0528072810

FFC/FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors

FFC/FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors has been widely applied in various fields for its advantages in compactness, flexibility, and cost. It is increasingly used in the fields of consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunication, medical equipment, and computers.

Working Principle

FFC/FPC connectors are typically composed of a flat flexible cable assembly with a connector on either end. The cable assembly is constructed of thin filamentary conductors, imbedded in layers of plastic films. The connector housing has a slot with retainers to guide the cable. The connector contact devices are made of stamped metal for reliable contact performance.

FFC/FPC connectors make electrical connections by inserting the thin insulated conductors into contact devices on the connector housing. The "flat" form of the cable combined with its flexibility provides a wider variety of mounted configurations compared to wire-to-board connectors. This is an important consideration in applications where space is at a premium.

The contact devices on either end of the FFC cable also fit into a mating connector receptacle. Once the FFC cable is inserted into the receptacle it is locked in place. This usually requires that a latching mechanism be used which also provides strain relief and some protection from the environment.

Application Field

The use of FFC/FPC connectors is rapidly growing in a wide range of applications. These include consumer electronics, personal computers, telecommunications, automotive, medical equipment, office automation, and instrumentation.

FFC/FPC connectors are mainly used in portable electronic devices such as notebook computers, digital cameras, mobile phones, and game consoles. Wire harness connections for these types of devices often require considerable flexibility and miniaturization. FFC/FPC connectors can meet these requirements in a cost-effective manner.

In automobiles, FFC/FPC connectors are used to connect various electronic control systems. They are also used in the dashboard, instrument panel, door locks, and climate control units. In telecommunications, FFC/FPC connectors are used in telephone and mobile equipment for both wire harness connections and circuit board connections. In medical equipment they are used in medical instruments, monitors, and other equipment.

FFC/FPC connectors are also used in office automation equipment such as faxes, copiers, and printers. They are also used in instruments, vending machines, kiosks, and other industrial applications.

Summary

FFC/FPC connectors are increasingly used in the fields of consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunication, medical equipment, and computers. They offer a number of advantages, such as compactness, flexibility, and cost. The contact devices are made of stamped metal for reliable contact performance and the connectors are often held in place by a latching mechanism that provides strain relief and some protection from the environment.

Due to its many advantages over other types of connectors, the use of FFC/FPC connectors is rapidly growing in a wide range of applications. These include consumer electronics, personal computers, telecommunications, automotive, medical equipment, office automation, and instrumentation.

This article is based on: 0528072810 application field and working principle