Een impedantiecoupon voor flex PCB is een testspoor op hetzelfde productiepaneel als de echte flexibele schakeling. Het vertegenwoordigt een high-speed net en wordt na fabricage met TDR gemeten. Zie time-domain reflectometry; IPC geeft context, maar de tekening moet de acceptatie vastleggen.
Kort samengevat
- The coupon must stay on the same production panel as the real FPC and represent the same manufacturing conditions.
- The target is usually 50 Ω, 90 Ω, or 100 Ω, and ±10% is a common production tolerance.
- The TDR report should include lot number, measured value, calibration date, and stackup revision.
- IPC-6013 and IPC-2223 provide standards context, but they do not replace project drawing notes.
- Reviewing the coupon before mass production is cheaper than explaining deviations after production.
Wat is een impedantiecoupon
Een impedantiecoupon voor flex PCB is een testspoor op hetzelfde productiepaneel als de echte flexibele schakeling. Het vertegenwoordigt een high-speed net en wordt na fabricage met TDR gemeten. Zie time-domain reflectometry; IPC geeft context, maar de tekening moet de acceptatie vastleggen.
Waarom FPC gevoeliger is
FPC gebruikt dun polyimide, lijm, coverlay en koper. Een lijmwijziging van 12.5 µm of tracebreedte van 10 µm kan enkele ohms verschuiven. Daarom is 50 Ω of 90 Ω uit CAD niet genoeg zonder coupon van het echte paneel.
Related reading: flex PCB impedance control guide, flex PCB materials guide, IPC-6013 RFQ checklist。
"For flex, I need the coupon from the actual panel. A 18 µm copper layer, 25 µm adhesive layer or shielding film can move the measured impedance before assembly."
— Hommer Zhao, Engineering Director at FlexiPCB
Wanneer een coupon nodig is
Vraag een coupon voor USB, MIPI, LVDS, PCIe, RF, differentiële paren of stijgtijden onder 1 ns. Een RFQ van 600.000 stuks per jaar liep vast door ontbrekende technische data; FPC loopt hetzelfde risico zonder stackup en coupon.
Specificatietabel
| Item | Requirement | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Geometry | same width and spacing | 10 µm can change impedance |
| Reference | same plane or shield | return path controls field |
| Dielectric | same PI, adhesive, coverlay | thin FPC dielectric dominates |
| Copper | same type and final thickness | etch and plating affect width |
| Length | 75-150 mm if possible | stable TDR region |
| Tolerance | usually ±10% | ±5% needs early review |
TDR evidence
The report should show target, tolerance, average value, range, equipment, calibration date, panel reference and lot number. Some buyers connect this to ISO 9000 traceability, but the purchase order still needs the exact acceptance rule.
"Sending stackup, coupon target and TDR requirement with the first RFQ can save three calendar days because the supplier does not have to quote from assumptions."
— Hommer Zhao, Engineering Director at FlexiPCB
Drawing note
Use a specific note: provide a panel coupon for 90 Ω ±10% differential pair on L1 referenced to L2 ground, with the same width, spacing, copper and coverlay as production. Measure by TDR and include lot-level report.
"A useful impedance report is simple: target, tolerance, measured value, lot number and no unexplained deviation."
— Hommer Zhao, Engineering Director at FlexiPCB
Veelgestelde vragen
Do all flex PCBs need coupons?
No. Low-speed FPCs can use continuity and dimensional inspection. Add coupons for 50 Ω, 90 Ω, 100 Ω, ±10% or high-speed interfaces.
What tolerance is realistic?
±10% is common for production FPC. ±5% may be possible with tighter material control and supplier review before layout release.
How long should the coupon be?
Use 75-150 mm when the panel allows it. Shorter coupons can work, but launch effects become more visible in TDR.
Can one coupon cover multiple targets?
Only when geometry and reference conditions are identical. A 90 Ω pair and a 100 Ω pair usually need separate structures.
Which standards should be cited?
Use IPC-6013 for flexible board qualification and IPC-2223 for design context, then add the project target, tolerance and report rule.
What belongs in the RFQ?
Send Gerbers or ODB++, stackup, controlled net list, target, tolerance, coupon requirement, annual volume and requested inspection evidence.
Final Recommendation
Treat the coupon as part of the product. For USB, MIPI, LVDS or RF flex circuits, contact FlexiPCB or request a quote before tooling.
