The increasing demand for automated electric vehicles with multiple features has driven the growth for flexible circuit assemblies. The growing trend of electronics and automation in the automotive market is set to continue with the addition of electric vehicles (EVs) over the next few years. Autonomous vehicles are another new segment. Electronics plays a role in virtually each automotive segment right from the engine and lighting systems to windows, navigation systems, infotainment systems, and inter-vehicle communication systems, among others. All of these systems require small-sized and bendable circuits with multiple functionalities. They take the form of the part or component. Hence, there is more scope for flexible circuits rather than rigid printed circuit boards in all these segments. As an experienced electronics manufacturing service provider, Automated Assembly has developed SMT-Flex®, a process that is completely innovative and used to create automotive flexible assemblies. Contact us today to discuss your custom flex assembly requirements for automotive applications.
Why Choose Our Flexible Circuit Assembly in Automotive Systems and Components?
We work closely with our customers to develop flexible circuit assemblies according to their specifications. We have successfully utilized various SMT components for custom flex assemblies based on the designs provided or approved by our customers. Here are some beneficial features of our flexible circuit assemblies.
- Robustness and Durability: Electronics accounts for a large percentage of in-vehicle systems. This calls for robust yet flexible circuits that will fit into small spaces and small devices. With the proper design a flexible circuit assembly is durable and flexible, and remains structurally stable in spite of heat, vibration, and mechanical stress, without hampering the system performance.
- Flexibility: The best part of flexible circuits is they conform to the shape of the part or device. This is required in various vehicle systems including anti-braking, door locks, infotainment, LED lighting, and communication. We assemble components on polyester or polyimide films using our R2R technology offering higher quality and lower cost options which makes them suitable for all these segments in a vehicle.
- Weight: It is essential that the circuits do not add their weight to the electronic systems and devices. Flexible circuit assemblies are thin, lightweight, and bendable. We can offer them in a roll or strip form. We can also offer LED strips with flex circuits for lighting systems.
- Automation: The current and future trends in the automotive sector are largely based on automation systems. This includes autonomous driving, inner-vehicle connectivity, communication with intelligent transportation systems (ITS), electrification of vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), automated emergency braking systems, lane departure warning systems, and shared mobility among others. Our flexible circuits can be customized to suit automation systems of any type. They are scalable and hence suitable for any current and future trend in this sector.
Application Segments of Flex Circuit Assembly in the Automotive Industry
We work with customers whose products can be found in several applications in the automotive sector. Here are some application areas.
- Instrument Clusters: These clusters include the collection of indicators, display panels, connect gauges, and so on. Flex assemblies are used here to increase their space efficiency and aesthetics.
- Airbag Systems: Airbags are one of the important safety tools given in any vehicle. We can work with our customers to design custom flex assemblies for airbag deployment systems as they help establish connectivity between airbag modules, sensors, and the central airbag control unit. Using a flex assembly ensures efficient routing in the confined area near dashboard.
- Infotainment Systems: Any modern car has great infotainment systems well equipped with Bluetooth, LED displays, touchscreen menu, and more. Flex circuits are commonly used in infotainment systems as they connect various components such as touchscreens, displays, buttons, and control panels. Most infotainment systems as well as the dashboards have curved shapes and the use of flex assemblies optimizes space efficiency and flexibility.
- Seat Control: Flex circuits are integrated into power-adjustable seats to ensure ease of operation and comfort. Their flexibility allows for mobility and easy adjustment of seats.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Flex circuits play a crucial role in ADAS technologies used in exterior portions of vehicles, such as cameras, and radar sensors. Flex circuit assemblies offer a seamless connection between the sensors and the processing units.
- Interior and Exterior Lighting: LED lighting is an important part of any vehicle, which includes headlights, taillights, as well as indicators on the panel. Flex circuits are incorporated in ambient lighting systems within the vehicle’s interior as well as exterior.
- Engine Management: Flex circuits are used in various engine-related applications, such as connecting sensors, actuators, and control units. They can withstand the vibrations and temperature variations which frequently occur in any vehicle engine.
- Wireless Communication Systems: Flex circuit assemblies can house antennas and communication modules, enabling wireless connectivity features within the vehicle, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connections.
- Battery Management Systems: With increasing number of electric vehicles in the market, battery management is a crucial aspect. Flex circuits are used in battery management systems to ensure connectivity between the monitoring units, battery cells, and sensors for safe and efficient operation.
We are totally focused and strive to exceed our clients’ expectations and offer fast turnaround times. If you are interested in our Roll-to-Roll assembly capabilities for your automotive application or need to share your requirements, we are here to assist you. Feel free to reach us on phone or email in case you have any questions on this segment.
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