top of this page to subscribe to this "PCB Design" blog to get updates.
Related Links
Why Move Up to Allegro 17.2-2016? Advanced Flex and Rigid-Flex Design Support (Reason 1 of 10)
Cadence Allegro Rigid-Flex Overview on Cadence.com
Ensuring Reliable Products with New Rigid-Flex Design Rules