FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
TF38-18S-0.5SV(830) Hirose	CONN FFC 18POS 0.50MM SMD	7386
0541323662 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC BOTTOM 36POS 0.50MM R/A	3756
SFW16S-2STE1LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC FPC VERT 16POS 1MM SMD	4930
0527930570 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FPC TOP 5POS 1.00MM R/A	17585
2-1734839-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FPC TOP 21POS 0.50MM R/A	0
FH12-22S-0.5SH(55) Hirose	CONN FFC BOTTOM 22POS 0.50MM R/A	519
046284012002846+ KYOCERA Corporation	0.5MM PITCH - 12 POS - RT ANGLE	2965
ZF5S-10-01-T-WT-TR Samtec, Inc.	ZERO INSERTION FORCE .5MM ASSEMB	866
2-1775333-8 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FPC BOTTOM 28POS 0.50MM R/A	0
HFW10S-2STE1LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC FPC VERT 10POS 1MM SMD	1943
5019513010 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC VERT 30POS 0.50MM SMD	52727
FH19SC-21S-0.5SH(09) Hirose	CONN FFC BOTTOM 21POS 0.50MM R/A	2196
5051106091 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC/FPC BOTTOM 60P .5MM R/A	4222
5035664102 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FPC BOTTOM 0.30MM	0
68710614022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FPC TOP 6POS 0.50MM R/A	3357
0528062410 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FPC VERT 24POS 1.00MM PCB	4729
65801-039LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC FPC RCPT 10POS 2.54MM	673
HLW17S-2C7LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC FPC VERT 17POS 1MM PCB	2705
FH33J-12S-0.5SH(99) Hirose	CONN FFC BOTTOM 12POS 0.50MM R/A	0
FH42-11S-0.3SHW(10) Hirose	CONN FPC TOP 11POS 0.30MM 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