Trusty Flex PCB Connector Manufacturer in China

Value for Money – PCBMAY’s Flex PCB Connector

There are high industry standards for PCB parts like the Flex PCB Connector. Without this crucial part, many mobile devices will not function. PCBMay gives you excellent products without the high cost.

• Assured compatibility in terms of thickness
• Correct electrode pitch to satisfy width and interval of Flex PCB
• Customize the type of connector for your PCB (Rigid-to-Flex, Flex-to-flex, etc.)
• Insert into Via, ZIF connector, or mechanical crimp
• Precision in surface treatment to match connected sections

Since we are at the forefront of the competitive PCB industry, we have exacting standards. All of our Flex PCB Connector products are IPC Class 2 or 3. To boost your confidence working with us, we accept third-party audits, if you request them.

PCBMay can produce large orders from you. For example, we can make Fast PCB or Quick-turn service. If you need to be sure of getting the right schedule, contact our sales team now to know more.

You can be sure that we will do our best to get your order details complete. Our sophisticated sales team is well-trained and very responsive. In fact, you can chat with us here immediately for a quick quotation regarding your Flex PCB Connector.

Lastly, we constantly update our know-how with PCB fabrication and design. In line with this, we actively participate in Trade Shows like PCBWest. It’s good for us to get international exposure so we can relate well to our global clientele.

So, let’s do business now. Contact PCBMay for the Flex PCB Connector you deserve!

Flex PCB Connector: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

PCBs need connectors to connect with other devices or PCBs to interchange or transmit data and signals. Flex PCB connectors are one of the prevalent PCB connectors that bring ease into the industry.

It is necessary to build connectors to meet and overcome the challenges of more diminutive, lower profile heights, and lighter connectivity. Flex PCB connectors provide a high level of dependability and flexibility when it comes to connecting PCBs.

Flex PCB connectors can fit anywhere the PCB connection needs. And, today we will explore the vastness of using flex PCB connectors. This FAQ guide will drive you into the deep of the flex PCB connector.

What Is A Flex PCB Connector?

Flex PCB connectors are a sort of flexible connector that is designed to solve complicated connection issues. Flex PCB connectors are intended for use with clock intervals of less than one second, centerline and capacity heights of less than one inch, and lightweight connections.

Flex connections, following industry standards, are primarily focused on compactness. The majority of the time, no tools are required to install FPC connectors. There are many different Flex PCB connections to choose from, including 0.25 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters, 1.0 millimeters, and 1.25 millimeters.

Flex PCB Connector

The FPC connectors are distinguished by their low-profile design and small dimensions. You will also discover reliable interconnections in the FPC connectors, which employ an actuator to clamp the cable termination and provide a secure connection.

This video demonstrates further information about flex PCB Connector:

Where Do You Use Flex PCB Connectors?

A Flex PCB connector is just not a connector; it is itself a PCB also. It is ultra-thin and lightweight. It is made of flexible polymer film and other flexible materials. The flexibility fits it for a vast usable area.

It is replacing the typical rigid PCB era in many ways along with conventional flexible PCBs. FPC connectors connect flexible PCBs with a flex PCB edge connector. Where you need lightweight features and more flexibility on PCBs, flex PCB connectors with flexible PCB are a perfect choice.

Flex PCB connectors are widely used in wearable devices. Primary, the number is significant in the medical equipment. It includes hearing aids, diagnostics equipment, health monitoring, internal organ monitoring, etc.

In addition to these applications, flexible PCB connectors are also used in the automobile industry. Autopiloting, lighting, entertainment, navigation, and vehicle safety equipment are the categories.

With the development of modern communication, flex PCB connectors and flex PCBs are being used in the 5G. Also, the other next-generation electronics use FPC connectors.

The impressive micro torque of FPC ranges 1.0 mm to 0.50mm, which perfectly makes the flex PCB preferable for automation, automotive, medical equipment, and commercial and industrial devices.

Flex Connector In TV PCB

Aside from these, flex PCB connectors are found in LC displays, gaming consoles, cameras, tablet devices, TV, desktop computers, set-top boxes, hard drives, GPS tracking devices, cellphones, and other electronic devices.

On the other hand, rugged FPC connectors are used for rough and challenging environments, such as extreme temperature and vibration.

What Is A Flexible Flat Cable Connector?

The flexible flat cable, abbreviated as FFC, is a connector that looks like a ribbon cable. The ribbon cables are wide-flat in structure, where the flat cable’s name came from.

Connections using FFC connectors are typically straight connectors that do not need any external parts. Flexible plastic and polymer films are used to construct FFC connectors. In addition, there is a metallic connector located at the end of the FFC that runs parallel to the bottom of the FFC.

An integrated circuit is attached to the wire plane, resulting in a flexible printed circuit board. The FFC connections are available in three different pitch sizes:  0.50 mm,  1.00 mm, 1.25 mm, 2.49 mm, and 2.54 mm. The standard 2.49 mm is suitable for high-speed PCBs.

Flexible Flat Cable Connectors

Flexible flat cable connectors have a relatively small overall footprint due to their compact design. Because of their compactness and skinny form factor, they can occupy less space than traditional straight cables.

They provide more adaptability as well as improved electromagnetic interference mitigation. They also have the advantage of eliminating the problems associated with wire connection.

Where Do You Use The FFC Connector?

FFC connectors are one of the most popular cable connection solutions for bland applications. FFC connectors provide very high density with the feature of a fragile and flexible structure. And with the high-grade quality, they are used in sophisticated applications throughout the industry.

FFC connections are utilized in various applications such as membrane switches, displays, industrial applications, test equipment, 3D printers, and laser printers, among other uses.

Flexible Cable Connector Inside Hard Drive

In addition, FFC connections are also found in hard drives, data systems, household appliances, and medical equipment.

You can select your FFC connector pitch option for soldering from the 0.50 mm, 1.00 mm, 1.25 mm, 2.49 mm, and 2.54 mm pitch sizes.

What Are The Types Of Flex PCB Connectors?

You will find many FPC connector types in the industry. The following are the various types of flex PCB connectors you will find.

Single-Layer Flex PCB Connector

Flex carbon nanotubes are characterized by the presence of a single conducting layer. Single-layer FPC connections are formed of rust polymer or plastic film, depending on the application. Single-layer flex PCB connectors are the least expensive connectors available on the market.

Single-Layer Flex Connector

Two-Sided Flex PCB Connector

In the two-sided flex PCB connectors, two conductive layers are used. With the conductive layers, necessary drivers are implemented.

Multilayer Flex PCB Connector

In the multilayer flex PCB connectors, more than two flex conductive layers are used. More specifically, at least three are needed. I might range this up to ten layers with the necessary drivers. Multilayer FPC connectors are costly to produce.

Flex PCB Battery Connector

The objective of the battery connectors is to make miniaturized connectors. Also, the goal is to employ the proper functionality and contact properties with miniaturization.

Input/Output Connector

I/O connectors are among the essential FPC connector types for electronics. I/O connectors are used for volume control, visualization, signal transmitting, etc.

What Are The Vital Parts Of The Flex PCB Connectors?

Because of being the thinnest in the PCB industry, some parts are essential for flex PCB connectors. Ensuring the highest performance, following three parts FPC connectors play vital roles.

Plastic Body

The connectors’ bodies are made of plastic, and they must be sturdy enough to withstand the harsh conditions of the outside environment. The flex PCB connections feature a sheet-like barrier structure housed inside the connector’s plastic body. In the course of the procedures, the body provides stability for the connections.

Terminal

The significant connecting portion of the flex PCB connectors is the terminal. It uses a narrow contact approach to stabilize the connector’s and PCB’s contact. The mechanical and biocompatibility properties of the terminal are critical in this process.

PCB Connector Terminal

Card Lock

Card locks are designed to fit the shape of the connectors’ bodies. The component that keeps the FPC in place has a high level of contact force. The card lock, like the plastic body, must be strong enough to withstand repeated use. The card locks are constructed of polyphenylene sulfide components to provide stiffness.

How Do You Connect Flex PCB Connectors?

Smartphones, portable GPS systems, computers, tablets, and cameras are becoming smaller and more complex. Manufacturers demand both space-saving components and offer the enhanced connection that these devices require and parts that are simple to assemble.

FPC connections with a 0.20 mm pitch fulfill these requirements, thanks to a combination of tiny pitch and small depth. The 0.20 mm pitch is meant to be simple to construct.

The connector’s housing notches accommodate FPC ear tabs to help with cable alignment. The white terminal casing also makes it easier to view and position the tabs.

Connecting Flex Connector With PCB Is Not Complex

In addition, to improve zero installation pressure efficiency, the terminal contact gap is larger than the cable thickness. The 0.20 mm pitch connection is simple to use on the actuator. When open for cable installation, it rotates 130 degrees and is simple to lockdown.

Internally, moving contacts keep the cable in place while the terminal moves and maintains contact with stable pads. Even cable has its ups and downs.

What Are The Key Features Of A Flex PCB Connector?

With the robust design engineering and purpose of usability, flex PCB connectors implemented the following features.

• The main feature is its cable. Flex PCB connectors use FPC and FFC cables.
• You will find the availability of the FPC connectors in zero insertion force (ZIF) and non-zero insertion force (non-ZIF).
• In the Flex PCB connectors, dual, top, and bottom contact versions are available.
• You will not need any external tools to install flex PCB connectors.
• Extremely thin and lightweight.

Flexible PCB Connectors Are Extremely Thin And Lightweight

• Available low profile height in the FPC connectors.
• 25 pitch series are accepted and employed in the flex PCB connectors.

What Are The Advantages Of Flex PCB Connectors?

With the perfect compact size, design engineering, and based on useability, flex PCB connectors bring a revolution in the industry. The main benefits of it lay in its connectivity.  Here we are going to highlight some significant advantages of flex PCB connectors.

• The most significant advantage of the flex PCB connector is its flexibility. Because of the flexible materials used to make it, it is more reliable to use. FPC connectors made the connection flexible between the flex PCB edge connector and the PCB header. It is foldable and bendable.
• The flex PCB connectors are very lightweight.  Because of its small size, it saves a lot of space. Storing the connections becomes dependable and straightforward as a result of this. As a bonus, it is very useful in intricate and tightly fitting assemblies.
• FPC connections have a very long service life. They can complete a total of 200,000 twisting sessions.

Flexible Connectors Are Highly Compatible With High-Frequency PCBs

• Because of their flexibility and bendability, FPC connections can absorb and disperse more vibrations than other types of connectors.
• FPC connectors easily fit in high-speed and high-frequency PCB
• Flex PCB connectors are compatible with surface mount component technology.
• Efficient thermal management is one of the essential advantages of FPC connectors. Due to material elasticity, flex connectors can withstand extensive heat.
• Flex connections are resistant to corrosion. Aside from that, the material used in flexible PCB connections is moisture-resistant, water-resistant, and shock-resistant. As a result, they are capable of delivering results in a hostile atmosphere.
• Flex PCB connectors are cost-effective.

What Are The Different Connector Styles For Flex PCB Connectors?

The style that flex PCB connectors use to be connected with the PCB is mainly two types.

I. Zero Insertion Force (ZIF)

ZIF is an IC socket type connector style that requires a little connecting force to be linked. It is more costly than a standard IC socket. ZIF connection type incorporates actuator for the security purpose of the flex cables.

ZIF Connector Style

ZIF connection type is excellent for high-vibration applications. ZIF utilizes reduced wear on contacts and boosts mating twisting count. It also assures preservation of the links.

II. Non-Zero Insertion Force (non-ZIF)

The non-zero insertion force connector type makes use of friction to ensure that flex cable connections remain secure. A reduced matting cycle count is achieved, which is advantageous for static applications. The zero insertion force counterpart is likewise smaller and lighter than the zero insertion force counterpart.

It is less expensive than ZIF and takes up less space as a result.

What Is The 0.5 MM Pitch Flex PCB Connector Part Number?

The following are the specifications for a flex PCB connection with a 0.5 mm pitch’s part number.

• Connector style: Zero insertion force.
• Adjustment: Vertical
  • Contact type: N/A
  • PCB mount technology: Surface mount technology
  • Actuator type: Suffer
  • Plating: gold flash
  • Features: Type A and B
  • Position count: 6 to 40

0.5 mm Connector Pitch

• Adjustment: Right Angle
  • Contact type: Top/bottom/dual contact
  • PCB mount technology: Surface mount technology
  • Actuator type: Suffer/front flip-lock/back flip-lock
  • Plating: gold flash/30u” Gold
  • Features: Narrow housing/black housing/90-degree flip-lock/low profile
  • Position count: 6 to 40/ 5 to 50/ 5 to 53/ 4 to 56/ 4 to 60/ 4 to 10, etc.

What Is A Flexible PCB That Uses Flex PCB Connectors?

Flexible PCB

Flexible PCBs are printed circuit boards that are composed of flexible, bendable, and foldable materials. They are made of polyimide, polyether ether ketone, or polyester films.

Flexible printed circuit boards are available in single-sided, two-sided, and multilayered configurations. Flex PCBs are used in various electronic applications such as OLED manufacturing, LCD fabrication, flex solar cells, automotive, etc. Telephones, cameras, and other high-tech electronic devices all rely on flexible PCBs to power themselves.

Flexible PCB

Flexible PCBs feature:

• Less assembling period, bendable, and foldable,
• Compact size,
• Lightweight,
• Thin in thickness.

It has various advantages such as:

• Efficient thermal management capability that absorbs heat correctly and dissipates to the air.
• Provides flexible reliability and reworkability.
• Appropriate for high-frequency applications.
• Decreases the weight of the application by almost 70%, which increases performance.
• It eliminates the possibility of wiring mistakes.
• Improves mechanical and electrical performance.

What Are The Key Differences Between Flexible PCBs And Rigid PCBs?

Unlike flex PCBs, rigid PCBs are made of rigid materials. The rigid materials ensure the rigidity of the board. In multilayer PCB, rigid core substrates are composed together with high pressure and heat. They can’t be bent and folded.

There are several core differences between flexible PCBs and rigid PCBs in their aspects. They are mentioned as follows.

➢ Softness And Flexibility

The core difference between the rigid and flexible PCBs is the core material. Rigid PCBs are made of flexible and soft materials such as polyimide, Teflon, plastic films, etc. They provide flexibility, bendability, and foldability to flexible PCBs.

On the other hand, rigid substrates ensure the rigidity of rigid PCBs. They are fixed in shape. They can’t be folded or bent once completed.

➢ Connectivity Reliability

Flexible printed circuit boards provide great extensive connectivities compared to rigid PCBs. They are also able to offer connections in dynamic flex applications. And here, continuous flexibility is required to comply with electronics such as laptops, foldable smartphones, and other foldable devices.

➢ Weight Comparison

Flexible PCBs reduce weight with the help of thin and lightweight substrates. And lightweight substrates ensure lighter products as a result. On the other hand, rigid materials can reduce the size and weight of the product on a big scale.

➢ Durability

Rigid PCBs are reasonably solid and rigid enough. But the flex PCBs have extensive vibration and shock absorbing power than any other PCBs. It helps flexible PCBs to get a durable long-life period.

How Do You Test The Flex PCB Connectors?

Various testing methods are applied to test flex PCB connectors to ensure their desired performance and lifespan. Following are the testing methods that are employed to test the flexible PCB connectors.

In-Circuit Testing (ICT)

To perform the bed of nails test, ICT powers on each circuit on the connector and then tests each circuit individually. The use of a fixed probe placed is utilized to confirm that the design matches the schematic. The probes inspect the connectors to ensure that they are in good working order and have soldered connections.

Flying Probe Testing

In the flying probe testing procedure, needles are employed in conjunction with probes across the x and y axes of the machine. As a non-powered testing procedure, the flying probe is used to detect issues for holes, capacitance, shorts, inductance, resistance, and diodes in flex PCB connectors.

Flying Probe Testing

Automated Optical Inspection

A 2D or two 3D cameras take photos of the circuit connectors and compare them with the schematic. It ensures the matching of the products with the design.

Burn-In Testing

Flex circuit connections are subjected to extreme heat during the burn-in testing process, which lasts for an extended period. Heat is administered for 48 to 168 hours at their maximum compliance temperature to assure heat resistance.

What Are The Materials Used In Flex PCB Connectors?

The following materials are used to make flex PCB connectors.

Core Materials

The flex PCB connectors’ flexibility is ensured by the core materials used in their construction. Polyester and polyimide film are some of the materials used. Teflon and polyethylene naphthalene are two more materials that may be encountered.

Polyimide Film

Conductive Materials

Conductive materials ensure the current flow across the connector. Copper is the primary conductive material that is used in the flex PCB connectors.

Adhesive

The adhesive is essential in flex PCB connectors because it allows the conductive material and the core materials to be joined together. Epoxy and acrylic are two types of adhesives that are often utilized.

Insulator

When it comes to protecting connections from vibration and stress, the insulator is the substance used. Polyimide film is the most effective insulator available for use in flex connections.

What Is A Board-To-FPC Connector?

You must utilize the board to FPC connectors to link flexible and rigid printed circuit boards when connecting flexible and stiff printed circuit boards together. Most of the time, tiny modules connect to the FPC board through the board to the FPC connection.

Board To FPC Connector

Board to FPC connections link them to the PCB, which has a small footprint due to the routing option’s small design. Camera modules and display panels are examples of this. It makes use of connections with a slight pitch.

How Do You Solder A Flex PCB Connector?

To solder the PCB connector with the PCB heder, you need,

• Solder iron,
• Flux,
• Solder paste,
• Connector,
• PCB

Prepare the soldering iron with proper heat. Get ready the connector and the board to solder. Before starting soldering, clean the pins both on the connector and the board.

Place the connector header on the PCB header. Ensure the necessary heat. Get the iron in the solder, and keep touching for good solder melts. Just keep in mind that the excessive heat of the soldering iron might damage the connector pins.

Touch the solder iron head together on the connector header and board header with proper hand pressure. Let the solder be cool. Repeat the process with every joining pin. The flex PCB connector is soldered with the PCB.

Soldering the flex PCB connectors to the PCB header needs a little experience. Accurate flux and temperature control of the soldering iron are essential here.

This video will help you to understand the soldering of the flex PCB connectors:

What Are The Features Of A Rigid-Flex PCB Connector?

The combination of rigid and flex circuit connectors features rigid-flex PCB connectors. It is featured with some significant features. They are as follows.

Rigid-Flex Connector

• High-density wiring is used throughout.
• Facility with a high level of dependability.
• High-frequency support is provided.
• Exceptional heat absorption and dissipation capabilities
• Supports for the flex part’s adaptability are provided.
• Electric current receives a lot of support.

Who Are The Most Reliable Flex PCB Connector Manufacturers?

Selecting a flex PCB manufacturer is one of the vital sections of getting quality products. So, you should thoroughly verify several facts about them. If they fulfill the following criteria, you may work with them.

• In possession of an IPC certification.
• A significant amount of industry experience is required.
• Capabilities for large-scale manufacturing.
• Modern and up-to-date equipment is used in the manufacturing facilities.
• Factory with a lot of advantages.
• Staff with a high level of professionalism
• Production of high quality.

Conclusion

Flex PCB connectors are the modern attachment to the electronic industry. To manufacture flex connectors, extreme caution and cutting-edge technology are required. When it comes to flex PCB connection manufacturing, you may want to consider PCBMay as a possible option.

PCBMay is a high-quality manufacturing company that also offers substantial technical assistance. We have already been providing excellent service to our consumers all around the globe for flex PCB connectors. We will provide you with the services you need.