FPC connectors have been established in response to challenges in this emerging industry which calls for smaller centerline or timer distances, smaller capacity heights, and lightweight interconnection solutions as the industry trends towards miniaturization. TE’s FPC connectoris reliable interconnections using FPC cable terminators are field-specific terminable (no tools necessary), available in 0.25mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 1.0mm, and 1.25mm interfaces, and low-profile detail height and compact characteristics.
Introduction
Connectors have been created to address the challenges of this expanding market, which requires smaller centerlines or pitch distances, lower profile heights, and lighter interconnect solutions. There are many ways to explore the capabilities of FPC connectors.
One of the prevalent cable connector alternatives for smart applications is a Flexible PCB connector(FPC). These connectors with fragile shape factors and unparalleled flexibility provide a very high density and therefore serve numerous advanced applications and in all different market segments. These flexible cable solutions can fit into tight rooms with a fantastic profile design with the constantly decreasing form factor criteria.
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Where can FPC be used?
FPC connectors, such as wearable electronics and medical equipment, are widely used in many significant, convenient applications. In the automotive sector, increased FFC/FPC connectorssupport innovative capabilities like in-vehicle infotainment, bright lighting, driving autopilot modes such as ADAS, and support for navigation and safety settings.
With Smart manufacturing and 5G technology deployment, FFC/FPC connectors explore options in many next-generation applications. Amphenol provides high-performance, flexible, reliable FPC solutions to fulfil the requirements of all new devices.
The micro flex connectors provided in 1.00mm torque and 0.50mm torque are preferably used for a wide variety of automotive, medical, connectivity, data and commercial devices. ClincherTM and DuflexTM are ideal for industrial and modulation applications; in particular, shock or vibration is a problem, such as industrial control systems, non-automotive transport, and retail materials.
What is FFC Connector?
Flexible Flat Cable FFC connectorsare ribbon-like plastic, polymer, film, or designed polyurethane connectors with metallic termination parallel to the foundation. On the other hand, FPC contains printed or inserted circuitry on the FPC cable board that helps the cable feature as a variable PCB. In 1.00mm and 0.50mm, pitch sizes, Amphenol offers multi-hight vibration-proof flex connectors. Both FFC/FPC connectors with a 2.49mm pitch are accessible in ZIP, Non-ZIF, LIF, and high-speed.
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Where can FFC be used?
FFC (flexible flat cables) are a kind of ribbon cable called its comprehensive centralized system. Usually, they are smooth connectors without extra tools. FFC cables are generally a plastic film connected to several metallic connectors referred to as “pitch.”
The construction of FFC cables makes it less space and more flexible than round cables and often provides better EMI / RFI removal and the elimination of wire coupling problems.
They strive to be used in more excellent electronic systems — particularly where high levels of flexibility are required, such as connections to a moveable printer head, wrapping mobile phones, or mass or space restrictions.
Electronic equipment offers a selection of FFC cables for soldering or connecting with 0,5 mm, 0,8 mm, 1 mm, 1,25 mm, and 2.54 mm pitch.
Electronics provides a variety of FFC connectors satisfactory for different pitches to enhance our range of FFC cables.
Difference between FFC & FPC
Most users, mainly those new to the electronic and printed circuit boards world, can be tricky when distinguishing between FPC and FFC.
While FFC and FPC would be the same, they are entirely different. Look closely. They also offer various advanced features. Then how do you spot the difference between FFC/FPC connectors?
Here you will find how the difference between two cables can be understood;
Application Differences in FFC&FPC
There are several different roles of both the FFC and the FPC cables; FFC cables are used extensively for high-flex applications, starting with their specific applications. Everyones use widening in almost all electrical appliances we use in modern times. Plotters, copiers, scanners, fax machines, stereos, and LCD appliances are also used in the application areas of FFC cables.
FPC is available in antennas, audible devices, LCD TVs, cameras, laptops, and printers. They are also pervasive in the aviation sector. FPCs have developed over the years, offering performance and quality.
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Production Difference in FFC FPC
FFC are also different from FPC when it comes to manufacturing processes. FPCs are produced by grafting on the Flexible Copper Clad Laminate (FCCL) and cut to size into various layers then. However, FFC requires a structured lamination of the copper wires and flat polyethene terephthalate (PET).
That’s why, we realize that cables are usually a little thicker and much more important than flexible printed cables. In contrast to FPCs, FFCs are made with two layers of wires that insulate the foil on its flat copper ductor.
The Thickness
As already mentioned, FFCs would work well in several application areas. Compared with flexible printed circuits. For example, tight fields require cables of a greater thickness than cables in applications that are not highly stressful.
The ideal thickness of FFC wires designed to work in challenging environments is 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm,1.25mm, 1.27mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, and 2.54mm. On the other hand, there is little room for FPC cables, many of which are thick between 0.15 mm and 0.2 mm.
Inability to Replace Eachother
Finally, the inability to substitute or fit where others can work while working as required differentiates versatile circuits from flat flexible cables. For example, their manufacturing strategies are classified. Flexible printed circuits, in comparison with flexible flat cables, are somewhat vulnerable.
Nevertheless, flexible flat cables include components that are good heat highly conductive. As such, one could almost not fit into another’s role. Another significant element between FFCs and FPCs is, therefore, the inability to replace one another.
FPC connectors Types
There are many different FPCconnector typesin ideal applications, including FPC. The categories of products can be defined as internal FPC connectors.
- Pitch 0.2mm: Y2B series.
- 0.3mm pitch: Y3BL Series, Y3B/W Series.
- Pitch: 0.5mm: Y5B series.
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Panel to Panel Connector
The Panel to panel connector trend for mobile devices is smaller than the pin width and length that the 0.4mm pitch is the primary item and will grow to 0.35mm or lower, followed by a lower height request and protecting in the coming years. At the same time, the BTB (Board to Bard connector) height will also decrease to 0.9mm.
FPC Battery Connector
The battery connector can be split up into the type of elastic sheet and knife. The battery connector technological trend is primarily miniaturization, new battery functionality, low contact properties, and excellent connectivity reliability.
Connector I/O
I/O Connector is among the essential interfaces on mobile telephones and other electrical systems, such as power and signal link, volume reduction, and product standardization. The connector must be slimmer, the visualization and the water-resistant function must be provided.
FFC/FPC connector Molexhas a broad range of products that deliver the best variety of signal reliability, controllability, wide circuit size range, and cable style of any similar model on the market.
In contrast to flexible flat cables, there are several FPC connector types, as shown below.
- Single-layer circuits
Also referred to as one-sided circuits. These are made of rust polymer or metal only with a single conductive layer on flexible carbon nanotubes. These are cheap to produce compared with the rest.
- Two-sided
These are flexible circuits, as the name suggests. They are made up of two layers of drivers.
- Flexible multilayer circuits
Three or even more layers of transmission lines are available. Some of them have 4 layers. Others may have up to six layers, whereas others may have more than ten layers of drivers. Compared with single or double flex circuits, they are costly to produce. Multilayer flex circuits can also be available in a variety of sizes.
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Important Parts of FPC Connector
The FPC connector is the latest kind, laminated by an elevated automatic processing equipment line of data cables made of PET isolation material and excellent tinned flat copper wire. To make the electrical and mechanical connections, it is used to relate the circuit board (PCB) and the flexible imported circuit board (FPC).
There are prescriptive matching specifications between FPC connector structures, and the accuracy of the three components in production is critical.
terminal
The terminal is the FPC/FFC connector contact part. The FPC/FFC connector terminal is used to ensure a high-density connector setting and stable contact performance by using a narrow contact method and selecting the material with high biocompatibility and mechanical properties.
Plastic body
Everything inside the plastic material is a sheet-like barrier framework, which can be organized after installation at a small interval and gives a specific stabilization force. According to the applicable specifications of the application, the plastic body must be strong and rigid enough, and no warp deflection must occur before and after the soldering of the SMT.
Card lock
The locking components are matched to the plastic body. The fastening parts are used to lock the FPC/FFC to preserve a specific contact force when the FPC/FFC is implanted. The parts must therefore be sufficiently rigid and are mainly prepared with raw PPS components.
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FAQs
What is a FPC connector? ›
FPC connectors connect flexible printed cable (FPC) to the board. FPC is a type of FFC in which the conductors are printed on the cable substrate instead of embedded within it. FPC/FFC connectors are sometimes called ribbon connectors.
What is PCB circuit assembly? ›A printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) describes the finished board after all the components have been soldered and installed on a printed circuit board (PCB). The conductive pathways engraved in the laminated copper sheets of PCBs are used within a non-conductive substrate in order to form the assembly.
What is the HS code for FPC connector? ›Fpc connector and HSN Code 8536 Exports from India.
What are PCB connectors used for? ›PCB connectors are used for connecting conductors to printed circuit boards for the transmission of signals, data, and power.
What is the use of FPC? ›The fish protein concentrate (FPC) may be used for nutritional enrichment of food and feed, especially those of low nutritional value. Recently, this application was tested in the formulation of a particular product.
What's the difference between PCB and circuit board? ›A PCB is a blank circuit board with no electronic components attached, while a PCBA is a completed assembly that contains all of the components required for the board to function as needed for the desired application. A PCB is not yet functional, while a PCBA is ready to be used in an electronic device.
How do I find my HS code? ›The HS code for your product will be listed on the commercial invoice a buyer receives with their order. It may be used to classify products upon export and to calculate applicable taxes and duties upon import.
What is a 6 digit HS code? ›The World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (HS) uses code numbers to define products. A code with a low number of digits defines broad categories of products; additional digits indicate sub-divisions into more detailed definitions. Six-digit codes are the most detailed definitions that are used as standard.
How do I choose a PCB connector? ›- Price: Not all connectors are same. ...
- Polarity protection: This factor is quite important when you are dealing with power connectors. ...
- Current rating and Operating temperature: PCB traces carry current and in turn dissipate heat. ...
- EMI and ESD shielding: ...
- Size and Footprint:
Wire-to-board connectors typically use crimp technology to allow the connection of a wire to a printed circuit board (PCB). Once the connector has been crimped to the wire, the contacts or terminals can then be inserted into the corresponding housing to complete the interconnect.
What are the 3 types of connectors? ›
Electrical connectors are classified into three types based on their termination ends: board-to-board connectors, cable/wire-to-cable/wire connectors, and cable/wire-to-board connectors.
Where is PCB commonly used? ›Communications: Smartphones, smart watches, tablets, and radios all utilise PCBs as a foundation for the product. Computers: Home desktop PCs, workstations, laptops, and satellite navigation have PCBs at their core. Most devices with screens and peripheral devices also have circuit boards within them.
What are the common connectors for PCB? ›The most common PCB connector types include one-piece card edge; PCI Express, Micro TCA, and VRM connectors and two-piece board-to-board; FFC/FPC, stacking connectors, wire-to-board, DIN41612, PCMCIA, M55302, memory/adapter card sockets, backplane and mezzanine connectors, as well as square/round post headers and ...
What is FPC process? ›The FPC On Board (FOB) process is a brand-new methodology which involves soldering FPCs and PCBs together by SMT (Surface Mount Technology) reflow soldering. It combines both soft and hard board bonding processes. The FPC soldered into the PCB is treated as an exceptional, special device.
What does FPC mean? ›The Fundamental Payroll Certification is open to all those who wish to demonstrate a baseline of payroll competency. The FPC is designed for: Entry-level payroll professionals. Sales professionals/consultants serving the payroll industry.
What is the full meaning of FPC? ›1. Federal Power Commission: a board established chiefly to regulate the natural gas and electric power industries engaged in interstate commerce: replaced by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
What are the 3 requirements of a circuit? ›- a conductive "path," such as wire, or printed etches on a circuit board;
- a "source" of electrical power, such as a battery or household wall outlet, and,
- a "load" that needs electrical power to operate, such as a lamp.
A standard PCB in its most basic form is a plastic board covered in fibreglass. Components are mounted on a non-conductive board and connected with small pathways, called traces. These traces allow the electrical components across the board to function by passing electricity through.
How many types of PCB boards are there? ›With so many different industries and devices utilizing PCBs, the construction of these critical components has evolved. There are now six different types of printed circuit boards, including: Single-sided. Double-sided.
What is PCB explained? ›A printed circuit board, or PCB, is used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate.
What is an example of a PCB? ›
Products that may contain PCBs include: Transformers and capacitors. Electrical equipment including voltage regulators, switches, re-closers, bushings, and electromagnets. Oil used in motors and hydraulic systems.
What are the basic parts of PCB? ›- Resistors. Resistors are one of the most crucial and common components in a PCB. ...
- Transistors. A transistor is simply an amplifier used to switch or control the electronic signals in a board. ...
- Capacitors. ...
- Inductors. ...
- Transformers. ...
- Diodes. ...
- Sensors.
PCB materials are generally made up of three elements that work together to meet the specific needs of the electronic system: Copper, Resin and Glass.
Do HS codes expire? ›The HS is administrated by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and is updated every five years.
How much is customs duty in USA? ›Duty tax rates are between 0 to 37.5% with the typical rate being 5.63%. A flat rate of 3% applies to e-commerce purchases that are in excess of the US import tax threshold limits.
How many HS codes are there? ›At the international level, the Harmonized System (HS) for classifying goods is a six-digit code system. The HS comprises approximately 5,300 article/product descriptions that appear as headings and subheadings, arranged in 99 chapters, grouped in 21 sections. The six digits can be broken down into three parts.
What is a 10 digit tariff code? ›An HTS code is a unique 10-digit number that determines the tariff tax or duty incurred on items imported into the United States from other countries. HTS stands for Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
What are the last 4 digits of an HS code? ›The 4 digit number that is added to the 6-digit HS code is known as the Schedule B number. It classifies the products further and is used and administered by the US Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, and Foreign Trade Division.
Do I need HS codes? ›It is best practice to include both the Harmonized Code and a detailed description when shipping internationally. While it is not required, using Harmonized Codes for your international shipments will: Help your packages move through customs more quickly. Help to ensure correct taxation on your exported products.
How are PCB boards connected? ›The circuits and components of a double-layer PCB board are usually connected in one of two ways: either utilizing a through-hole or with the use of a surface-mount.
What is the best type of PCB? ›
Guidelines for PCB Material Choice
FR-4 is widely used in standard boards. Its Tg point is 135˚C. It also has a high-Tg version (150-210˚C) that makes it applicable in high-density uses. CEM-1, CEM-2 and CEM-3 also work well in high-density applications.
The main difference between FPC and FFC is that a flexible flat cable refers to any type of electrical cable that is flexible and flat, while an FPC is a flexible printed circuit. The construction of FFC cables means that they take up much less space, and can offer greater flexibility than round cables.
What is FPC? ›The Fundamental Payroll Certification is open to all those who wish to demonstrate a baseline of payroll competency. The FPC is designed for: Entry-level payroll professionals. Sales professionals/consultants serving the payroll industry.
What is PCB and FPC? ›Electronic Components. Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) and Flexible Printed Circuits (FPC)
Is F connector the same as coax? ›The F connector (also F-type connector) is a coaxial RF connector commonly used for "over the air" terrestrial television, cable television and universally for satellite television and cable modems, usually with RG-6/U cable or with RG-59/U cable.
What does FFC mean on wire? ›FFC (flexible flat cables) are a type of ribbon cable, so named due to their wide flat structure. They are usually a straight connector, without any additional components.
Is FPC a PCB? ›The flexible-type FPC is a double-sided PCB that can withstand bending forces. Additionally, we mainly use it in electrical interconnection applications. FPCs have become popular among engineers due to their easily modified and customized without any solder joints.
What does FFC mean in electronics? ›A flexible flat cable is a type of flexible electronics. However, the term FFC usually refers to the extremely thin flat cable often found in high-density electronic applications like laptops and cell phones.
How hard is the FPC exam? ›Is the FPC exam hard? The FPC exam is not considered to be particularly difficult, especially if an appropriate amount of studying is done in advance.
How many questions is the FPC exam? ›THE FORMAT OF THE EXAM
The FPC Examination is administered electronically, and candidates have three (3) hours to complete it. The examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, including twenty-five (25) that are pre-test questions.
How much is the FPC exam? ›
You can take the test during certain testing windows throughout the year. The test fee is $320 for APA members and $395 for non-members. Candidates have three hours to complete the test. Candidates will receive their test score at the test center, when the exam is complete.
What does PCB board stand for? ›printed circuit board (PCB)
What is FPC manufacturing process? ›Processing of FPC Reinforced Board
The adhesive film with one side of the release film is attached to the reinforcement board, and then the shape and hole are processed, and then it is laminated with the flexible printed board by the hot roll lamination method.
Factory Production Control (FPC) covers the procedures which are put in place to allow a manufacturer to maintain consistency in quality and to keep records of non-conforming products, processes or materials, in order to make improvements.
How do I connect my F type connector to my TV? ›Twist-on F connector: Fit the F connector onto the end of the cable and twist it clockwise until the white plastic layer contacts the hole inside the connector, and the copper wire extends about 1/16 inch beyond the front end of the connector. For twist-on connectors, your work is done.
What two types of F connectors are there? ›The F connector is also knowsn as Threaded Connector. There are two main types: 7 mm (6.8mm) is the most common and most used in coaxial cables, and connector 5mm that it is used in a thin coaxial cable typically used in satellite systems.
What kind of coax cable is used for TV? ›The most common types of coaxial cable for video are RG-59 and RG-6. Of these, RG-59 is the industry standard cable, whereas RG-6 is better for digital video signals.