FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
687117149022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN .5MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 17POS	0
687117182122 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC FPC 17POS 0.5MM R/A	0
68611414422 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FPC BOTTOM 14POS 1.00MM R/A	843
686106183822 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC VERT 6POS 1MM SMD	767
68612014122 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FPC TOP 20POS 1.00MM R/A	1487
687112183722 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC BTM 12POS 0.5MM SMD R/A	800
687126182122 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC FPC 26POS 0.5MM R/A	0
68611014422 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FPC BOTTOM 10POS 1.00MM R/A	928
687110183622 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC TOP 10POS 0.5MM SMD R/A	0
68712414522 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FPC BOTTOM 24POS 0.50MM R/A	963
687122183722 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC BTM 21POS 0.5MM SMD R/A	123
687118183622 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC TOP 18POS 0.5MM SMD R/A	0
687133149022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN .5MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 33POS	719
686120188822 Würth Elektronik Midcom	WR-FPC_1.00 MM SMT VERTICAL LIF	2329
687316124422 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FPC VERT 16POS 0.50MM SMD	851
687116183622 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FFC TOP 16POS 0.5MM SMD R/A	1748
686112148922 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN 1MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 12POS	1552
687106149022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN .5MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 6POS	1154
687140149022 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN .5MM HORZ BOTTOM SMD 40POS	3886
68710614522 Würth Elektronik Midcom	CONN FPC BOTTOM 6POS 0.50MM 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