FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
20FMN-BMTTR-A-TB(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC VERT 20POS 1.00MM SMD	0
05FMN-BMTTN-A-TF(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC VERT 5POS 1.00MM SMD	728
28FLZ-RSM2-TB(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC BOTTOM 28POS 0.50MM R/A	2068
13FMN-BMTTN-A-TF(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC VERT 13POS 1.00MM SMD	0
14FMN-SMT-A-TF(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC TOP 14POS 1.00MM R/A	8801
16FLZ-SM2-TB(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC TOP 16POS 0.50MM R/A	1611
12FLZ-SM2-TB(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC TOP 12POS 0.50MM R/A	6430
06FLZ-SM2-TB(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC FPC TOP 6POS 0.50MM R/A	1211
20FMN-SMT-A-TF(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC TOP 20POS 1.00MM R/A	0
08FLZ-SM2-TB(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC FPC TOP 8POS 0.50MM R/A	9873
14FLZ-RSM2-TB(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC BOTTOM 14POS 0.50MM R/A	2297
10FMN-BMT-A-TF(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC VERT 10POS 1.00MM SMD	6765
16FMN-BMTTR-A-TB(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC VERT 16POS 1.00MM SMD	1321
40FLZ-RSM2-R-TB(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC BOTTOM 40POS 0.50MM R/A	11097
30FMN-BMT-A-TF(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC VERT 30POS 1.00MM SMD	5015
06FMN-BMTTN-A-TF(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC VERT 6POS 1.00MM SMD	4072
25FMN-BMTTN-A-TF(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC VERT 25POS 1.00MM SMD	0
28FLZ-SM2-TB(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC TOP 28POS 0.50MM R/A	9354
04FMN-BMTTN-A-TF(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC VERT 4POS 1.00MM SMD	0
40FMN-BMTTN-A-TF(LF)(SN) JST	CONN FFC VERT 40POS 1.00MM SMD	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