Indicia-reading module with an integrated flexible circuit

An indicia-reading module integrated within a host mobile computing device (MCD), comprising:

• an imaging subassembly configured to capture a digital image of a target, the imaging subassembly supported and connected by a first rigid, multilayer printed-circuit-board (PCB) and positioned within a module housing;
• an aiming subassembly configured to project a visible aligning pattern on the target to facilitate the alignment of the target's image, the aiming subassembly supported and connected by a second rigid, multilayer printed-circuit-board (PCB) and positioned within the module housing;
• an illuminating subassembly configured to project light onto a target to brighten the target's image, the illuminating subassembly supported and connected by a third rigid, multilayer printed-circuit-board (PCB) and positioned within the module housing;
• an interface comprising circuitry and components configured to provide communication between the indicia-reading module and the host mobile computing device, the interface connected by a fourth rigid, multilayer printed-circuit-board (PCB) and positioned outside the module housing;
• and
• a flex-circuit including conductive traces on a flexible substrate, wherein (i) the flex-circuit is electrically connected to and physically integrated between two inner layers of the imaging subassembly, the aiming subassembly, the illuminating subassembly, and the interface, respectively, and (ii) the flex-circuit is folded to facilitate the positioning of the imaging subassembly, the aiming subassembly, and the illuminating subassembly within the module housing.