Flat flexible cables are versatile and cost-effective

GTK has enhanced its flexible connectivity solutions to include flat flexible cables (FFC). These cables are primarily used to connect two PCBs and are versatile, cost-effective and take up minimum space in OEM equipment. Each end of the flat flexible cable typically has gold plated contacts, which insert directly into an FFC/ ZIF connector that is located on the PCB. This eliminates the need for an additional ‘cable end’ connector, resulting in applied cost benefits for this form of wire to board connection. The company offers an extensive range of flat flexible cables which are manufactured from UL 20624 certified PET material and are available in lengths ranging from 30mm to over 1m. These cables are available in 0.5mm (6-80 conductor) and 1mm (4-50 conductor) pitch versions. Both variants are available with same-side (A) and reverse side (D) contact orientation. All cables that the company supplies are made to measure for customer-specific requirements. Flat flexible cables are ideal for use in applications with moving parts, such as printers or scanners, and they can withstand repeated flexing with no damage to conductors. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide variety of applications. Caroline Ebbage, business manager for connectors at GTK, said, “FFC is not a new connector technology - it has been around for years - but it is still proving popular with design engineers because of its low cost, low profile, and high level of flexibility. As both consumer and industrial electronic products designs are generally getting smaller, flat flexible cables are often the ideal connectivity solution between PCBs. Added to that they are robust and offer considerable applied cost benefits.”