Meet Flexduino, a DIY Arduino replica that bends and flexes

If you’re interested in small single-board computers (SBCs) like the Raspberry Pi and Arduino but want something more flexible, you might want to explore the “Flexduino,” a custom Arduino PCB created by maker and developer Rajesh K T from Edison Science Corner.

Rajesh has a history of creating his own custom PCBs, often inspired by the Arduino platform. For his latest project, he decided to take things a step further by designing an Arduino-compatible board that isn’t just compact but also flexible. The Flexduino leverages flexible PCB manufacturing options offered by companies like PCBWay, which use flexible layers in the construction process.

Key Features of the Flexduino:

• Flexible PCB Design: Unlike traditional rigid PCBs, the Flexduino is built on a flexible substrate, allowing it to bend and flex. This gives it unique applications where space constraints and flexibility are essential, such as in wearable electronics or projects where a standard rigid board might be too cumbersome.
• Surface-Mounted Components and GPIO: The board includes the typical Arduino components, such as surface-mounted LEDs, GPIO pins, and other essential circuitry. However, it does omit the ground plane, which would hinder flexibility—a smart trade-off given the unique requirements of a flexible PCB.
• Thin Form Factor: The Flexduino is only 1mm thick, making it exceptionally easy to bend. This ultra-thin profile is a distinct departure from the typical 1.6mm thickness of standard Arduinos.
• Distinct Appearance: Instead of the classic dark blue color seen on traditional Arduino boards, the Flexduino sports a yellowish amber color, which is common for flexible PCBs. Rajesh even added a custom “Flexduino” logo to the design, giving it a personalized touch.

Creation Process:

Rajesh’s YouTube channel, Edison Science Corner, provides a detailed video walkthrough of the Flexduino’s creation process. In the video, Rajesh explains the various design challenges he faced and the shortcuts he took to bring the project to life. For example, certain design choices had to be made to ensure the board’s flexibility, such as excluding the ground plane.

While the project isn’t open source yet, Rajesh does share detailed screenshots of the Gerber file data and explains the PCB manufacturing process. This makes it a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about designing flexible PCBs.

What’s Next?

As of now, the Flexduino hasn’t been made open source, so the community hasn’t had the opportunity to explore the design files. However, if you’re interested in seeing it in action or learning more about flexible PCB designs, you can watch Rajesh’s video on the Edison Science Corner YouTube channel. Following his channel will also keep you updated on any future developments and other innovative microelectronics projects he undertakes.

The Flexduino represents a creative leap in Arduino-compatible board design, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with flexible electronics. Whether for wearables, robotics, or other compact projects, this kind of innovation could inspire a new wave of flexible, DIY electronics.

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