Flexible Circuit Testing Methodologies

In this abstract, we will explore testing methodologies relevant to the new age of flexible circuits for 2021. For years the means to test flexible circuits or Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) have varied. From very simple and straight forward continuity and isolation testing seen in traditional printed circuit board (PCB) substrates using grid testers to now flying probe testers offering the end-user/contract manufacturer or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) more flexibility in the production process of these circuits. However, time is not 1999 anymore. FHE's have become a standard product in almost anything electronic built today. From wearables, smart devices, to 5G products. They are not only the highway of signals connecting one device to another but these highways have now embedded components built-in along with RF circuitry and other proprietary OEM intelligence. This paper will explore production methods and challenges to test FHE that are now approaching millions and millions of units per month. A customer use case will be explored along with the technical requirements now being requested of many OEMs for the testing of their FHE's. These techniques and solutions will give the production manager, test manager and/or operations manager an alternative over legacy strategies that have not kept up with the current market demands thus providing a better return on investment and commercialization for the end product using FHE's.