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Flat Flex Cables

Flat Flex Cables (FFC) are used in a number of applications, such as connecting peripheral devices, robotics and medical devices, as well as the increasingly popular consumer electronic assemblies. These flat cables, sometimes referred to as ribbon cables, are designed to be thin, lightweight and put up with significant amounts of flexing and bendy.

FFC cable typically consists of two-sided ribbon cable with conductive contacts on each side. On each side of the ribbon cable, the contacts are usually spaced at regular 0.05inch intervals. The contacts can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminium, copper, nickel or gold.

To produce a FFC cable, the conductive contacts are applied to the ribbon cable using a high-speed automated process. The contacts are then housed in a flexible plastic cover, and the edges of the cover are welded together. The FFC cable is then sent for testing and if approved can be used in products.

Ribbon Jumper Connectors

Ribbon Jumper Connectors (RJC) are similar to FFC cables, in that they are also made with flexible plastic housings around conductive contacts on either side. However, whereas FFC cables feature a continuous flow of conductors between the contacts down the length of the cable, RJC cables feature just a single conductor. This conductor is usually made from copper or copper alloy.

RJC cables are designed to provide a highly reliable electrical connection, while keeping their fLEXibility and resistance to vibration, shock and corrosive environments. The contacts are usually designed in a ‘zero-insertion-force’ configuration. This allows the contacts to be placed firmly in a socket with minimal effort. The contacts can be made with a variety of materials, such as gold, silver, copper or nickel.

RJC cables are commonly used in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, as their robust design ensures reliable connections for years to come. In addition, they are a cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized applications.

Working Princple

The working principle for both FFC cables and RJC cables is very similar. In essence, the contacts on either side of the cable are designed to make contact when placed in a square or rectangular channel. This channel houses two contacts which make contact with the connectors on either side of the cable. The contacts form an electrical connection between the two points, providing power or data to the device in which the cable is connected.

FFC cables and RJC cables are both designed to withstand wide temperature ranges and are both resistant to corrosion and vibration. This makes them both ideal for any application requiring reliable electrical connections.