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Flat flexible cables (FFC), also known as flex, flexi, flex ribbon, ribbon jumpers, flex cable, flexi-flat, flat flex and thin-film cables, are a type of electrical cable used to interconnect smaller electronic components on a printed circuit board (PCB), as well as for connecting flexible substrates to each other or to a rigid printed board. FFCs are manufactured by sandwiching a thin layer of insulation between two layers of conductors, but may also be created with a combination of insulation and dielectric thicknesses. The metal conductors may be copper or aluminum and are often plated with an anti-corrosion material.

The FFC\'s flat shape and flexibility provide great versatility for the varied electronic connections found in consumer electronics, automotive, industrial and medical applications. They can be used to interconnect components on different PCBs, and can also be connected to grids of flexible circuits. These cables are especially useful when space is at a premium, as well as in applications where mechanical flexibility is needed.

Flexible cables are most commonly around 0.5 to 1.2 mm thick (sometimes thicker or thinner depending on the type of application) and up to 20 meters in length. The conductor layer can range from a single layer to multiple layer ribbon with thicknesses between 0.01 to 0.3 mm depending on the specific application. FFCs refer to the flat type, whereas FPCs (“flexible printed conductors”) can be tailored to fit specialty applications.

FFCs and FPCs provide good electrical contact as well as excellent electrical insulation, mechanical flexibility and relatively low costs. They are used in a wide variety of applications, such as in medical, automotive and consumer electronics, including TVs, computers, phones, tablets and cameras. FFCs are also widely used in military and aerospace applications.

FFCs and FPCs are relatively easy to install and require minimal additional components or accessories for the connection. They are typically connected to other components or substrates using zero insertion force (ZIF) connectors. ZIF connectors require only low insertion forces to mate, making them ideal for automated assembly processes where very small components must be interconnected.

FFCs and FPCs provide good electrical connection even when flexing or bending, a feature that makes them especially useful for applications where components or cables must be constantly moved or bent in order to accommodate the movement of other components. The flexible nature of the cables also makes them well-suited for applications that require flexibility in tight areas, such as drones or robotics.

FFCs and FPCs offer numerous advantages over more conventional wired connections, such as improved fatigue resistance due to their flexibility, reduction in size and weight compared to traditional wires, and improved signal integrity and electrical noise reduction. These features make them well-suited for use in challenging environments such as vibration, shock, and extreme temperature ranges.

FFCs and FPCs are an essential component in many industries due to their versatility and favorable characteristics. They are used in an ever-expanding range of applications, from consumer electronics and mobile devices to medical, industrial, automotive, and military applications.