What is a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC)?

It's a low cost, high reliability, easy to use, PCB interconnect system. The length, number of ways, pitch, and type of termination is customer specified to suit their application. Produced on high tech machines which laminate flat platen copper conductors between Polyester based insulating films, each one is 100% tested. It's a completely finished product supplied ready to fit.

What are the principle advantages FFC?

Low cost, high packaging density, excellent flex life, low profile, easy installation & light weight.

What is the lead times and MOQs?

Although it's a custom made product, lead times are as short as 4-5 weeks from order, and depending on the type of FFC, the MOQ would rarely exceed 500 to 2,000pcs.

How is FFC terminated?

Either with connectors or soldered directly to the PCB. FFC's are supplied from the factory ready to fit. The ends are stripped for direct soldering to a PCB or stiffened with backing tape(supporting tape) to allow insertion into a connector. You choose which type to suit your application. Either both ends prepared for connectors or soldering, alternatively one end for soldering and the other to mate with connectors.

What types of connectors are available?

ZIF(Zero Insertion Force) or LIF(Low Insertion Force) connectors are mostly commonly used as they have a low unit cost and are simple to use. Crimp contacts are also available. ZIF and LIF connectors are available in horizontal, vertical mount, through hole and surface mount formats(SMD). LIF connectors are lower cost and smaller in size than ZIF connectors, which have a greater number of mating cycles.

What pitches and number of conductors are available?

FFC is available in pitches of 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.25mm, 1,27mm, 2.0mm and 2.54mm. The No. of Conductors are available from 2 to 100 depending on the pitch. These options make particular suitable for high density applications where space saving is critical.

Does FFC come in a standard number of ways, pitches and lengths?

No, as each application is different and lead times are only a couple of weeks, FFC is manufactured to customer specification(this does not necessarily mean high MOQ or pricing!!).

Can I use FFC in place of ribbon cable?

Yes. In many applications it can save cost, space and weight. However it's not suitable for daisy chain applications.

Just how flexible is FFC?

There are 3 types of FFC available. The Standard series is specified at 100,000 flexes, the Super series at 3,000,000 flexes and the Ultra series at 10,000,000 flexes.

What about specification and UL approval?

FFC is approved to UL2896, UL20624 & UL VW-1(flammability). Voltage is rated up to 60VDC and the operating temperature range is -20°C to +80°C. FFCs are lead-less.

Is FFC available in different colour ?

FFC is available either in white or in black.

Is shielded FFC available ?

Yes, an EMI shield can be added during production and grounded to a customer specified pin. There are several kinds of shielding materials in purpose like aluminum foil with insulating film, copper foil with insulating film, conductive cloth or silver paint what can be applied with silk screening process.

Can FFC be folded and formed as required?

Yes. FFC can be supplied folded as part of the manufacturing process to give any form required. Alternatively it can be folded by the customer to fit their application.

What are the main applications for FFC?

Typical applications for FFC include VCR's, CD players, CD ROM driver, printers, scanners, audio, car audio, telecom, computer, LCD displays, TV's & monitors, facsimile & copying machines, satellite decoders & set top boxes.