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What is the difference between FFC connector and FPC connector ?

Introduction

Connecting flexible printed circuits (FPCs) in electronic devices often

requires using specialized connectors designed for soft and pliable

conductors rather than rigid boards. The two main categories of flexible

connectors are FFC (flat flexible cable) and FPC (flexible printed circuit)

connectors.

While related, FFC and FPC connectors have distinct characteristics and

applications. Understanding the key differences allows selecting the

optimal solution for integrating flex circuits into designs.

This guide will examine all aspects of FFC and FPC connectors from

materials, design, interfacing, pros and cons, and recommended use cases.

By the end, the distinction between connector types and appropriate

selection for flex circuit applications will be clear.

FFC Connector Overview

FFC or flat flexible cable connectors are designed to interface with flexible

flat cabling. Typical FFC connectors consist of a plastic housing containing

a clamping mechanism and set of conductive pads or pins.

Typical FFC Construction

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 Flat flexible cable terminated with thin PCB ends

 Insulation carrier material with exposed copper conductors

 Laminated polyester, polyimide, or polyether ether ketone (PEEK)

 ZIF (zero insertion force) style connector mating

 Pitch options from 0.3mm to 1.27mm

FFC cables excel at interconnections over dynamic bending locations

between PCBs where a standard wire harness would fail prematurely. The

smooth flat shape avoids issues with tangled conductors.

Common applications include disk drive flex cable interconnects, printer

carriages, LCD displays, and device hinge connections. The ability to

accommodate continuous motion over thousands of cycles with high

reliability makes FFCs ideal for these applications.

FFC Connector Styles

While designs vary between manufacturers, FFC connectors come in two

primary styles:

Clasp/Latch Type

 Plastic connector housing with metal spring latch

 Latch presses FFC cable into contact pads

 Locking clasp prevents disconnects

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 Unlatching enables FFC cable insertion/removal

 Low profile above PCB

Slide-Lock Type

 Housing with movable side locks

 Locks slide forward to press cable into connection

 Reverse sliding releases pressure on cable

 Locks prevent disconnect under vibration

 Provide audible click when engaged

Both styles offer reliable connection for FFC cables under dynamic

bending. The latch type focuses on slim form factor while the slide-lock

aims for robustness.

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FPC Connector Overview

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In contrast to FFC connectors, FPC connectors are designed specifically to

interface with flexible printed circuit boards rather than raw cable.

Typical FPC Construction:

 Flexible PCB material with conductors on one or both sides

 Polyimide is the most common base material

 Adhesive layer bonds to additional stiffener layers

 Components often attached directly to flex PCB

 Connectors mounted to tail sections

FPCs allow complex flexible circuit boards to be designed with fine

features, tight tolerances, and components while still supporting dynamic

contours.

Applications such as folding device hinges, concealed / slide-out device

interconnects, and wearable or skin-contact electronics benefit from FPC

technology. The tailored flexible PCB provides reliability and robustness

beyond basic flexible cabling.

FPC Connector Styles

Common connector styles used with FPCs include:

Pressure Actuated Contacts

 Gold plated copper alloy contacts

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 Contacts wipe FPC conductive pads

 PCB pivot / lever actuation

 Spring or screw force enables reliable contact

 Wiping action penetrates oxidation

ZIF (Zero Insertion Force)

 Movable side pins align FPC tail

 Cam, hinge, or latch mechanism actuates pins

 Pins pressed into plated through holes

 Enables fingertip mating connection

 Lock prevents vibration disconnect

Well-designed FPC connectors tolerate millions of matings despite

presence of vibrations, contaminants, and other challenges.

Key Differences Between FFC and FPC Connectors

While both connecting flexible circuits, FFC and FPC connectors have

distinct characteristics making each suited for particular applications.

While overlaps exist, these characteristics help determine optimal

selection for a given use case as explored in the next sections.

FFC Connector Applications

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The capabilities of FFC cable and connectors make them ideal for:

Dynamic Cables

Continuously flexing interconnects for:

 Disk drive head actuators

 Printer carriages

 Robotics joints

Semi-Rigid Connections

Situations requiring a limited number of flex cycles:

 Hinge connections in laptops

 Concealed compact wiring

 Rapid prototyped connections

Cost-Sensitive Applications

FFCs minimize interconnect costs:

 High density parallel busses

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 Consumer electronics

 LED lighting strings

Space Constrained Products

Low profile smooth cable routing where wires won’t fit:

 Foldable devices

 Multi-axis robotic arms

 Automotive wiring

FPC Connector Applications

In contrast, FPC connectors excel in these types of demanding

applications:

Maximum Flexibility

FPC material withstands rolling and twisting:

 Medical snake catheters

 Flexible wearables

 Concealed wearable cabling

High Density Circuits

Built-in small components, fine features:

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 Glasses / goggles display drivers

 Finger / arm health monitors

 Microfluidics interconnects

Complex Components Integration

Pre-assembled connectors, sensors, ICs:

 Micro-cameras

 Stacked battery contacts

 Multi-chip modules

Rugged Vibration Environments

Gold-plated pins and ZIF actuation withstand shaking:

 Aerospace systems

 Vehicle mounts

 Precision instruments

FFC vs FPC Connector Selection Guidelines

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Use these guidelines for selecting the optimal flexible connector:

When to Use FFC Connectors

 Basic cable interconnections with minimal complexity

 Primarily parallel bus type signals or power transmission

 Cost sensitive consumer product applications

 Limited life cycles (under 10,000 flexes)

 Pitch requirements under 1 mm

When to Use FPC Connectors

 Flexible circuit will have integrated components

 Reflow soldering required to attach connectors

 More than 10,000 mating cycles needed

 Conductor spacing under 0.3 mm

 Tight positional accuracy required

 Vibration resistance critical

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 Integration with densely packed components

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Comparing FFC and FPC Specifications

Connector selection depends heavily on compatibility with physical cable

and PCB design constraints.

Key FFC Connector Specifications

 Pitch: Distance between conductor centers

 Cable thickness: Determined by layers and materials

 Contact type: Alloy pads for wiping or soldered pins

 Current rating: Depends on trace size but less than 1 A typical

 Insertion life: 10,000+ cycles typical

 Actuation force: Spring clasp typical around 1 to 5 Newtons

 Alignment precision: +/- 0.5 to 1 mm typical

Key FPC Connector Specifications

 Number of positions: As low as 4 pins up to over 100

 Pitch: 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm options

 Contact type: Copper alloy, gold plated pins

 Current rating: Up to 5A per pin

 Insertion life: 30,000 to 100,000+ cycles

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 Actuation force: Ranges from fractions of N to 10 N max

 Alignment precision: +/- 0.1mm achievable

 Withstand voltage: Up to 1500 VAC

Matching physical and performance needs to connector specifications

ensures a robust interface between flex circuits.

Pros and Cons Comparison

FFC Connector Pros

 Very low cost

 Ultra slim vertical profile

 High density pin spacing

 Light actuation force

 Good for cost-driven designs

FFC Connector Cons

 Limited cycles vs. FPC connectors

 No integrated component support

 Larger pitch spacing than FPC

 Less ruggedized pin contacts

 Only supports basic flex cable

FPC Connector Pros

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 Extreme cycle life rating

 Integrates with flex PCBs

 Supports components and high current

 Tight pitch options to 0.2mm

 Withstands vibration environments

FPC Connector Cons

 More expensive than FFC

 Larger and thicker profile

 Overkill for basic dynamic cabling

 Requires flex PCB for termination

 Longer lead times

New Innovations

Connector technologies continue advancing to meet demanding flexible

circuit applications:

 Ultra-fine pitch to 0.1mm enables dense stacking

 Vertical FPC stacking connectors save z-height

 Micro-coax FPC cables for high frequency signals

 Combination rigid-flex compatibility

 Increased ruggedness for wearable deployment

 Chip-scale interconnects under development

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 Low-force Nano-connector technology

 Increased cycle life beyond 1 million flexes

Conclusion

FFC and FPC connectors both serve vital roles in interconnecting

flexible electronic circuits. While related in broad strokes, details from

pitch, lifetimes, termination methods, and integration constraints dictate

which approach works best. Engineers must weight tradeoffs between

cost, reliability, complexity, and density when selecting connectors to

interface with flex cabling and circuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the highest density in terms of pins/positions available for FFC

and FPC connectors?

A: The highest density FFC connectors support over 100 positions at

0.3mm pitch. Cutting edge FPC connectors achieve over 200 positions at

0.1mm pitch, although 50-100 positions at 0.5mm pitch is more common.

Q: How are FFC cables and FPC boards fabricated and terminated?

A: FFC cables are typically laminated using adhesive bonding of layers,

with conductor exposures laser cut. FPC boards utilize traditional

lithographic etching processes allowing tighter tolerances.

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Q: Which provides the most compact footprint, FFC or FPC connectors?

A: FFC connectors can achieve extremely thin profiles below 1mm when

mated due to the flat flexible cable. FPC connectors inherently require

some Z-axis height for the connector housing itself.

Q: What types of signals are supported by FFC and FPC interconnects?

A: FFC and FPC connections support transmission

of digital signals, analog signals, power, high-speed differential

pairs, RF up to 6 GHz, and more depending on conductor geometry.

Q: What factors determine the lifetime durability of FFC vs FPC

connectors?

A: Contact wearing, material fatigue, retention force, and alignment

precision are key factors. FPC connectors are engineered for maximum

cycles by gold plating, ZIF actuation, and precise guide alignment.

What are FPC and FFC?

The first thing you need to know about the two different types of flexible

circuits is what they are. FPC stands for Flexible printed circuit. The other

type of flexible circuit is the flexible flat cable. These two types of flexible

circuits have a similar structure but differ in cost and manufacturing

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process. In this article, we’ll discuss both types and how they work. After

learning their differences, you can choose the best type for your project.

Flexible printed circuits

Flex circuits are flexible and can bend into the desired shape. They are

ideal for small interior spaces, but the production quality is much less

stable than for rigid circuits. Flexible circuits consist of thin, film-like

materials, including copper foil. Different materials have different

shrinkage, and warpage characteristics, so careful design is essential. The

following tips will help ensure the highest quality flex circuits.

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Flexibility is one of the essential advantages of flexible circuits. Unlike rigid

circuit boards, we can manipulate flexible circuits often during assembly,

installation, and service. These advantages allow for a high-density device

population, lighter conductors, and improved airflow. Flexible circuits will

work for you whether your application is small or complex. They are also

extremely versatile and can connect various components. An

innovative PCB manufacturer designed flexible printed circuits ideal for

various applications.

Flexible flat cable

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What is a flexible flat cable? A flexible flat cable is an electrical cable made

with flat solid conductors. The flexible flat cable is essential for various

applications in the electronics industry. Flexible electronics refer to the

technology that enables a device to be more flexible. Its unique properties

allow it to fit in different places and can be used to power various

electronics. Read on to learn more. Here are some examples of a flexible

flat cable.

A flat cable’s pitch refers to the spacing between the wire conductors. This

distance indicates the pitch. Different cables have different pitches, but

common values are 0.5 mm and 1 inch. The pitch of a cable will indicate its

ability to accommodate a variety of applications. In addition, the pitch of a

cable will affect its flexibility and strength. For example, high-speed ATA

interface cables are made with 0.025-inch pitches and have a 0.1-mm

pitch.

Pinouts

If you’re trying to connect two computers or other electronic devices, you

may wonder which connector to use. FPCs are ideal for straight-through

connections, while FFCs are often layered and impedance controlled.

FPC wiring is a flexible circuit board made from a flexible polymer base

coated with a protective polymer coating. Because it’s flexible, you can

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customize the number and spacing of wires. FFC is especially useful for

electronics that require a high degree of flexibility. Flexible solar cells, for

example, can be made to fit within the spacecraft’s shell. This circuit board

is also lightweight compared to the rigid PCB board.

Applications

The similarities between FPCs and FFCs extend to their various

applications. For example, both types have copper wires and a thin film of

chemically etched copper on one side. They are essential in LCD

televisions, printers, cameras, and laptops. In addition, they are ideal in

the aerospace industry. However, FPCs are more sophisticated than FFCs.

They consist of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), copper wires, and other

flexible materials.

Unlike other types of connectors, FPCs have a flat, flexible body with a

barrier framework that we can organize after installation. This framework

also provides a specific stabilization force. In addition, these connectors

are strong and rigid enough to resist shock and vibration. Moreover, they

have locking components to lock the connectors. For example, Amphenol

makes a vibration-proof FFC and FPC with a 2.49mm pitch.

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The Difference Between FPC and FFC?

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You may have heard about the terms Flexible flat cable and Flexible circuit.

But do you know the difference between these two? How do you know

which is better? We’ll explain the differences between these two cables

and help you make the right choice for your projects. So, what is the

difference between FPC and FFC?

Flexible flat cable

If you’ve ever wondered whether the differences between a flexible flat

cable and a traditional round electrical wire are worth the hassle, read on

to learn more about the two. Unlike traditional round cables, flexible flat

cables are thin and lightweight, making them a popular choice among

designers. In addition to helping designers save space, they can add an

innovative touch to their designs.

Pitch is the primary difference between a flexible flat and a standard flat

cable. Pitch is a measurement of the distance between the centers of two

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adjacent wire conductors. These cables are often helpful in medical

products, industrial automation, pulp and paper, festoon systems,

packaging, and semiconductor products. They are also widely used in

stereos and scanners, with many other applications. You can find them

just about everywhere in modern electronics.

Flexible circuit

In contrast to rigid circuits, flexible circuits can be flexed and maintain

their form. They consist of a thin insulating polymer film with a pattern of

conductive traces. They have been in use since the Second World War, but

their popularity is growing today. There are two main types of flexible

circuits: single-sided and double-sided. Single-sided flex circuits have only

one metal layer. They add Polyimide or FR4 overlays for added insulation

and protection against environmental degradation.

Polymer thick film flex circuits are a subtype of the flexible circuit. We

manufacture them by printing the circuit elements onto a thin polymer

film. The result is a thin, flexible layer of electrical components. Polymer

thick film flex circuits are typically single conductor layer structures,

though two or more layers can be printed in a sequence separated by

insulating layers. While they are generally less flexible, we can make

polymer flex circuits with varying amounts of metal.

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Flexible circuit cable

There are many advantages of FFC over FPC for electronic enthusiasts.

These cables feature a wide range of capabilities and components. As a

result, users often feel confused when choosing which type of cable to use.

FFC cables are commonly helpful for high-density electronic applications.

The construction material is the main difference between an FPC and an

affixed FFC cable. FPCs are thinner and have thinner conductor layers.

FFCs are helpful in LCDs and motherboards. FPCs are made of

copper, coverlay, and PI and are customizable in shape and pattern. We

can bundle these types of cables together to fit a variety of applications.

Cost

In general, FFC and FCCL cables are similar to each other, but they differ in

their cost and applications. We can make these cables with single or

double-sided copper wires. They require a chemical etching process and

have various layers of coating. The FCCL process produces thicker FFCs.

However, some companies use both types of cables for specific projects.

When choosing the type of cable to use, consider each material’s

application and cost.

Molex offers a line of FFC/FPC connectors. The line of connectors offers a

wide variety of profiles, including those with push-style and flip-style

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actuators. These connectors also come in higher-density versions. A

common application for FFC/FPC connectors is in medical equipment. Its

versatility allows it to work with different types of cable styles and

different circuit sizes.

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Connectors

Amphenol offers reliable, flexible, and high-performance connectors for

connecting FFC/FPC circuits. The company’s micro flex connectors are

available in various sizes and pitches, making them ideal for various

industrial applications. Other FFC/FPC connectors available from

Amphenol include ClincherTM and DuflexTM, which are excellent for

industrial and modulation applications and shock and vibration-prone

environments.

In general, FPC cables and connectors cost less than FFC connectors.

Companies concerned with costs often choose FFC designs, but they are

more practical. The differences between the two are not so noticeable, but

they are essential to know. If you’re looking for a high-quality connector,

look for one with an internal FPC connector with a 0.3mm pitch.

Summary

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You may have heard of Flexible Printed Circuits (FFC), but you might

wonder what the difference between them is. These circuits are made

from copper and polyimide material and are flexible enough to handle

harsh conditions. These circuits are often helpful in LCD televisions,

laptops, printers, and other applications where space concerns. There are

two types of FPCs: single-sided and double-sided.

One of the main differences between FFC and FPC is how they construct.

FFCs have straight-through conductors, while FPCs have multiple traces

that can be bent, angled, or tied to a shield. As a result, FPCs are more

flexible and are ideal for data cables. FPCs can also have varying pinouts

and impedance levels. Depending on the application, you may need to

choose an FFC or FPC that works well for your application.

FFCs are thicker than FFCs. They consist of two layers of wire, one

insulating foil, and one flat copper conductor. FPCs are helpful in tight

spaces and for high-speed applications and are often essential in vehicles.

However, they are also more difficult to bend, making them less flexible.

So if you’re trying to figure out which connector to use for a particular

application, consider FPCs.

Flat Flexible Cables can be helpful in several applications. For example,

LCDs and other electronic devices may connect using FFCs. A standard FFC

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will have one contact on each end, while FFCs with opposite contacts

require a connector.

Related Posts:

1. What is FPC Connector ?

2. What Is Edge Connector Bevelling?

3. What are the Functions and Features of FPC Battery Connector?

4. Why is Wire Connector Manufacturing Important?

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