FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
1734248-7 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FPC VERT 7POS 1.00MM SMD	3553
0522711669 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FPC BOTTOM 16POS 1.00MM R/A	1300
0541323862 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC BOTTOM 38POS 0.50MM R/A	4764
6-520314-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FFC TOP 12POS 2.54MM R/A	0
5-520315-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FFC VERT 5POS 2.54MM PCB	6253
FH48-20S-0.5SV Hirose	CONN FFC VERT 20POS 0.50MM SMD	1399
FH35C-31S-0.3SHW(50) Hirose	CONN FPC 31POS 0.30MM R/A	0
XF3M(1)-1115-1B Omron Electronics Components	CONN FFC FPC 11POS 1.00MM R/A	1089
FH52-30S-0.5SH(99) Hirose	CONN FFC 30POS .5MM	1099
5034801800 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC FPC 18POS 0.50MM R/A	9199
0528921633 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC BOTTOM 16POS 0.50MM R/A	12020
0528061010 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FPC VERT 10POS 1.00MM PCB	17324
0528932095 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC BOTTOM 20POS 0.50MM R/A	0
HFW9S-2STE1LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC FPC VERT 9POS 1MM SMD	94
046844741002846+ KYOCERA Corporation	0.3MM PITCH - 41 POS - RT ANGLE	4928
XF2J-202412A Omron Electronics Components	CONN FPC VERT 20POS 0.50MM SMD	326
2-2328724-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	0.3MM PITCH FRONT FLIP FPC, 25PO	31574
FH12-33S-0.5SVA(54) Hirose	CONN FFC VERT 33POS 0.50MM SMD	1227
FH36W-61S-0.3SHW(99) Hirose	CONN FPC BOTTOM 61POS 0.30MM R/A	3
0545501471 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC TOP 14POS 0.50MM R/A	16582

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