Abstract:
Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for rigid flex circuit boards are described herein. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to equipping a rigid flex circuit board with a first rigid substrate, a second rigid substrate that includes an asymmetric region where the first rigid substrate is not extended over the asymmetric region of the second rigid substrate. The rigid flex circuit board also includes a flexible substrate between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate. A second portion of the flexible substrate protrudes from the non-overlap region where the second portion of the flexible substrate is not adhered to the second rigid substrate in the non-overlap region. The second portion of the flexible substrate is configured to be accessible from the asymmetric region of the rigid flex circuit board.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/672,721 filed on Jul. 17, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A rigid flex circuit board includes a combination of rigid circuit portions and flexible circuits that form a single, electrically interconnected structure. The rigid circuit board incorporates two printed circuit boards (PCBs) that act as external layers, making the rigid circuit board a rigid structure with an inner flexible layer. In the flexible circuits, the two external PCBs included in the rigid circuit boards are cut away leaving the inner flexible layer as a flexible structure. 
         [0003]    The flexible circuit typically protrudes from the edge of the rigid circuit board, maintaining the electrical interconnection between the rigid circuit board and flexible circuit. Such designs are space-inefficient as the flexible circuit prevents dense abutment of a second rigid flex circuit board. Other designs attempt to minimize the space occupied by the circuit board by connecting the flexible circuit to the top surface of the rigid circuit board. The flexible circuit maintains the electrical interconnection with the rigid circuit board via a connector placed on the top surface of the rigid circuit board. For small rigid circuit boards, finding an appropriately sized connector is difficult and/or increases the cost of the circuit board. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to rigid flex circuit boards. In a first embodiment, a rigid flex circuit board includes a first rigid substrate. The rigid flex circuit board also includes a second rigid substrate that includes an asymmetric region where the first rigid substrate is not extended over the asymmetric region of the second rigid substrate. The rigid flex circuit board also includes a first portion of a flexible substrate that is between the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate. 
         [0005]    In a second embodiment, a rigid flex circuit board configuration includes a first rigid flex circuit board. The first rigid flex circuit board includes at least a first rigid portion and a first flex portion. The rigid flex circuit board configuration also includes a second rigid flex circuit board that includes at least a first rigid portion and a first flex portion. The first flex portion of the second rigid flex circuit board may be routed through a notch cut in the first rigid flex circuit board. The notch cut may be created based on the absence of the accessible surface of the first rigid flex circuit board. 
         [0006]    Further embodiments, features, and advantages, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES 
         [0007]    Embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers may indicate identical or functionally similar elements. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  depicts a cross-sectional view of an example rigid flex circuit board in which embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may be implemented. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  depicts a cross-sectional view of an example rigid flex circuit board with a first flex that protrudes vertically from a rigid base and a second flex that protrudes vertically from the same rigid base, in which embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may be implemented. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  depicts an example imaging system in which embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may be implemented. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  depicts an example focal plane image sensor/rigid flex circuit board configuration in which embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may be implemented. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5A  depicts a cross-sectional view of a conventional rigid flex circuit board. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5B  depicts a conventional assembly of two rigid boards and flexible circuit circuit board where the flex portion is connected to the top surfaces of a first rigid portion and a second rigid portion via connectors. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  depicts a cross-sectional view of an example rigid flex circuit board in which embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may be implemented. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  depicts an example rigid flex circuit board that provides a grip area on the rigid flex circuit board, in which embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may be implemented. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  depicts an example rigid flex circuit board assembly, in which embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may be implemented. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    In the Detailed Description herein, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be described in connection with an embodiment, it may be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
         [0000]    Rigid Flex Circuit Board with a Connectorless Protrusion from a Rigid Base 
         [0018]    In a high resolution camera that may utilize an array of sensors it is important for image sensors to be packed closely together. These image sensors typically sit on rigid circuit boards, which are connected to other components via a flex component. Because space is often limited, this system allows sensors to be packed more closely together while allowing them to be mechanically independent. Using a rigid flex board according to an embodiment, where the flex portion protrudes from a surface of the rigid portion rather than the edge of the rigid portion, saves valuable space at the edge of the board. Further, an integrated flex portion rather than an attached flex portion improves the integrity of the rigid flex board. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  depicts a cross-section of an example rigid flex circuit board  100  with a flex that protrudes vertically from a rigid base. The surface area of accessible surface  112  may be less than the surface area of sensor surface  110 . The difference in the surface area between accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110  creates a non-overlap region defined by lateral distance X. First flex portion  104  protrudes from the non-overlap region rather than from the edge of rigid flex circuit board  100 . The protrusion of first flex portion  104  from the non-overlap region conserves space between rigid flex circuit board  100  and a second rigid flex circuit board packed next to rigid flex circuit board  100 . A flex portion that protrudes from the edge of a rigid flex circuit board occupies valuable space between the rigid flex circuit board and the second rigid flex circuit board packed next to the rigid flex circuit board. As a result, rigid flex circuit board  100  may be implemented for space conservation. 
         [0020]    Rigid flex circuit board  100  includes first rigid portion  102 , first flex portion  104 , and focal plane image sensor  114 . First rigid portion  102  includes accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110 . As would be appreciated by one having skill in the relevant art(s) given the description herein, rigid flex circuit board  100  may include any quantity of rigid portions and flex portions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment, first rigid portion  102  may act as a base for rigid flex circuit board  100 . First rigid portion  102  couples to focal plane image sensor  114 . For example, the focal plane image sensor  114  may directly attach to first rigid portion  102  such that focal plane image sensor  114  is located directly below first rigid portion  102 . First rigid portion  102  may receive image data gathered by focal plane image sensor  114 , and route the image data to first flex portion  104 . 
         [0022]    First flex portion  104  extends from first rigid portion  102 . First flex portion  104  extends from the edge of the accessible surface of first rigid portion  102  rather than the edge of the sensor surface, where the edge of the accessible surface is not directly in line with the edge of the sensor surface but is instead located a lateral distance from the edge of the sensor surface of first rigid portion  102 . The extension of first flex portion  104  from first rigid portion  102  maintains an electrical interconnection between first rigid portion  102  and first flex portion  104 . The electrical interconnection between first rigid portion  102  and first flex portion  104  may be maintained without the use of a connector. As would be appreciated by one having skill in the relevant art(s) given the description herein, the electrical interconnection may also include electrical interconnections provided by connectors, electrically conductive epoxy, ball grid arrays, solder balls, and/or any other suitable functionality without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0023]    First rigid portion  102  and first flex portion  104  maintains the electrical interconnection provided by the single multilayer circuit board that produced both first rigid portion  102  and first flex portion  104  such that rigid flex circuit board  100  is a single board. First rigid portion  102  and first flex portion  104  may each be produced from a single multilayer circuit board. The multilayer circuit board may include two rigid printed circuit boards (PCBs) that act as external layers and an inner flexible layer between each of the external rigid layers. As a result, the external layers and inner flexible layer of the rigid PCBs are bonded together. Each layer of the multilayer circuit board may be electrically interconnected using vias. As would be appreciated by one having skill in the relevant art(s) given the description herein, multilayer circuit boards may include additional layers to the two external rigid layers and the inner flexible layer without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0024]    First rigid portion  102  is produced from the multilayer circuit board. Rigid portion  102  may include accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110 . Accessible surface  112  may include one external rigid layer of the multilayer circuit board, and sensor surface  110  may include another external rigid layer of the multilayer circuit board. Accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110  make first rigid portion  102  a rigid structure. First rigid portion  102  may include inner layers from the multilayer circuit board including the flexible layer. 
         [0025]    First flex portion  104  is produced from the same multilayer circuit board as first rigid portion  102 . First flex portion  104  may be produced by removing the external rigid layers from the multilayer circuit board, leaving the inner flexible layer as a flexible structure. First flex portion  104  and first rigid portion  102  maintain the same electrical interconnection that the original multilayer board included. In doing so, first flex portion  104  serves as an extension of first rigid portion  102  in the cross-section. 
         [0026]    Rather than first flex portion  104  protruding from an edge of first rigid portion  102 , first flex portion  104  protrudes from the surface of first rigid portion  102 . In an embodiment, accessible surface  112  is a different shape than sensor surface  110 , such that first flex portion  104  protrudes from the surface of first rigid portion  102  rather than the edge of first rigid portion  102 . The difference in shape between accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110  may create an asymmetrical region. The asymmetrical region may be defined as the additional region included in sensor surface  110  as compared to accessible surface  112  such that the surface area of accessible surface  112  differs from the surface area of sensor surface  110  by the surface area included in the asymmetrical region. The difference in shape between accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110  may also create a non-overlap region. The non-overlap region may be defined as the region included in sensor surface  110  that is not overlapped by accessible surface  112 . 
         [0027]    For example, accessible surface  112  may be cut shorter than sensor surface  110  at the boundary of first rigid portion  102  and first flex portion  104 . The difference in surface area between accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110  based on accessible surface  112  being cut shorter than sensor surface  110  is the asymmetrical region and/or non-overlap region. The lateral difference between the edges of accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110  determines the position on the surface of first rigid portion  102  from which first flex portion  104  protrudes. 
         [0028]    For example, the lateral distance between accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110  may be lateral distance X. When lateral distance X is equivalent to zero, accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110  are cut in the same size and shape at the boundary of first rigid portion  102  and first flex portion  104 . When lateral distance X is equivalent to zero, as in a conventional rigid flex circuit board, first flex portion  104  protrudes from the edge of first rigid portion  102  rather than from the accessible surface of first rigid portion  102 . 
         [0029]    When lateral distance X is equal to a value greater than zero, accessible surface  112  is cut shorter than sensor surface  110  at the boundary of first rigid portion  102  and first flex portion  104 , such that first flex portion  104  protrudes from the accessible surface of first rigid portion  102 . The location on the accessible surface from which first flex portion  104  protrudes is based on the boundary of accessible surface  112 . The greater the lateral distance X between accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110 , the farther along the accessible surface that first flex portion  104  protrudes from the accessible surface of first rigid portion  102 . The lesser the lateral distance X between accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110 , the closer to the edge of first rigid portion  102  that first flex portion  104  protrudes from. 
         [0030]    In an embodiment, first flex portion  104  may protrude vertically in a perpendicular manner from the accessible surface of first rigid portion  102 . The difference in lateral distance X between accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110  at the boundary of first rigid portion  102  and first flex portion  104  enables first flex portion  104  to bend so that first flex portion  104  bends in a perpendicular manner from the accessible surface of first rigid portion  102 . For example, first flex portion  104  may bend at a ninety degree angle at the boundary of accessible surface  112  and sensor surface  110  so that first flex portion  104  protrudes in a perpendicular manner from the accessible surface of first rigid portion  102 . First flex portion  104  may receive image data gathered by focal plane image sensor  414  and routed by first rigid portion  402  to first flex portion  404 . 
         [0031]    In an embodiment, first flex portion couples to a second rigid portion (not shown). The second rigid portion may be produced from the same multilayer circuit board as first rigid portion  102 . First flex portion  104  may protrude from an edge of the second rigid portion. As would be appreciated by one having skill in the relevant art(s) given the description herein, first flex portion  104  may instead protrude from a surface of the second rigid portion in a similar fashion as first flex portion  104  protruding from the surface of first rigid portion  102  discussed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The second rigid portion may receive image data gathered by focal plane image sensor  114  and routed by first rigid portion  102  to first flex portion  104  and then routed from first flex portion  104  to the second rigid portion. 
         [0032]    In an embodiment, a second flex portion (not shown) may be produced from the same multilayer circuit board as the second rigid portion, first flex portion  104 , and first rigid portion  102 . The formation of the second flex portion may be similar to that of first flex portion  104  and first rigid portion  102  discussed above. The second flex portion may receive image data gathered by focal plane image sensor  114  and routed by first rigid portion  102  to first flex portion  104 , and then to the second rigid portion and to the second flex portion. The second flex portion may route the image data to a signal magnification module, and/or an imaging module. 
         [0033]    As a result of the above, the surface area of sensor surface  110  to which focal plane image sensor  114  attaches to may be maximized. As noted above, the protrusion of first flex portion  104  from the accessible surface of first rigid portion  102  may be located based on lateral distance X. Based on lateral distance X, accessible surface  112  may have less surface area than sensor surface  114 . As a result, the overall space occupied by rigid flex circuit board  100  may be minimized, and multiple sensors may be spaced more closely together than if first flex portion  104  protruded from the edge. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  depicts an example rigid flex circuit board  200  with a first flex that protrudes vertically from a rigid base and a second flex that protrudes vertically from the same rigid base. Rigid flex circuit board  200  includes a first rigid portion  202 , a first flex portion  204 , a second flex portion  206 , a second rigid portion  208 , a third rigid portion  214 , a first connector  216 , a second connector  218 , a third flex portion  210 , and a focal plane sensor  220 . First rigid portion  202  includes accessible surface  212  and sensor surface  214 . 
         [0035]    In an embodiment, rigid flex circuit board  200  includes two flex portions connected to the rigid portion bearing the focal plane sensor rather than one. First flex portion  204  protrudes from a first edge of accessible surface  212  that is a lateral distance X from a first edge of sensor surface  210 . Second flex portion  206  protrudes from a second edge of accessible surface  212  that is a lateral distance Y from a second edge of sensor surface  210 . In an embodiment, first flex portion  204  and second flex portion  206  may couple to rigid portion  214  and rigid portion  208 . Connector  216  may be mounted on rigid portion  214 . Connector  218  may be mounted on rigid portion  208 . Rigid portion  214  may be coupled to rigid portion  208  via connector  216  and connector  218 . Rigid portion  208  may couple to a third flex portion  210 . In another embodiment, flex portion  204  may couple to connector  218  mounted to rigid portion  208  so that rigid portion  214  may be removed. The coupling of flex portion  204  to connector  218  may provide additional space so that additional rigid flex circuit boards may be packed tightly to rigid flex circuit board  200 . 
       Example Imaging System 
       [0036]      FIG. 3  depicts an example imaging system  300  in which embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may be implemented. For example, plurality of rigid flex circuit boards  304 . 1  through  304 .N may be implemented with rigid flex circuit board  100  to conserve space within imaging system  300 . Imaging system  300  includes a plurality of focal plane image sensors  302 . 1  through  302 .N, a plurality of rigid flex circuit boards  304 . 1  through  304 .N, a signal and image processing module  306 . Examples of imaging system  300  may include but are not limited to infrared (IR) imaging systems, digital imaging systems, medical imaging systems, thermal emission imaging systems (THEMIS), aerial imaging systems, satellite digital imaging systems (SDIS), and/or enhanced imaging systems. 
         [0037]    Generally, embodiments described herein use each rigid flex circuit board  304 . 1  through  304 .N, where N is an integer equal to or greater than one, to route signals coupled with imaging data. For example, each rigid flex circuit board  304 . 1  through  304 .N may route signals coupled with data from each respective focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N to signal and imaging processing module  306 . 
         [0038]    Each rigid flex circuit board  304 . 1  through  304 .N may be coupled to a respective focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N, where N is an integer equal to or greater than one. Each focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N may gather image data. In an embodiment, each focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N may include a device that converts an optical image into an electronic signal. In such an embodiment, each focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N may include an integrated circuit containing an array of pixel sensors. Each focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N converts image data  350 . 1  through  350 .N from an analog signal to a digital signal. 
         [0039]    Each rigid flex circuit board  304 . 1  through  304 .N routes image data  350 . 1  through  350 .N gathered by each focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N to signal and imaging processing module  306 . For example, rigid flex circuit board  304 . 1  routes image data  350 . 1  gathered by focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  to signal and imaging processing module  306 . Rigid flex circuit board  304 . 2  routes image data  350 . 2  gathered by focal plane image sensor  302 . 2  to signal and imaging processing module  306 . Rigid flex circuit board  304 .N routes image data  350 .N gathered by focal plane image sensor  302 .N to signal and imaging processing module  306 . 
         [0040]    As would be appreciated by one having skill in the relevant art(s) given the description herein, imaging system  300  may include any quantity of focal plane image plane sensors  302 . 1  through  302 .N and rigid flex circuit boards  304 . 1  through  304 .N without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
       Focal Plane Image Sensor/Rigid Flex Circuit Board Configuration 
       [0041]      FIG. 4  depicts an example focal plane image sensor/rigid flex circuit board configuration  400  in which embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may be implemented. Imaging systems, such as imaging system  300 , may include stringent space requirements for the necessary components of the imaging systems. Such stringent space requirements may require that focal plane image sensor/rigid flex circuit board configuration  400  be tightly packed together. The stringent space requirements may further require minimum spacing between each focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N. The stringent space requirements may also require minimum spacing between each rigid flex circuit board  304 . 1  through  304 .N. The stringent space requirements may provide a minimum surface area on each rigid flex circuit board  304 . 1  through  304 .N to position signal and power circuits. The signal and power circuits may be required to provide power to and obtain image data from each focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N. Focal plane image sensor/rigid flex circuit board configuration  400  includes focal plane image sensors  302 . 1  through  302 .N and rigid flex circuit boards  304 . 1  through  304 .N. 
         [0042]    For example, each focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N may be directly coupled to each respective rigid flex circuit board  304 . 1  through  304 .N. In such an example, focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  may be attached to rigid flex circuit board  304 . 1 , focal plane image sensor  302 . 2  may be attached to rigid flex circuit board  304 . 2 , and focal plane image sensor  302 .N may be attached to rigid flex circuit board  304 .N. 
         [0043]    Each focal plane image sensor attached to a respective rigid flex circuit board may be tightly packed next to a second focal plane image sensor attached to a second rigid flex circuit board so that minimal spacing exists between each. For example, focal plane image sensor  302 . 1 , attached to rigid flex circuit board  304 . 1 , may be tightly packed next to focal plane image sensor  302 . 2 , attached to rigid flex circuit board  304 . 2 , so that very little spacing exists between each. 
         [0044]    In another embodiment, each focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N may be very small in dimension. For example, each focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N may have dimensions of 10.5 millimeters by 10.5 millimeters. The spacing between each focal plane image sensor  302 . 1  through  302 .N may be 1 millimeter. Some spacing may exist between each rigid flex circuit board  304 . 1  through  304 .N to allow for further thermal expansion, vibration tolerances, etc. For example, a spacing of one-half of a millimeter may exist between each. 
       Conventional Rigid Flex Circuit Boards 
       [0045]      FIG. 5A  depicts a cross-sectional view of a conventional rigid flex circuit board. Conventional rigid flex circuit board  500  includes a combination of rigid circuit boards, such as first rigid portion  502  and second rigid portion  506 , and flexible circuits, such as flex portion  504 . Conventional rigid flex circuit board  500  also includes vias  508 . 1  and  508 . 2 . First rigid portion  502 , second rigid portion  506 , flex portion  504 , and vias  508 . 1  and  508 . 2  form a single, electrically interconnected structure. 
         [0046]    First rigid portion  502  and second rigid portion  506  are each produced from a multilayer circuit board. The multilayer circuit board includes two printed circuit boards (PCBs) that act as external layers, making first rigid portion  502  and second rigid portion  506  rigid. The multilayer circuit board also includes an inner flexible layer between each of the external rigid layers. 
         [0047]    Flex portion  504  is produced from the same multilayer circuit board as both first rigid portion  502  and second rigid portion  506 . Flex portion  504  is produced by removing the external rigid layers from a portion of the multilayer circuit board, leaving the inner flexible layer to make flex portion  504  a flexible structure. 
         [0048]    Flex portion  504  is the portion of the multilayer circuit board with the external rigid layers removed so that the original electrical interconnection of the multilayer circuit board is maintained between first rigid portion  502 , flex portion  504 , and second rigid portion  506 . In maintaining the original electrical interconnection of the multilayer circuit board, flex portion  504  protrudes from the edge of first rigid portion  502  and second rigid portion  506 . The original electrical interconnection of the multilayer circuit board is maintained by vias  508 . 1  and  508 . 2  which provide electrical connection between the outer rigid layers and inner flex layers. 
         [0049]    The protrusion of flex portion  504  from the edge of first rigid portion  502  and second rigid portion  506  hinders systems that require stringent space requirements. When flex portion  504  is bent, flex portion  504  pushes against a neighboring rigid flex circuit board. Therefore, even a bent flex portion  504  occupies some space to the edge of first rigid portion  502 . Systems that require stringent space requirements may be hindered from allowing that space to be occupied by other devices, such as a second rigid flex circuit board. The protrusion of flex portion  504  from the edge of first rigid portion  502  may also hinder access to flex portion  504  in a system with stringent space requirements, where the only access to flex portion  504  is from above rigid flex circuit board  500 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 5B  depicts a conventional assembly of two rigid boards, a flexible circuit, and two connectors, where the flex portion is connected to the surfaces of a first rigid portion and a second rigid portion via connectors. Conventional rigid board flexible circuit assembly  550  includes a first rigid portion  552 , a first connector  554 , a flex portion  556 , a second connector  558 , and a second rigid portion  560 . 
         [0051]    Rather than having the flex portion protrude from the edge of the rigid portion, conventional rigid board flexible circuit assembly  550  includes flex portion  556  protruding from the top surface of each of first rigid portion  552  and second rigid portion  560 , rather than the edge of each. Flex portion  556  connects vertically to the top surface of first rigid portion  552  via first connector  554 . Flex portion  556  connects to second rigid portion  560  via second connector  558 . 
         [0052]    The protrusion of flex portion  556  from the top surface of first rigid portion  552  and second rigid portion  560  occupies less planar surface area than if flex portion  556  protruded from the edge of first rigid portion  552 . The protrusion of flex portion  556  from the top surface also provides easier access to flex portion  556  in a tight space than if flex portion  556  protruded from the edge of first rigid portion  552 . 
       Rigid Flex Circuit Board Configuration 
       [0053]      FIG. 6  depicts an example rigid flex circuit board configuration  600  in which embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may be implemented. Rigid flex circuit board configuration  600  includes a first rigid flex circuit board  612  and a second rigid flex circuit board  624 . First rigid flex circuit board  612  includes a first rigid portion  602 , and a first flex portion  604 . Second rigid flex circuit board  624  includes a first rigid portion  614 , and a first flex portion  616 . 
         [0054]    As noted above, rigid flex circuit board configuration  600  may have stringent space requirements. Such stringent space requirements may require that each rigid flex circuit board included in rigid flex circuit board configuration  600 , along with its attached image sensor, be tightly packed together. In an embodiment, first rigid flex circuit board  610  may fit together with second rigid flex circuit board  620  forming rigid flex circuit board configuration  600 . 
         [0055]    For example, first rigid flex circuit board  610  may be placed next to second rigid flex circuit board  620 . The lateral distance X may enable first flex portion  614  to protrude upward from first rigid flex circuit board  610  rather than from an edge of first rigid flex circuit board  610 . The lateral distance X may enable second rigid flex circuit board  620  to be placed closer to first rigid flex circuit board  610  than when the lateral distance X is equal to zero, forcing first flex portion  614  to protrude from the edge of first rigid flex circuit board  610 . The space occupied by first flex portion  614  when the lateral distance X is zero may prohibit second rigid flex circuit board  620  from being placed as close to first rigid flex circuit board  610  compared to when first flex portion  614  protrudes upward. As would be appreciated by one having skill in the relevant art(s) given the description herein, rigid flex circuit board configuration  600  may include any quantity of rigid flex circuit boards without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0056]      FIG. 7  depicts an example rigid flex circuit board  700  that provides a grip area  702  on rigid flex circuit board  700 . Grip area  702  may enable rigid flex circuit board  700  to be gripped and removed from a rigid flex circuit board configuration, such as rigid flex circuit board configuration  600 , without disturbing another rigid flex circuit board that may be tightly packed adjacent to rigid flex circuit board  700 . For example, rigid flex circuit board  700  may be adjacent to a second rigid flex circuit board. Grip area  702  may enable the first rigid flex circuit board to be removed without disturbing the second rigid flex circuit board. 
         [0057]      FIG. 8  depicts an example rigid flex circuit board assembly  800 , according to an embodiment. Rather than the first flex portion protruding from the accessible surface of the first rigid portion, the first flex portion protrudes from the edge of the first rigid portion and passes through a slot in the second rigid flex circuit board. First rigid flex circuit board  812  includes a first rigid portion  802 , a first flex portion  804 , and a notch  808 . Second rigid flex circuit board  822  includes a first rigid portion  814 , a second flex portion  816  and a notch  820 . 
         [0058]    In an embodiment, first flex portion  804  protrudes from the edge of first rigid portion  802  rather than from the accessible surface of first rigid portion  802 . First flex portion  804  routes through notch  820  located in first rigid portion  814  of second rigid flex circuit board  822 . First flex portion  804  protrudes from the accessible surface of first rigid portion  814  of second rigid flex circuit board  822 . 
         [0059]    First flex portion  816  of second rigid flex circuit board  822  protrudes from the edge of first rigid portion  814  of second rigid flex circuit board  822 . First flex portion  816  may route through a notch located in a first rigid portion of a third rigid flex circuit board (not shown) in a similar manner as described above. First flex portion  816  may protrude from the accessible surface of the third rigid flex circuit board. As would be appreciated by one having skill in the relevant art(s) given the description herein, rigid flex circuit board assembly  800  may include any quantity of rigid flex circuit boards without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In an embodiment, the parallel fashion of first flex portion  804  and first flex portion  816  may enable each flex portion to be accessible from the top of rigid flex circuit board assembly  800 . In such an embodiment, the end of first flex portion  804  and first flex portion  816  nearest to the rigid flex circuit board is the proximal end and the end of first flex portion  804  and first flex portion  816  extending away from the circuit board is distal end. 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0060]    The Brief Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all example embodiments and thus are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims in any way. 
         [0061]    Embodiments have been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries may be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. 
         [0062]    The foregoing description of specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the disclosure that others may, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. 
         [0063]    The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.