Please, Fold the Line: Designing Flexible Electronics Using Open-Source Software

Predicting the properties of flexible printed circuits (FPCs) before production is a significant challenge in their development. Traditional design flows model FPCs in a flat state, yet simulations of the actual bent shape of the circuits are more effective in forecasting their behavior in real-world applications. Currently, only proprietary tools are available for simulating these 3D geometries, with no open-source alternatives. This paper introduces a novel open-source software tool that bridges this gap by transforming two-dimensional layout data from KiCad files into three-dimensional bent geometries. This transformation is achieved through segmentation and meshing techniques, enabling accurate verification of circuit parameters via simulation. The software facilitates these simulations by generating the necessary input files, thus supporting a comprehensive open-source design and verification workflow. This work not only enhances the accessibility of FPC design and simulation but also underscores the broader applicability of open-source solutions for printed circuit board design.