scope:

This standard establishes the classification system, the qualification and quality conformance requirements for flexible base dielectric materials to be used for the fabrication of flexible printed circuitry and flexible flat cable.

This specification supersedes IPC-FC-231C and the requirements herein meet or exceed the requirements for Class 3 in this superseded document. Note that conformance to Class 3 met or exceeded conformance to Classes 1 and 2. IPC-4202 no longer utilizes the 3-class system.

Classification System The system described in 1.1.1 through 1.1.2.4 identifies flexible base dielectrics.

Nonspecific Designation A nonspecific designation is intended for use by designers on master drawings to designate their material choice. Further specification details may be indicated by using the specific designation in drawing notes and purchase documents. At the end of this standard is a series of material specification sheets designated by individual nonspecific designators. Each sheet outlines engineering and performance data for a flexible base dielectric, indicating base material type and method of reinforcement. The sheets are provided with a number for ordering purposes. For example, if a user wishes to order from specification sheet number 1, the number "1" would be substituted for the "S" in the designation example (i.e., IPC-4202/1).

Example of nonspecific designation:

IPC-4202/S

Where S is specification sheet number

Specific Designation The specific designation shall be in the following form and is intended for use on purchase orders (see 6.1). The specific designation shall not be used by designers on master drawings to indicate their material selection. Master drawings shall indicate the material design by the nonspecific designation supplemented in notes with the material specification details as defined by the specific designation. This procedure is necessary because the specific designation is normally lengthy and will not fit the field for most computer cataloging.

Example of specific designation:

IPC-4202/S -C1E2

Where:

IPC-4202/S - Nonspecific Designation (see 1.1.1)

C - Base Dielectric Type Designation (see 1.1.2.1)

1 - Reinforcement Method Designation (see 1.1.2.2)

E - Reinforcement Type Designation (see 1.1.2.3)

2 - Base Dielectric Thickness Designation (see 1.1.2.4)

Base Dielectric Material Type The type of dielectric material shall be designated per Table 1-1.

Reinforcement Method The reinforcement method shall be designated per Table 1-2.

Reinforcement Type The reinforcement type shall be designated per Table 1-3.

Base Dielectric Material Thickness The base material thickness shall be designated per Table 1-4.

Qualification The flexible base dielectrics materials that meet all the requirements of this standard shall be qualified products (see 4.8).

Quality Conformance This standard establishes a quality conformance system for the manufacturers to demonstrate the continual conformance of a flexible base dielectrics material to the quality requirements of the standard. See 4.9 for quality conformance inspection requirements.

Material Characteristics The flexible materials made to this standard use established requirements to enable the material to be applied in a broad range of applications. Materials made to this standard may have characteristics that meet a specific enhanced performance need. Both the user and supplier should review these enhancements.

New Materials The flexible base dielectrics contained in this standard represent known materials. As new materials become available, they will be added to future revisions. Users and material developers are encouraged to supply information on new flexible materials using the blank specification sheet at end of this standard for review by the IPC Flexible Circuits Committee (D-13). Users who wish to invoke this standard for flexible materials not listed shall list a zero for the specification sheet number (i.e., IPC-4202/0).

New or revised specification sheets may become approved by the committee independent from revision of the standard. When this occurs, the new or revised specification sheet shall become part of the standard. Per 6.1, the specification sheet revision date shall be specified in the order.