FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
AYF333735A Panasonic	CONN FPC 37POS 0.30MM R/A	373
AYF333335 Panasonic	CONN FPC 33POS 0.30MM R/A	54
AYF534035 Panasonic	CONN FFC FPC 40POS 0.50MM R/A	0
AYF534035A Panasonic	CONN FFC/FPC 40POS 0.5MM SMD R/A	130
AYF532865TA Panasonic	CONN FPC 28POS 0.5MM SMD R/A	458
AYF333735 Panasonic	CONN FPC 37POS 0.30MM R/A	0
AYF333535 Panasonic	CONN FPC 35POS 0.30MM R/A	7622
AYF533235A Panasonic	CONN FFC/FPC 32POS 0.5MM SMD R/A	3351
AYF336135A Panasonic	CONN FPC 61POS 0.30MM R/A	163
AYF331335 Panasonic	CONN FPC 13POS 0.30MM R/A	8269
AYF531065 Panasonic	CONN FPC 10POS 0.50MM R/A	0
AYF331165A Panasonic	CONN FPC 11POS 0.30MM R/A	901
AYF530665T Panasonic	CONN FPC 6POS 0.50MM R/A	111904
AYF532435 Panasonic	CONN FFC FPC 24POS 0.50MM R/A	2888
AYF534065TA Panasonic	CONN FPC 40POS 0.5MM SMD R/A	481
AYF531035A Panasonic	CONN FFC FPC 10POS 0.50MM R/A	3933
AYF530365T Panasonic	CONN FPC 3POS 0.50MM R/A	0
AYF532835 Panasonic	CONN FFC FPC 28POS 0.50MM R/A	112
AYF534235A Panasonic	CONN FFC/FPC 42POS 0.5MM SMD R/A	278
AYF216135A Panasonic	CONN FPC 61POS 0.2MM SMD 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