Can I attach a connector meant for a rigid PCB to a flex PCB?

Is it possible to connect a standard mezzanine connector to a flex PCB? I.e. could I use a mezzanine connector meant for connecting two rigid PCBs in a situation where one is flex and one is rigid?

What is usually done is that a stiffener is added to the area of the connector. The stiffener is usually FR4 (with no copper) glued/epoxied to the flex on the backside of the connector.

However, maybe the application results in minimal bending without stiffeners. What counts as acceptable is rather dependent on the particular parts, the application, and the required reliability and lifetime, so it’s not easy to quantify.

Read More: Best Practices of Rigid Flex PCB Design

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Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.
Picture of Oliver Smith

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

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