FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
FH28D-55S-0.5SH(98) Hirose	CONN FFC BOTTOM 55POS 0.50MM R/A	4
FH33M-16S-0.4SH(10) Hirose	CONN FFC BOTTOM 16POS 0.40MM R/A	1642
84981-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FFC FPC TOP 5POS 1.00MM R/A	8372
FH12-60S-0.5SVA(54) Hirose	CONN FFC VERT 60POS 0.50MM SMD	938
0528073010 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FPC TOP 30POS 1.00MM R/A	4865
XF2M-1815-1A Omron Electronics Components	CONN FPC 18POS 0.50MM R/A	4291
ZF5S-20-01-T-WT-K-TR Samtec, Inc.	ZERO INSERTION FORCE .5MM ASSEMB	1694
0543931781 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FPC BOTTOM 17POS 0.30MM R/A	0
0528082370 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FPC VERT 23POS 1.00MM SMD	453
SFV18R-1STE1HLF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC BOTTOM 18POS 0.50MM R/A	6703
66226-006LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC HEADER 6POS 2.54MM	843
59453-081110EDHLF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FPC BOTTOM 8POS 0.50MM R/A	5613
FH12-16S-0.5SH(54) Hirose	CONN FFC BOTTOM 16POS 0.50MM R/A	0
AYF530665 Panasonic	CONN FPC 6POS 0.50MM R/A	0
5016285191 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FPC BOTTOM 51POS 0.30MM R/A	80
0545482033 Woodhead - Molex	CONN FFC BOTTOM 20POS 0.5MM R/A	4902
687114183622 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC TOP 14POS 0.5MM SMD R/A	523
1-84984-0 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FFC FPC VERT 10POS 1MM PCB	7811
2032-14TSU Oupiin	FFC/FPC CONNECTOR, NON-ZIF TYPE,	1
046810630000846+ KYOCERA Corporation	0.5MM PITCH - 30 POS - VERTICAL	2102

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