Flat Flex, Ribbon Jumper Cables

Application Field and Working Principle

Flat flex cables, or ribbon jumper cables, are used in a variety of applications including analog and digital signal transfer, data and power transmission, and for connecting electrical devices. The cables are composed of multiple flat wires, made of various metals, arranged in a flat ribbon formation. Typical materials used in the construction of flat cable assemblies include copper, bronze, brass, and silver.

Typically, the flat flex cables have no insulation, and the exposed conductors are easy to terminate. The flat cables are inserted into an insulator, which may consist of a flexible plastic sheet or sleeve, commonly referred to as “shrink tubing”. The insulator provides protection against electric shock and aids in avoiding shorts or ground loops.

The flat cables are used to provide electrical continuity between components in industrial, consumer, and commercial applications. They are commonly used in the manufacture of cable harnesses. Flat flex cable assemblies help reduce the amount of space required to complete a wiring harness and increase the flexibility and durability of the harness.

Flat flex cables are designed to be longer-lasting than standard round cables of the same type. The flexibility of the flat cable allows it to move freely, which reduces the risk of breakage due to twisting and stress. The flat conductor surface of the cable also helps reduce abrasion and wear when being used in applications such as robotics and automation.

Flat flex cables also have distinct advantages over round cables in terms of noise reduction and signal integrity. The flat profile of the cables reduces the risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI) interference, which can result in poor data or signal transmission. The flat flex cables also produce less noise than standard cables, which is beneficial in applications involving sensitive electronics.

Flat flex cables are also used for connecting electrical devices where standard round cables are not suitable. The flat cable profile allows them to fit through tight spaces and allows them to be bent and routed in ways that round cables are not able to.

Flat flex cables are now widely used for applications ranging from computer networks to medical equipment, and automotive electrical systems. The combination of their flexibility, durability, signal integrity and noise reduction make them an ideal choice for a wide variety of applications.