FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
687130149022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN .5MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 30POS	2051
687132149022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN .5MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 32POS	170
686104183822 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC VERT 4POS 1MM SMD	1309
68612214422 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FPC BOTTOM 22POS 1.00MM R/A	1235
686114183822 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC VERT 14POS 1MM SMD	1885
687118149022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN .5MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 18POS	1966
686114188622 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-FPC_1.00 MM SMT HORIZONTAL LI	3000
686122148922 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN 1MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 22POS	804
686105183822 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC VERT 5POS 1MM SMD	1341
687122182122 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC FPC 22POS 0.5MM R/A	200
686116183822 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC VERT 16POS 1MM SMD	813
686118183422 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC TOP 18POS 1MM SMD R/A	95
68611814122 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FPC TOP 18POS 1.00MM R/A	143
687126149022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN .5MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 26POS	1881
686114148922 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN 1MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 14POS	3802
686110188622 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-FPC_1.00 MM SMT HORIZONTAL LI	2940
686110148922 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN 1MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 10POS	3209
687150149022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN .5MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 50POS	1990
68715014022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FPC TOP 50POS 0.50MM R/A	1375
687340124422 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FPC VERT 40POS 0.50MM SMD	1739

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