FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors

FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors - Accessories

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
5017845009 Woodhead - Molex	0.5 FFC PLUG COVER 50POS	0
5031515009 Woodhead - Molex	FFC/BRD PLUG JACKET COVER 50CKT	15338
5017833009 Woodhead - Molex	CONN PLUG JACKET 0.5MM 30CKT	0
5031505009 Woodhead - Molex	FFC/BOARD PLUG JACKET 50CKT	4735
5017848009 Woodhead - Molex	0.5 FFC PLUG COVER 80POS	8249
5017843009 Woodhead - Molex	CONN PLUG JACKT COVER .5MM 30CKT	6117
5017835009 Woodhead - Molex	0.5 FFC CONN PLUG COVER 50POS	0
5017838009 Woodhead - Molex	0.5 FFC CONN PLUG COVER 80POS	3184
5017843008 Woodhead - Molex	CONN PLUG COVER 0.5MM 30CKT BLK	15388
5017834009 Woodhead - Molex	05 FFC TO BOARD CONN PLUG JACKET	0
5017844009 Woodhead - Molex	05 FFC TO BOARD PLG JACKRT COVER	0

FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors - Accessories

1. Overview

Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) and Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) connectors are critical components enabling high-density, space-saving electrical connections in modern electronics. FFCs consist of flat, parallel conductors embedded in insulating film, while FPCs use etched copper traces on flexible polymer substrates. Their low profile, bending flexibility, and miniaturization capabilities make them essential for compact devices like smartphones, wearables, and automotive systems.

2. Main Types & Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
FFC Connectors	ZIF (Zero Insertion Force), LIF (Low Insertion Force), self-aligning designs	Display modules, notebook hinges
FPC Connectors	Single/double-sided contacts, high-frequency signal transmission	Smartphone cameras, medical sensors
Accessories	Polarization keys, reinforcement plates, EMI shielding covers	Industrial control panels, aerospace systems

3. Structure & Composition

Typical FFC connectors feature:

Insulating housing: High-temperature resistant LCP or nylon
Contact array: Phosphor bronze or beryllium copper with gold plating
Actuation mechanism: Slider or top-clamp for secure cable retention

FPC connectors include additional PI (Polyimide) film layers and adhesive bonding zones for circuit fixation.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Significance	Typical Values
Conductor Pitch	Determines miniaturization level	0.5mm-1.27mm
Current Rating	Defines power transmission capability	0.5A-3A/contact
Operating Temp	Environmental durability range	-40 C to +105 C
Contact Resistance	Impacts signal integrity	20m

5. Application Fields

Major industries include:

Consumer Electronics: Foldable smartphones, VR headsets
Automotive: ADAS sensors, instrument cluster interconnects
Medical: Portable ultrasound probes, endoscopic cameras
Industrial: Robotics joint connectors, CNC machine cabling

6. Leading Manufacturers & Products

Vendor	Product Series	Key Features
TE Connectivity	MicroFlex Nano	0.4mm pitch FFC connectors
Molex	PicoBlade FPC	High-retention latching system
JST	SRF series	EMI-shielded FPC connectors

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Space constraints: Choose pitch size according to PCB layout
Flex cycles: Select materials with >20,000 bend lifespan for robotics
Signal integrity: Use shielded FPC for >1Gbps data rates
Thermal management: Verify temperature ratings for automotive use
Cost optimization: Balance gold-plated contacts vs. tin alternatives

8. Industry Trends

Future developments include:

Pitch reduction below 0.3mm for AR/VR applications
Hybrid FPC-PCB integration for 5G antenna modules
Conductive adhesive technologies for ultra-thin designs
Increased adoption in EV battery management systems
Smart manufacturing: AI-driven connector failure prediction