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Flat flexible cables (FFC) and flat printed circuit cables (FPC) connectors are a result of the evolution of board-to-board connectors, board-to-cable connectors, flat ribbon cables and cable assemblies. The FFC/FPC connector is different from conventional connectors because the contact points are exposed on the surface of a flexible, flat cable rather than a rigid housing or socket. They are much smaller in size than traditional connectors because they take advantage of the small size and reduced spacing between contacts of the flat cable.

FFC/FPC connectors are used in a variety of electronic applications such as cell phones, computers, automotive, consumer electronics, audio/video, medical and instrumentation systems. In some cases, FFC/FPC connectors are used for added convenience and flexibility for exposed surfaces, like on a cell phone or in a consumer product. FFC/FPC connectors have become increasingly popular in automotive applications due to their reliability and compact size.

The FFC/FPC connector is made up of a flat flexible cable (or flexible printed circuit cable) with two perpendicular rows of metal contacts, usually on a 0.5mm pitch, on both ends and a connector body with a housing and a latching system. The FFC/FPC connectors have a locking mechanism that secures the cable into the connector body and provides an electrical connection to the cable contacts. FFC/FPC cables come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different connection types and different numbers of contacts.

FFC/FPC connectors offer several advantages over traditional connectors. They provide a reliable connection at a fraction of the cost of a more traditional connector. They are also easier to terminate than traditional connectors because no soldering is required. The exposed contacts also make the connector easier to maintain and repair. Finally, because the cables are flexible they can be routed in tight spaces and in areas inaccessible to a traditional connector.

When it comes to applications, FFC/FPC connectors are used in a wide variety of electronic systems. In some cases, they are used as the main connector for the system, but they can also be used as an auxiliary connector. In digital signal processing they are used to connect different modules or sections of a circuit. In switched mode power supplies, FFC/FPC connectors are used to send power and control signals from the input to the output. In automotive applications, FFC/FPC connectors are used for light control, entertainment systems, and monitoring systems. Because of their small size and flexible design they can be used to create custom harnesses that are easy to install and route. In medical and instrumentation applications, FFC/FPC connectors are used for control and transmission of data. The small size and flexibility of the FFC/FPC connectors allow them to be used in portable equipment and monitors. Finally, in consumer electronics FFC/FPC connectors are used to interconnect multimedia components, such as DVD players and TVs.

FFC/FPC connectors offer a cost-effective, reliable, and flexible means of connecting electronic components. They provided a reliable connection at a fraction of the cost of traditional connectors. Their exposed contacts make them easy to maintain and repair and they can be used in applications where traditional connectors would not fit due to size or routing constraints. As the demand for smaller, more efficient connectors continues to grow, the use of FFC/FPC connectors will continue to grow.