FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0527451833 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC TOP 18POS 0.50MM R/A	1152
F52L-1A7A1-11013 Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	FLEX CONNECTOR, 1.00MM PITCH, HE	1000
SLW16S-1C7LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC FPC VERT 16POS 1MM PCB	2598
6-520315-6 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FFC VERT 16POS 2.54MM PCB	1987
FH12-36S-0.5SH(55) Hirose	CONN FFC BOTTOM 36POS 0.50MM R/A	4485
FH48-21S-0.5SV Hirose	CONN FFC VERT 21POS 0.50MM SMD	0
0528081670 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FPC VERT 16POS 1.00MM SMD	6196
686116188622 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-FPC_1.00 MM SMT HORIZONTAL LI	2758
046232103015800 KYOCERA Corporation	CONN FFC FPC VERT 3POS 1MM SMD	0
0522070633 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC FPC TOP 6POS 1.00MM R/A	2147483647
TF38-30S-0.5SV(830) Hirose	CONN FFC 30POS 0.50MM SMD	1140
05FMN-BMTTN-A-TF(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC VERT 5POS 1.00MM SMD	728
0522072260 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC FPC TOP 22POS 1MM R/A	2600
0520450845 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC VERT 8POS 1.25MM PCB	1153
28FLZ-RSM2-TB(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC BOTTOM 28POS 0.50MM R/A	2068
F52Q-1A7H1-11012 Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	FLEX CONNECTOR, 1.00MM PITCH, HE	1682
5034800400 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC FPC 4POS 0.50MM R/A	47810
2533-08TRU Oupiin	FFC/FPC CONNECTOR, 8 PIN, TIN PL	941
FH26W-19S-0.3SHW(60) Hirose	CONN FFC FPC 0.3MM SMD	3031
687128182122 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC FPC 28POS 0.5MM R/A	0

FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors

1. Overview

Flat Flexible Connectors (FFC/FPC) are compact, lightweight solutions for connecting electronic circuits. FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) refers to pre-formed ribbon cables with conductive traces, while FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) are custom-designed circuits on flexible substrates. These connectors enable high-density interconnections in space-constrained applications, playing critical roles in modern electronics for their bendability, vibration resistance, and miniaturization capabilities.

2. Major Types & Function Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
ZIF (Zero Insertion Force)	Self-aligning contacts with minimal mating force	Smartphone displays, medical imaging devices
LIF (Low Insertion Force)	Economical solution with moderate insertion force	Consumer electronics, industrial sensors
Wrap-style FPC	360 bending capability with exposed contacts	Automotive infotainment systems
Stiffener-reinforced FFC	Localized rigidity for component mounting	Aerospace control panels

3. Structure & Composition

Typical construction includes:

Conductor Layer: Annealed copper (0.035-0.1mm thickness) with nickel/gold plating
Dielectric Layer: Polyimide film (0.05-0.25mm) or PVC insulation
Contact Interface: Phosphor bronze or beryllium copper terminals
Reinforcement: Steel/aluminum stiffeners in specific zones

Termination methods include press-fit, soldering, and anisotropic conductive film (ACF) bonding.

4. Key Technical Parameters

Parameter	Importance	Typical Range
Contact Resistance	Signal integrity maintenance	10-50m
Current Rating	Power transmission capability	0.5-3A per pin
Operating Temperature	Environmental reliability	-40 C to +105 C
Flex Life	Durability in dynamic applications	10,000-200,000 cycles
Pitch Size	Miniaturization factor	0.3mm-1.27mm

5. Application Fields

Consumer Electronics: Smartphones (camera modules), laptops (HDD connections)
Automotive: Dashboard clusters, ADAS sensors, infotainment systems
Medical: Portable monitors, imaging equipment (MRI connectors)
Industrial: Robotics (arm joint connections), measurement instruments

6. Leading Manufacturers

Manufacturer	Representative Products	Key Features
TE Connectivity	Micro Speed FFC	0.5mm pitch, 30G durability
Molex	PicoBlade FPC	Space-saving LIF design
JAE Electronics	DF12 Series	High-speed transmission up to 10Gbps
Hirose Electric	FH34 Series	Self-mating connector system

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Circuit density requirements (pitch size vs. pin count)
Mechanical stress analysis (bend radius, flex cycles)
Thermal management needs (current load vs. conductor thickness)
Environmental sealing requirements (IP rating)
Cost vs. performance trade-offs (material choices)

Real-case Example: Smartphone camera module requires 0.3mm pitch FPC with 200 m bend radius and 100,000 flex life rating.

8. Industry Trends

Emerging developments include:

Sub-0.3mm pitch connectors for 5G mobile devices
Integrated EMI shielding in FPC structures
High-temperature resistant materials (up to 150 C)
3D-shaped FPCs for automotive LiDAR systems
Smart connectors with embedded sensing capabilities