FFC cables - Flexible flat cables - Flex cables - Foil cables
FFC flex cables: cost-effective, high number of wires, flexible, for data rates up to 10Gbit/sec and more ▼
FFC stands for Flexible Flat Cable. FFC are flexible cables with a pitch of 1.0 or 0.5mm. Their parts - conductor, insulation and reinforcing tape - are laminated in an automated process under pressure and high temperature.
At the ends of a flex cable no further contact element is required. This makes these products ideal for cost-effective connections with up to 80 positions. Due to their characteristics - compact, flat, light and incredibly flexible - FFC cables offer a wide range of advantages:
The counterpart of a FFC is a ZIF- or LIF- connector. ZIF stands for for Zero Insertion Force, LIF stands for Low insertion Force. The FFC mates the ZIF with zero contact force and then locked with the help of a slider or a rotating lock or piano locking. After the locking is applied. The FFC is fixed in the connector. When the FFC mates the LIF, there occurs a contact force during the mating process. Modern LIF-Connectors offer a auto-locking function. This makes the assembly easy and fast.
At the ends of a flex cable no further contact element is required. This makes these products ideal for cost-effective connections with up to 80 positions. Due to their characteristics - compact, flat, light and incredibly flexible - FFC cables offer a wide range of advantages:
- FFC allow a maximum of flexibility with regard to the position of the mating connectors and a high tolerance in the assembly of the boards to be connected.
- FFC cables can also be folded so that you can easily follow a perfect routing for your application.
- A high number of bending cycles is possible with a flex cable, for example, up to 1 million cycles with a 15mm radius. This makes the flexible flat cables ideal for applications with permanent movement - both linear (such as a drag chain) and rotating.
The counterpart of a FFC is a ZIF- or LIF- connector. ZIF stands for for Zero Insertion Force, LIF stands for Low insertion Force. The FFC mates the ZIF with zero contact force and then locked with the help of a slider or a rotating lock or piano locking. After the locking is applied. The FFC is fixed in the connector. When the FFC mates the LIF, there occurs a contact force during the mating process. Modern LIF-Connectors offer a auto-locking function. This makes the assembly easy and fast.
Flex cables with punched or non-punched ends ▼
The shape of FFC’s ends depends on the connector to which they are to be connected. There are two alternatives:
FFC cables with non-punched ends
In this case, the FFC are cut straight at both ends. With non-punched ends, however, there is a risk that the flex cable will not be positioned properly inside the connector. This can lead to mal contact in case conductor of the FFC and the contact of the connector do not precisely match.
FFC cables with punched ends
A solution for a better mating position are foil cables with a punched structure at both ends. The punching is applied automatically, quickly and precisely and ensures very accurate positioning of the FFC in the ZIF connector.
A punching tool is required for each connector and number of wires. ElectronAix already has series tools in use for many connector types with common contact counts, including for example IRISO-IMSA-i-Lock, IRISO-IMSA-auto-i-Lock, Hirose FH41/48, I-PEX-Evaflex and others. We use modern tools with small tolerances that fully comply with the specifications of the connectors. After the punching happens a 100% visual inspection by CCD camera.
This process delivers a perfect mating FFC.
FFC cables with non-punched ends
In this case, the FFC are cut straight at both ends. With non-punched ends, however, there is a risk that the flex cable will not be positioned properly inside the connector. This can lead to mal contact in case conductor of the FFC and the contact of the connector do not precisely match.
FFC cables with punched ends
A solution for a better mating position are foil cables with a punched structure at both ends. The punching is applied automatically, quickly and precisely and ensures very accurate positioning of the FFC in the ZIF connector.
A punching tool is required for each connector and number of wires. ElectronAix already has series tools in use for many connector types with common contact counts, including for example IRISO-IMSA-i-Lock, IRISO-IMSA-auto-i-Lock, Hirose FH41/48, I-PEX-Evaflex and others. We use modern tools with small tolerances that fully comply with the specifications of the connectors. After the punching happens a 100% visual inspection by CCD camera.
This process delivers a perfect mating FFC.
FFC cable for LVDS and High Speed FFC ▼
With an additional shield layer, the impedance of the foil cable can be adjusted to 100Ohm or 90Ohm for USB signals. The shielding layer requires a ground connection.
The GND plate is a small conductive surface in the area of the connector. This ground plate connects FFC-GND with separate ground contacts of the connector.
The additional shielding layer for impedance matching can be attached to the FFC cable on one or both sides. The single side shield has better softness and flexing properties. Whereas the double-sided solution has better EMI properties.
LVDS FFC are suitable for data rates up to 10Gbit/sec. Common mating connectors are the IRISO-IMSA-auto-i-Lock, Hirose FH41/48, I-PEX-Evaflex series. ElectronAix supplies LVDS FFC for all connectors.
High Speed FFC are identical in design to LVDS FFC. The only difference is a finer tuning with even lower tolerances. High Speed FFC are suitable for data rates up to 17 Gbit/sec. and more.
The GND plate is a small conductive surface in the area of the connector. This ground plate connects FFC-GND with separate ground contacts of the connector.
The additional shielding layer for impedance matching can be attached to the FFC cable on one or both sides. The single side shield has better softness and flexing properties. Whereas the double-sided solution has better EMI properties.
LVDS FFC are suitable for data rates up to 10Gbit/sec. Common mating connectors are the IRISO-IMSA-auto-i-Lock, Hirose FH41/48, I-PEX-Evaflex series. ElectronAix supplies LVDS FFC for all connectors.
High Speed FFC are identical in design to LVDS FFC. The only difference is a finer tuning with even lower tolerances. High Speed FFC are suitable for data rates up to 17 Gbit/sec. and more.
Shielded FFC cables ▼
Shielded FFC cables are EMI-optimized. For this purpose, they are equipped with shielding on both sides. The shielding is connected by a ground plate, just as with LVDS FFC. Alternatively, it is possible to connect the shielding to a conductor without the ground plate.
The shield is non-conductive on its outer side and is usually wrapped around the FFC cable. This version is 360° shielded at the cost of some flexibility.
Alternatively, it is possible to laminate the shield on both sides for the shielded flex cable. This means that the edges are not insulated and carry ground - users must therefore take special precautions against short circuits with this version.
At ElectronAix you can find FFC cables with all the shieldings described here for all connectors.
The shield is non-conductive on its outer side and is usually wrapped around the FFC cable. This version is 360° shielded at the cost of some flexibility.
Alternatively, it is possible to laminate the shield on both sides for the shielded flex cable. This means that the edges are not insulated and carry ground - users must therefore take special precautions against short circuits with this version.
At ElectronAix you can find FFC cables with all the shieldings described here for all connectors.
FFC cables for an extended temperature range of 125°C ▼
With suitable materials, flex cables can also withstand temperature loads of 1000h at 125°C and temperature cycles for automotive applications . For such environments, ElectronAix offers you the resistant and reliable high-temperature variants of the FFC cables.
Halogen-free FFC cables ▼
All ElectronAix flex cables are halogen-free. The only exceptions are our high temperature FFC for use at temperatures of 125°C.
Interaction of ZIF/LIF with FFC or FPC: Dimensions and tolerances ▼
The specifications of a ZIF or LIF connector include detailed requirements for the dimensions of the FFC and FPC cables (FPC = Flexible Printed Circuits). Suppliers of FFC and FPC cables must comply with these specifications, as this is the only way to ensure compatibility - even under the influence of temperature, vibrations and other influencing factors.
If different connectors are connected to each other at the ends, special attention must also be paid to the tolerances in order to meet the requirements of both connectors.
The ElectronAix FFC cables meet all compatibility criteria and thus guarantee the highest quality.
If different connectors are connected to each other at the ends, special attention must also be paid to the tolerances in order to meet the requirements of both connectors.
The ElectronAix FFC cables meet all compatibility criteria and thus guarantee the highest quality.
ElectronAix - Flex cables, FPC cables and connectors from one source ▼
At ElectronAix, you get connectors and FFC cables from a single source. This means you have much less coordination work and can speed up your project significantly. We offer you high-quality ZIF connectors from IRISO and I-PEX as well as our own brand from Asia. We help you from design-in to the end of life of your project.
Supply chain solutions for Flexible Flat Cables ▼
SAP is our most important tool
We work with an ERP-system from SAP and map all flows of goods there, from the procurement of raw materials to the storage of raw materials, the inventories in our buffer warehouse in Aachen and all the way to the deliveries of your orders.
Our ERP-system thus combines all the functions we need for our business operations, ensuring maximum transparency, and data integrity.
Our ERP-system thus combines all the functions we need for our business operations, ensuring maximum transparency, and data integrity.
Documentation and data security
The most important information about the article life cycle is integrated into our ERP-system: Clarifications and technical changes are thus accessible and available at any time if required, for example during order entry.
To ensure the highest level of data security, our server is mirrored, and both servers are also housed in different fire protection areas. In addition, all data is backed up daily to a German cloud. An external partner keeps our firewall and virus scanner permanently up to date.
To ensure the highest level of data security, our server is mirrored, and both servers are also housed in different fire protection areas. In addition, all data is backed up daily to a German cloud. An external partner keeps our firewall and virus scanner permanently up to date.
Project planning and buffer storage
We purchase critical raw material from Aachen This gives us 100% control of material management and - flow.
During the ramp up we can agree with you on buying critical parts from the BOM-List in advance. This supports a smooth project ramp up and maximum supply security for your benefit. It gives you more time to finalize the design of your assembly.
During the lifecycle we can keep a buffer stock of the critical components. This shortens lead times gives you flexibility.
In case of minimum order quantities e.g. for raw cable, we can arrange to keep the surplus in our factory for future orders.
During the ramp up we can agree with you on buying critical parts from the BOM-List in advance. This supports a smooth project ramp up and maximum supply security for your benefit. It gives you more time to finalize the design of your assembly.
During the lifecycle we can keep a buffer stock of the critical components. This shortens lead times gives you flexibility.
In case of minimum order quantities e.g. for raw cable, we can arrange to keep the surplus in our factory for future orders.
Origin of supply
We mainly work with companies that are based in Taiwan. There, we focus on a small number of experts. Most of them have production lines in China (Mainland).
20 years of experience, short time to market, high quality, testing ▼
Short time to market
Many years of experience, attention to detail and passion for our products will quickly help you to find the customized connector that is precisely tailored to your needs.
We aim to quickly provide you with helpful information, the right drawing and appropriate samples. This reduces your time to market. Our buffer stock of connectors and contact systems help you to find a solution quickly and to achieve short delivery times.
We aim to quickly provide you with helpful information, the right drawing and appropriate samples. This reduces your time to market. Our buffer stock of connectors and contact systems help you to find a solution quickly and to achieve short delivery times.
High Quality
ISO9001, ISO13485 and IATF16949 certified production lines are indicators of the high quality standard of our products and ensure your safety and satisfaction.
All products come from a largely automated process with automatic soldering and crimping and 100 percent electrical testing. Our distribution and logistics processes are certified according to ISO9001 and audited according to VDA.
All products come from a largely automated process with automatic soldering and crimping and 100 percent electrical testing. Our distribution and logistics processes are certified according to ISO9001 and audited according to VDA.
Tests and Cleanliness
You require specific tests, such as bending cycles, lengths or test reports? That can be done at ElectronAix, with your or with our measuring adapter. Due to our experience with automotive applications, we provide you technically clean products according to VDA.
"Our strength are series starting at 1000 pieces. We will provide to you a drawing for approval, samples for approval. The mass production always complies with the samples – they always come from the same production and are always made of the same material. Feel free to contact us."
Your personal contact for FFC Cable
Mr. Peter Stremmer
+49-241-18906-91
peter.stremmer@electronaix.com
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Contact form
Mr. Peter Stremmer
+49-241-18906-91 peter.stremmer@electronaix.comContact form