What is Flat Flexible Cable (FFC)?

It's a low cost, high reliability, easy to use, PCB interconnect system. The length, number of ways, pitch and type of termination is customer specified to suit their application. Produced on high tech machines which laminate flat tin plated copper conductors between polyester based insulating films, each 100% tested. It's a completely finished product supplied ready to fit.

What are the principle advantages of FFC?

Low cost, high packaging density, excellent flex life, low profile easy installation and light weight.

What are the lead times and MOQ's?

Although it's a custom made product, lead times can be as short as three weeks from order, and depending on the type of FFC, the MOQ would rarely exceed 5,000 pieces.

How is FFC terminated?

Either with connectors or soldered directly to the PCB. FFC's are supplied from the factory ready to fit. The ends are stripped for direct soldering to a PCB or stiffened with backing tape (supporting tape) to allow insertion into a connector. You choose which type to suit your application. Either both ends are prepared for connectors or soldering, alternatively, one end for soldering and the other to mate with connectors (YS type-"B").

What types of connectors are available?

ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) or LIF (Low Insertion Force) connectors are most commonly used as they have a low unit cost and are simple to use. Crimp contacts are also available. ZIF and LIF connectors are available in horizontal, vertical mount, through hole and surface mount formats (SMD). LIF connectots are lower cost and smaller in size than ZIF connectors, which have a greater number of mating cycles.

What pitches and number of connectors are available?

FFC is available in pitches of 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.25mm, 1.27mm, 2.0mm and 2.54mm. The number of conductors are available from 2 to 100 depending on the pitch. These options make FFC particularly suitable for high density applications where space saving is crucial.

Does FFC come in a standard number of ways, pitches and lengths?

No, as each application is different, and lead times are only a couple of weeks, FFC is manufactured to customer specification (this does not necessarily mean high MOQ or pricing!).

Can I use FFC in place of ribbon cable?

Yes, in many applications it can save cost, space and weight. It is not suitable for daisy chain applications.

Just how flexible is FFC?

There are three types of FFC available. The standard series is specified at 100,000 flexes, the Super series at 3,000,000 and the ultra series at 6,000,000 flexes.

What about specification and UL approval?

Yes, FFC is approved to UL2896, UL20624 and UL VW-1 (flammability). Voltage is rated up to 60Vdc and the operating temperature range is -20º to +80ºC.

Is FFC available coloured?

FFC is available in either all white or all black.

Is FFC available shielded?

Yes, an EMI shield can be added during production and grounded to a customer specified pin. There are several kinds of shielding materials available like aluminium foil with insulating film, conductive cloth or silver paint which can be applied with silk screening process.

Can FFC be folded and formed as required?

Yes, FFC can be supplied folded as part of the manufacturing process to give any form required. Alternatively, it can be folded by the customer to fit their application.

What are the main applications for FFC?

Typical applications for FFC include VCR's, CD players, DC ROM drives, printers, scanners, audio, car audio, telecom, computer, LCD displays, TV's and monitors, facsimile and copying machines, satellite decoders and set top boxes.

Can I have a sample?

Yes, samples, data, technical support, and pricing are all readily available from Imperial Connector Systems. Please contact us on + (44) 1707 321122 or e-mail us at flat-flex-cable-samples@imperial-connect.com