Talk:Flexible electronics

(Section deleted as spam)

Flexible Circuits? Flexible Electronics? Or both?

Previously this term Flexible Circuit was used as a separate heading and there was some valuable content provided for the reader much of which is not missing. Recently the term "Flexible Electronics" has been substituted for flexible circuit. Can someone explain why?

The term flexible circuit or flex circuit (aka flexi circuits in the UK) is a much more common term having a history that goes back nearly 60 years or more. Much like the printed circuit, there have been several books and many book chapters written and numerous industry standards written on the topic of flexible circuits of which there are no less than 1/2 dozen structural variations, most of which cannot be considered flexible electronics.

In contrast, the term "flexible electronics" is a relatively new term focusing on the integration of active devices into flexible films and one identifiable book title "Flexible Electronics - Material and Applications" by W. Wong and A. Salleo

It is suggested that rather than confusing the reader by suggesting that flexible electronics are the same as flexible circuits, that two separate topics be set up one for flexible circuits and one for flexible electronics. These two topics can then be cross referenced to increase reader knowledge and understanding rather than curtail it.

As a reminder the purpose of Wikipedia is to inform and record history not to rewrite it. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Gnoetic (talk • contribs) 18:35, 21 February 2010 (UTC)

• Support - They are all flex or rigid-flex to me.  Flexible electronics is a totally new term to me.  They simply are designed for component placement or not.  I also added this to disambiguation.  It was there, but in a funny way as as a "polyimide printed circuit".  --  :- ) Don 07:19, 26 August 2012 (UTC)

A flex circuit assembly connecting rigid integrated circuits (with rigid transistors).

A flexible display (is this electronic paper?)

A flexible display using flexible transistors

File:OLED EarlyProduct.JPG

a flexible organic LED

Flexible Electronics is normally meant to describe flex circuits with imbedded flexible components, such as printed resistors and such, ie; the entire assembly is flexible. OTOH, Flexible Circuits normally means that only the interconnection of those compoents (aka, the PCB/PWB or board, all or part) is flexible; the components are not. The distinctions border on nitpicky, and disagreement abounds but these are the terms I have used in the industry (computers, appliances, downhole oilfield equip) since the 70s. Ken (talk) 16:02, 20 September 2013 (UTC)

I agree with Ken that many people draw a distinction between (in chronological order):

• • (a) "flex circuit" where only the insulator and conductors are flexible, and then later (rigid) integrated circuits, (rigid) LEDs, and other rigid components are attached to the flex circuit; vs.
  • (b) electronic paper -- microcapsules that change color in a flexible sheet (with flexible insulator and conductors); vs.
  • (c) flexible transistor, flexible LED, etc. somehow fabricated on a flexible sheet (with flexible insulator and conductors).

I think each of these categories are each notable enough to build separate articles about each one, as Gnoetic suggested. --DavidCary (talk) 21:16, 29 March 2014 (UTC)