Flat Flex Cables (FFC, FPC)

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PSR1635-15

PSR1635-15

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FFC 15COND 0.100" 500'

0

PSR1636-17

PSR1636-17

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FLAT FLEX 17COND 0.050"

2

PSR1636-04

PSR1636-04

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FLAT FLEX 4COND 0.050"

0

PSR1635-09

PSR1635-09

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FFC 9COND 0.100" 500'

0

PSR1636-07

PSR1636-07

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FLAT FLEX 7COND 0.050"

0

PSR1635-14-300

PSR1635-14-300

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FFC 14COND 0.100" 300'

6

PSR1635-20

PSR1635-20

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FFC 20COND 0.100" 500'

3

PSR1635-02

PSR1635-02

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FFC 2COND 0.100" 500'

21

PSR1635-14

PSR1635-14

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FFC 14COND 0.100" 500'

13

PSR1635-18

PSR1635-18

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FFC 18COND 0.100" 500'

4

PSR1635-10

PSR1635-10

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FFC 10COND 0.100" 500'

3

PSR1636-10

PSR1636-10

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FLAT FLEX 10COND 0.050"

26

PSR1635-12

PSR1635-12

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FFC 12COND 0.100" 500'

121

PSR1635-04

PSR1635-04

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FFC 4COND 0.100" 500'

5

PSR1636-25

PSR1636-25

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FLAT FLEX 25COND 0.050"

2

PSR1636-22

PSR1636-22

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FLAT FLEX 22COND 0.050"

11

PSR1636-12

PSR1636-12

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FLAT FLEX 12COND 0.050"

17

PSR1635-03

PSR1635-03

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FFC 3COND 0.100" 500'

12

PSR1635-08

PSR1635-08

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FFC 8COND 0.100" 500'

15

PSR1636-08

PSR1636-08

Parlex Corp.

CABLE FLAT FLEX 8COND 0.050"

3

Flat Flex Cables (FFC, FPC)

1. Overview

Flat Flex Cables (FFC) and Flexible Printed Circuits (FPC) are thin, lightweight wiring solutions used for high-density interconnects in compact electronic devices. FFCs are typically made of flat copper conductors bonded to insulating films, while FPCs are printed circuits on flexible substrates. They enable reliable signal/power transmission in constrained spaces, playing a critical role in modern electronics such as smartphones, wearables, and automotive systems.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
FFC - Single-SidedConductors on one side, cost-effective, bendableLaptop hinges, printers
FFC - Double-SidedConductors on both sides, higher densityMedical imaging devices
FPC - Single-LayerSingle conductive layer, lightweightSmartphones, sensors
FPC - Multi-LayerMultiple layers with vias, complex routingHigh-end servers, aerospace systems
FFC/FPC HybridCombines rigid and flexible sectionsIndustrial robots, automotive ECUs

3. Structure and Composition

A typical FFC/FPC consists of:
- Conductive Layer: Annealed copper (0.035-0.1mm thickness) for FFC; copper-clad laminates for FPC
- Dielectric Substrate: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI) films (0.05-0.2mm)
- Adhesive Layer: Acrylic or epoxy-based materials for bonding layers
- Surface Finish: Gold, tin, or nickel plating for corrosion resistance
- Reinforcement: Stiffeners (polyester, steel) for connector zones

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterImportance
Conductor Width/SpacingDetermines current capacity and signal integrity (Typ: 0.1-2.0mm)
Insulation ResistanceMust exceed 100M to prevent leakage (Test Voltage: 500V DC)
Flex LifeRated for 10,000+ bending cycles (ASTM B543 compliance)
Temperature RangeOperating: -40 C to +125 C; Storage: -55 C to +150 C
Impedance ControlControlled to 50-100 for high-speed signals (USB 3.0, HDMI)

5. Application Fields

Consumer Electronics: Foldable smartphones, tablets, wearable fitness trackers
Automotive: Dashboard clusters, ADAS sensors, infotainment systems
Medical: MRI machines, endoscopes, patient monitors
Industrial: CNC machines, drones, automation robots
Aerospace: Avionics, satellite systems, flight control units

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative Product
MolexMicroSlim FFC (0.2mm pitch, 30-position)
TE ConnectivityFPC-Link II (High-speed automotive camera links)
Hirose ElectricFH35 Series (0.4mm pitch ZIF connectors)
JAE ElectronicsDF11 Series (FPC-to-board connectors)
3MFlexible Circuit Materials (Adhesives & Coverlays)

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:
1. Application Type: Choose FPC for complex routing, FFC for low-cost solutions
2. Environmental Stress: Select PI substrates for high temperatures (>100 C)
3. Signal Requirements: Use impedance-controlled designs for >1Gbps signals
4. Space Constraints: Opt for ultra-thin ( 0.2mm) cables for foldable devices
5. Production Volume: FPC requires higher NRE but lower unit cost at scale

8. Industry Trends

- Miniaturization: 0.1mm pitch connectors entering mass production (2023 market growth: 12% YoY)
- High-Speed Capabilities: Development of 10Gbps+ FPCs for 5G infrastructure
- Material Innovation: Graphene-enhanced conductors for improved thermal dissipation
- Integration: Embedded passive components in FPCs reducing system complexity
- Sustainability: Halogen-free materials and recyclable substrates (EU RoHS compliance)

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