Hello forum viewers,
I came across this circuit the other day and was wondering what the technology is called. It seems to be an adhesive backed circuit that is on a .125 (1/8 inch) heat sink. I do not think this is considered a flexible circuit, but would really like to know what this technology is called. If anyone knows or knows where I could read up on it more, it would be a large help.

Thanks you,

Peaches

 

Where is the heat sink?

 

Where is the heat sink?

If you look closely at the submitted photo, you can see that the circuit in question sits on a .125 deep (thick) heat sink of the same shape as the circuit. I do see how it can be confusing but it is there.

Thanks for your help with this.

Peaches

 

Are you talking about the black plastic square?

 

It almost looks like the circuit board was potted into the backing metal frame. It may not have a heat sink function so much as a mechanical function.

 

N

Are you talking about the black plastic square?

Nope, That is a IGBT. The IGBT and the .020 resistor are on a circuit that seems to be about .007-.010 thick, flexible, and connected, with adhesive (like the adhesive on regular scotch tape) to a .125 inch thick heat sink that is of the same shape.

Peaches

 

Ok....now I know that I don't understand you.

 

It almost looks like the circuit board was potted into the backing metal frame. It may not have a heat sink function so much as a mechanical function.

I see how you may think that from the photo, but if you look at the lower left side of the part you can see how I tried to peel off the circuit to see it it was indeed potted, which it wasn't. It seems to be almost adhered with a adhesive, almost like tape would be.

Thanks for your help.

Peaches

 

I think what you've got there is something we use in one of our designs. Probably has many variations and many names, but we know it as Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) technology.

I have limited experience with it - ours is a simple custom membrane switch overlay with a ZIF tail end, all used to make a sleek, water resistant user interface. Can't say what it's like with more components mounted to it, but in our application it's fantastic stuff!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexible_electronics