Understanding Connectors: FFC/FPC Connectors

What are FFC/FPC Connectors?

FFC connectors are widely used to connect flat flexible ribbon cables (FFC) to PCBs in wire-to-board applications, and can also be configured for wire-to-wire setups. These connectors feature high density and ultra-compact profiles, making them ideal for confined spaces. Common applications include consumer electronics such as laptops, cameras, computer peripherals, home appliances, and mobile devices.
Housings for single or dual-row connectors are typically made of flexible plastics, polymers, engineered rubber, or films, encasing embedded metal terminals. Multiple locking mechanisms are available.

FPC Connector Structure and Usage

FPC connectors are designed with one end soldered to a PCB (typically via SMT) and the other end mated with an FPC cable. A locking mechanism ensures secure contact between the FPC and connector, requiring precise alignment between plastic housing, terminals, and locking components.

To meet SMT process requirements, terminal solder areas must maintain strict flatness and coplanarity, with an industry-standard coplanarity of ≤0.10mm. Deviation may cause soldering defects and operational failures.

A key reason designers choose FFC/FPC connectors is their superior flexibility with ribbon cables compared to rigid circuit boards.

Design Specifications

FFC/FPC connectors offer pin/socket, card-edge, and solder-tab contact configurations in single or dual-row housings.
Variants support mixed FFC/round wire contacts with pitches ranging from 0.03mm to 2.54mm, though 0.50mm, 1.00mm, and 1.25mm are most common. While possible, varying conductor pitches within a single FFC cable are rare.
EMC-shielded versions are available to mitigate interference.
Locking options include latches, lock-pins, and retention tabs.
PCB termination methods: surface-mount (SMT) or through-hole.

Applications of FFC/FPC Connectors

These connectors serve diverse industries: consumer electronics, industrial controls, displays, printers, automotive systems, test/measurement equipment, appliances, and medical devices.