FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors

FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors - Housings

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
88190-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FFC PIN HSG 38POS 2.54MM	0
88637-9 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FFC RCPT HSG 18POS 2.54MM	0
1-88637-5 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FFC RCPT HSG 26POS 2.54MM	0
NC-D26FA Hirose	CONN PLUG FEMALE STRT	0
67013-004LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC/FPC RCPT HSG 4POS 2.54	990
67000-024LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC RCPT HSG 24POS 2.54MM	0
67013-036LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC/FPC RCPT HSG 36POS 2.54	0
67013-014LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC/FPC RCPT HSG 14POS 2.54	300
88179-6 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FFC RCPT HSG 38POS 2.54MM	0
66987-015LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC/FPC RCPT HSG	0
487973-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FFC RCPT HSG 10POS 1.27MM	0
67013-023LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC/FPC RCPT HSG 23POS 2.54	0
67013-027LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC/FPC RCPT HSG	0
66987-026LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC/FPC RCPT HSG	0
66987-002LF Storage & Server IO (Amphenol ICC)	CONN FFC/FPC RCPT HSG	0
DF19G-20S-1F Hirose	CONN FPC PIN HSG 20POS 1.00MM	0
DF19G-14S-1F Hirose	CONN FPC PIN HSG 14POS 1.00MM	0
DF19G-30S-1F Hirose	CONN FPC PIN HSG 30POS 1.00MM	0
487544-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FFC RCPT HSG 4POS 1.27MM	0
4-487937-4 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN FFC RCPT HSG 44POS 1.27MM	0

FFC, FPC (Flat Flexible) Connectors - Housings

1. Overview

Flat Flexible Cable (FFC) and Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) connectors housings are precision-engineered components that enable reliable electrical connections between flexible circuits and PCBs. These connectors combine mechanical stability with high-density interconnect capabilities, playing a critical role in modern electronics by enabling compact, lightweight designs with superior signal integrity. Their importance spans across consumer electronics, automotive systems, medical devices, and industrial automation.

2. Main Types & Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
ZIF (Zero Insertion Force)	Self-aligning contacts with minimal insertion force, requiring separate actuation mechanism	Smartphone displays, portable medical devices
Sliding Lock Type	Integrated latch mechanism for vibration resistance, moderate insertion force	Automotive infotainment systems
Screw Lock Type	Mechanical screw fixation for high-reliability connections	Industrial control equipment
Surface Mount Type	Direct SMT assembly, low profile design	Laptop motherboard interfaces
Through-Hole Type	Traditional mounting with enhanced mechanical strength	Heavy-duty industrial sensors

3. Structure & Components

Standard housing assemblies consist of:

Insulator Body: High-temperature resistant LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) or nylon 46
Contact System: Phosphor bronze or beryllium copper with gold-plated contact surfaces (typically 0.05-0.3 m Au)
Actuation Mechanism: Lever systems (ZIF) or sliding locks with mechanical stops
Polarization Features: Keying notches and color coding to prevent misalignment
Retention System: Integrated PCB fixation clips or screw holes

Cross-sectional dimensions typically range from 2.5mm (height) 4.0mm (width) for micro connectors up to 12.0mm 20.0mm for industrial variants.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Typical Range	Importance
Contact Resistance	10-30 m	Directly affects power efficiency and signal integrity
Insulation Resistance	100 M @ 500V DC	Ensures electrical safety and prevents leakage
Operating Temperature	-55 C to +125 C	Determines environmental durability
Insertion/Extraction Force	0.5-3.0N/contact	Impacts assembly ergonomics and connector lifespan
Current Rating	0.5A - 3.0A per pin	Dictates power transmission capability
Durability	10,000-100,000 mating cycles	Key factor for long-term system reliability

5. Application Fields

Consumer Electronics: Foldable smartphones, tablets, wearable devices
Automotive: ADAS sensors, dashboard displays, camera systems
Medical: Portable ultrasound devices, patient monitors
Industrial: Robotics, CNC machine controls
Aerospace: Avionics systems, satellite communication modules

Case Study: In automotive applications, TE Connectivity's FPC connectors enable 4K display connections in instrument clusters while maintaining ISO 16750-3 vibration compliance.

6. Leading Manufacturers & Products

Manufacturer	Key Product Series	Technical Highlights
TE Connectivity	FCI FPC Connectors	0.2mm pitch, 100,000 cycle durability, RoHS compliant
Molex	PicoBlade FFC	0.8mm pitch, 3A current rating, SMT compatibility
JAE Electronics	DF11 Series	ZIF design, 0.5mm pitch, automotive qualification
Amphenol ICC	101186 Series	Through-hole mounting, 1.25mm pitch, 50V rating
Hirose Electric	FH34SR Series	Self-mating connectors, 0.4mm pitch, 1.5mm height

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations include:

Electrical Requirements: Current capacity and signal integrity needs
Mechanical Constraints: Available PCB space and mating alignment tolerances
Environmental Conditions: Temperature extremes, vibration levels, and chemical exposure
Manufacturing Compatibility: SMT vs through-hole assembly capabilities
Cost Optimization: Balance between durability specifications and application lifespan

Recommendation: For high-vibration applications, prioritize connectors with dual-beam contact designs and mechanical locking features.

8. Industry Trends

Miniaturization: Development of 0.2mm pitch connectors for 5G mobile devices
High-Speed Transmission: Differential pair designs supporting 20+ Gbps data rates
Material Innovation: Bio-based polymers for eco-friendly manufacturing
Automated Assembly: Smart connector designs with integrated pick-and-place features
Harsh Environment: IP67-rated housings for automotive sensor applications

Market forecasts indicate 8.2% CAGR growth through 2030, driven by foldable display adoption and automotive electrification trends.