What are FFC (Flat Flexible Cables)?

FFCs (Flat Flexible Cables) consist of multiple flat conductors insulated with a flexible plastic film that is laid out with conductors that are straight. FFCs are available in many pitches such as 0.5mm, 1.00mm and 1.25mm. FFCs typically have a stiffener attached to the opposite side of the contact portion to be inserted into a connector. They are simple one-to-one hookup jumpers found on LCDs, mother boards, touch screens, cameras and other various devices.

• Browse Our Selection of Custom FFC Cables Here

What are Type 1, Type A, or Type BD FFCs?

These are FFCs that have the contacts on the same side.

What are Type 2, Type D, or Type AD FFCs?

These are FFCs with contacts on the opposite sides.

Can You Shield an FFC?

Yes, we can add a shielding tape layer to an FFC. Custom built FFCs can even have pins tied to the shield.

What is a Ribbon Cable Used For?

An FFC ribbon cable is used for straight through board to board connections.

What is an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit)?

An FPC is a Flexible Printed Circuit. FPCs are flexible and foldable printed circuits that consist of a layer or multiple layers of copper traces with a polyester base layer. FPCs can have electronic components mounted to its traces and have overlapping traces.

• Browse Our Selection of Custom FPC Here

What is the Difference Between a FFC and FPC?

FFCs and FPCs are often confused as they look very similar, both are flat, and they both transfer data. However, they are very different.

• FFCs typically must have conductors that are straight through with pinouts that are either 1 to 1, or 1-n.
• FPCs on the other hand can have a variety of pinouts as they can be multi-layered with conductors that cross over each other. FPCs can also be impedance controlled which makes them a better choice for data cables such as LVDS. FPCs can also be designed to have bends and angles, rather than just being rectangular.

Selecting using an FPC or FFC would depend on what application you will be using it for. We can help you select the right cable for your purposes.

What Does the “Pitch” of an FFC or FPC Mean?

The pitch is the distance between the center of one conductor to the center of the conductor next to it.

What is an FFC/FPC Connector?

FFC and FPCs can mate to very common ZIF (zero insertion force) type connectors. FPCs can have connectors mounted to the conductors on the FPC. We also stock FFC/FPC to Round Wire connectors. Quadrangle Products can help suggest connectors for your application.

Do You Stock FFCs and FPCs?

We do stock many different FFC parts in various lengths, pitches, and conductor counts. Quadrangle has over 100,000 individual FFCs in stock at any time. With our unique ability to SLICE and NOTCH our FFC products we are able to support rapid prototypes often within a few days.

While we do stock some FPC parts, most of these tend to be custom built, designed for your application. Quadrangle Products Inc. is a leading cable assembly manufacturer and our engineers will help to guide you from conception to final product throughout the entire process. We use UL & CSA approved components in all of our cable assemblies.

Are There FPC Extension Cables Available to Extend FPCs?

Yes, Quadrangle Products has several solutions to extend an FPC tail.

To learn more about custom cables from Quadrangle Products Inc. visit our FAQs page or reach out to us via our contact form.

We are continually monitoring the situation caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and
safety of our employees and customers remains our top priority. We are closely following all
Federal, State and Local government recommendations so we can best serve our customers during
this rapidly changing situation. We have adopted additional preventive protocols such as hand
washing polices, cleaning and disinfecting of work spaces and limiting close contact of employees.
Quadrangle Products is in communication with our suppliers and is monitoring the impact on our
supply chain. For updates on COVID-19, please continue to check the World Health Organization
website.

With the rise of tablets and smartphones, touch screens have become a part of our everyday lives. Quadrangle Products understands that touchscreen cable extensions are a product our clients will need in many of their projects and have experience helping people find exactly what they need for their specific situation.

Uses for LCD Touchscreen Cable Extensions

In many cases you will find that Touchscreens (PCAP) have a cable already attached the unit that does not have a long enough length to reach your Touchscreen Controller. At Quadrangle Products we have a line of products to increase the length of your LCD Touchscreen’s Flat Flexible Cable (Ribbon Cable) using one of our many Touchscreen Extensions. We can help guide you through the process of determining which one will work best for your needs.

LCD Touchscreen Extension Kits

At Quadrangle Products Inc. we offer many of the most common types of Touchscreen Extensions off the shelf and we can custom build you one as well if you require it.

The most common conductor pitches that we stock are 0.5mm and 1.00mm in a variety of lengths.

See some of our Touchscreen Extension Products:

• 800-00131 - QD23204-3: 3″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 33 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 33 position FFC/FPC cables by 3″. It consists of our QD7018-33C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 33 position 0.50mm pitch 3″ long FFC.
• 800-00132 - QD23204-6: 6″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 33 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 33 position FFC/FPC cables by 6″. It consists of our QD7018-33C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 33 position 0.50mm pitch 6″ long FFC.
• 800-00133 - QD23204-9: 9″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 33 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 33 position FFC/FPC cables by 9″. It consists of our QD7018-33C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 33 position 0.50mm pitch 9″ long FFC.
• 800-00134 - QD23204-12: 12″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 33 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 33 position FFC/FPC cables by 12″. It consists of our QD7018-33C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 33 position 0.50mm pitch 12″ long FFC.
• 800-00135 - QD23205-2: 2″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 40 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 40 position FFC/FPC cables by 2″. It consists of our QD7018-40C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 40 position 0.50mm pitch 2″ long FFC.
• 800-00136 - QD23205-6: 6″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 40 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 40 position FFC/FPC cables by 6″. It consists of our QD7018-40C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 40 position 0.50mm pitch 6″ long FFC.
• 800-00137 - QD23205-12: 12″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 40 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 40 position FFC/FPC cables by 12″. It consists of our QD7018-40C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 40 position 0.50mm pitch 12″ long FFC.
• 800-00138 - QD23300-6: 6″ EXTENSION for 1mm 4 position. This kit allows you to extend 1.0mm pitch 4 position FFC/FPC cables by 6″. It consists of a discrete wire portion, and a short FFC. 4 position 1.0mm pitch FFC or FPC parts are inserted in one end.
• 800-00139 - QD23300-12: 12″ EXTENSION for 1mm 4 position. This kit allows you to extend 1.0mm pitch 4 position FFC/FPC cables by 12″. It consists of a discrete wire portion, and a short FFC. 4 position 1.0mm pitch FFC or FPC parts are inserted in one end.
• 800-00140 - QD23301-6: 6″ EXTENSION for 1mm 6 position. This kit allows you to extend 1.0mm pitch 6 position FFC/FPC cables by 6″. It consists of a discrete wire portion, and a short FFC. 6 position 1.0mm pitch FFC or FPC parts are inserted in one end.
• 800-00141 - QD23301-12: 12″ EXTENSION for 1mm 6 position. This kit allows you to extend 1.0mm pitch 6 position FFC/FPC cables by 12″. It consists of a discrete wire portion, and a short FFC. 6 position 1.0mm pitch FFC or FPC parts are inserted in one end.
• 800-00142 - QD23207-3: 3″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 50 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 50 position FFC/FPC cables by 3″. It consists of our QD7018-50C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 50 position 0.50mm pitch 3″ long FFC.
• 800-00143 - QD23207-6: 6″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 50 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 50 position FFC/FPC cables by 6″. It consists of our QD7018-50C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 50 position 0.50mm pitch 6″ long FFC.
• 800-00144 - QD23207-9: 9″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 50 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 50 position FFC/FPC cables by 9″. It consists of our QD7018-50C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 50 position 0.50mm pitch 9″ long FFC.
• 800-00145 - QD23207-12: 12″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 50 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 50 position FFC/FPC cables by 12″. It consists of our QD7018-50C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 50 position 0.50mm pitch 12″ long FFC.
• 800-00146 - QD23207-15: 15″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 50 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 50 position FFC/FPC cables by 15″. It consists of our QD7018-50C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 50 position 0.50mm pitch 15″ long FFC.
• 800-00147 - QD23206-9: 9″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 45 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 45 position FFC/FPC cables by 9″. It consists of our QD7018-45C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 45 position 0.50mm pitch 9″ long FFC.
• 800-00148 - QD23203-2: 2″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 30 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 30 position FFC/FPC cables by 2″. It consists of our QD7018-30C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 30 position 0.50mm pitch 2″ long FFC.
• 800-00149 - QD23203-3: 3″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 30 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 30 position FFC/FPC cables by 3″. It consists of our QD7018-30C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 30 position 0.50mm pitch 3″ long FFC.
• 800-00150 - QD23203-7: 7″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 30 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 30 position FFC/FPC cables by 7″. It consists of our QD7018-30C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 30 position 0.50mm pitch 7″ long FFC.
• 800-00151 - QD23201-3: 3″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 10 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 10 position FFC/FPC cables by 3″. It consists of our QD7018-10C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 10 position 0.50mm pitch 3″ long FFC.
• 800-00152 - QD23202-3: 3″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 20 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 20 position FFC/FPC cables by 3″. It consists of our QD7018-20C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 20 position 0.50mm pitch 3″ long FFC.
• 800-00153 - QD23202-6: 6″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 20 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 20 position FFC/FPC cables by 6″. It consists of our QD7018-20C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 20 position 0.50mm pitch 6″ long FFC.
• 800-00154 - QD23202-9: 9″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 20 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 20 position FFC/FPC cables by 9″. It consists of our QD7018-20C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 20 position 0.50mm pitch 9″ long FFC.
• 800-00155 - QD23202-12: 12″ EXTENSION for 0.50mm 20 position. This kit allows you to extend 0.50mm pitch 20 position FFC/FPC cables by 12″. It consists of our QD7018-20C adapter board that allows two FFC/FPC parts to be connected together, along with our stock 20 position 0.50mm pitch 12″ long FFC.

When it comes to finding the right cable for a project, the abundance of options can be overwhelming, especially to those who are not well versed in all the different types of cables and wires out there. FFC Cable (Flat Flexible Cable) is an increasingly popular and necessary type of cable in a world where technology is getting smaller and more compact.

What are Flat Flexible Cables (FFC)?

While “FFC” is a broad term that can be used to describe any cable that is flat and flexible, it usually describes the extremely thin, flat cables found in high-density electronics. Devices such as modern televisions, smartphones, and tablets all utilize FFCs.

• Browse Our Selection of Custom FFC Cables Here

Advantages and Common Uses of Flat Flexible Cables

What are some of the advantages of Flat Flex Cable over other models and when are they most useful? Here is a brief breakdown to give you a good idea if FFCs are right for your project.

Flat Flexible Cable (FFC Cable) Advantages

• Low profile and narrow width
• High flexibility
• Quick and easy, ready-to-plug connection
• Easily foldable
• Simple locking mechanism
• Provides reliable connection

FFC Cable Common Uses

FFCs are found in many electronic devices including:

• Flat panel display interconnects
• Mother boards
• Touch screens
• Cameras
• Video displays
• Monitors
• HD television displays
• Smartphones and tablets

Common Questions Related to Flat Flexible Cables

We get a lot of questions regarding cables. Some of the common questions regarding flat flexible cables include:

• What are flat flexible cables and wires used for?
• What is the difference between flat flexible cables (FFC) and flexible printed circuits (FPC)?
• Are flat flexible cables more durable?
• What are flat flexible cables made of?

Information About Flat Flex Cable From Quadrangle

Quadrangle has over 100,000 individual FFCs in stock at any time and we support rapid prototypes often done within a few days. Here are some of the specifics about the flat flex cable we manufacture at Quadrangle Products:

• Many stocked conductor counts (2-60)
• Typical lengths of 3, 6, 9 and 12 inches
• Custom and other lengths available
• Same side and opposite side contacts
• Tin plating and gold plating available
• Extension Kits available
• Shielding available
• 100% Customizable with low MOQ on custom parts (500PCS)
• We use UL & CSA approved components in all of our cable assemblies

Contact Quadrangle Products Inc. about Custom FFC Cable

Are you working on a project that requires you to use Flat Flexible Cables but aren’t sure exactly what you need? The cable experts at Quadrangle Products Inc. are available to answer any questions you might have and point you in the right direction. We offer 100% customizable FFC Cable for a wide variety of project types. Contact us today and check out our cable products page to see some of the models we offer.

Quadrangle Products will be attending the Society for Information Display (SID) Display Week 2019 trade show! This annual event is a great opportunity to speak with our engineers about specific projects, ideas and insights relating to cable solutions.

May 14-16, 2019
San Jose, California
See Us at Booth #1140

Click the link below to sign up for the show, and use our code (4tDvRCyw) at the payment page to register for free as our guest.

We hope to see you there!

Register for the show here!

As technology continues to get smaller and gain more functionality, cable technology must also adapt in order to keep up. eDp cables are an example of this quickly changing world of technology. Embedded DisplayPort (commonly referred to as eDP) is based on the VESA DisplayPort Standard. Embedded DisplayPort is a high performance audio/visual interface developed through the personal computer industry which allows displays to display in 4k and beyond. eDP cables have become a popular replacement for LVDS display cables which have been the standard since the mid 1990s.

What You Should Know About eDP Cables

With a lot of new technology, eDP cables provide benefits that older model cables cannot. Many LCD manufacturers are moving to adding eDP(Embedded DisplayPort) interface on their LCDs for this very reason. eDP interface allows higher transmission speeds as opposed to LVDS cables. eDP also uses less conductors on your cable design reducing space and possible cost depending on the design.

Another benefit of eDP cabels is that they allow you to easily connect your source (such as a person computer) directly to an LCD. They are also compatible with the DisplayPort standard and Quadrangle has experience building eDP to display port cables. Many eDP cables utilize the IPEX MicroCoax connectors. Quadrangle Products can provide you cable solutions from a MicroCoax to MicroCoax connector or MicroCoax to standard Discrete Wire Connector.

Quadrangle Products can also build Custom eDP or DisplayPort cables if you design requires it. We have strong relationships with many LCD manufactures that utilize the eDP interface and can provide guidance on your cable design. We also offer many Standard Stock eDP cables off the shelf that can ship Same or Next Day.

Advantages and Common Uses of eDP Cables

What are some of the advantages of eDP cables over other models and when are they most useful? Here is a brief breakdown to give you a good idea if eDP cables are right for your project.

eDP Cable Advantages

• Smaller than similar cable varieties
• Require fewer connections than LVDS assemblies
• All power, data, and control through one single assembly

eDP Cable Common Uses

• Laptops
• Personal Computers
• HD Displays (monitors, TVs, etc.)

Quadrangle eDP Cable Product Stock

Some of the stock eDP cables we have available include:

• 420-00097
• 420-00098
• 420-00099
• 420-00100
• 420-00111
• 420-00112

You can find the product list here.

Contact Quadrangle Products Inc. About eDP Cables

Are you working on a project that requires you to use eDP cables but aren’t sure exactly what you need? The cable experts at Quadrangle Products Inc. are available to answer any questions you might have and point you in the right direction. Contact us today and check out our cable products page to see some of the models we offer. We create cables for a wide range of industries including aviation, medical, and defense.

Learn more about other types of cables we offer:

• Custom FFC Cable
• Custom LCD Cables
• Custom DF9 Cables
• Custom LVDS Cables

Quadrangle has extension kits for 0.50mm and 1.00mm pitch FFC/FPC parts. If you have a FFC or FPC that you need to extend check out our available kits. Custom position counts and lengths are also available.

Check Out our Extension Kits and Adapter Cables Here

Quadrangle is pleased to announce our new line of development kits for rapid prototyping! These kits come with crimped wires that can be inserted into connectors allowing you to assemble your own cable quickly. Check out the Development Kits section under products to see what is available.

Quadrangle Products is now tooled to work with cable bands. Attach a metal braid to your MIL type connector with 360 degree contact! If you are interested in a cable using a round MIL connector contact us on how a cable band can improve your design.

Quadrangle Products now supports eDP, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort style cables. An increasing number of LCD panels are starting to incorporate the eDP style display interface for their display data connections, as opposed to the more commonly seen LVDS/TTL interfaces. Quadrangle products is tooled for common eDP, and standard DisplayPort connectors. We are also starting to carry stock on the more common eDP cables. As always, custom eDP/DP cables are also a possibility. Quadrangle's Engineers will help to guide customers through the various design and construction challenges that can be associated with eDP and DisplayPort Cables.

The previous RT-700G kits had a maximum conductor count of 50 positions. With our new FPC (QD16500AD), we have expanded the maximum conductor count up to 80 positions. These adapters are the necessary link for solutions which involve a 0.50mm pitch FFC/FPC peripheral that needs to be converted to round discrete wires. The kits are provided with UL1571 28AWG flying discrete leads that can then be applied to standard crimped and poked style connectors. Contact us for more information!

Quadrangle Products is pleased to announce we are now tooled for the following connectors and crimp terminals:

• The JST ZPDR series of connectors, as well as the JST SZPD series of crimp terminals
• The JST SHJP series of connectors, as well as the JST SSHJ series of crimp terminals
• The CviLux CI14 series backlight power connectors, as well as the CI14T series of crimp terminals.

Quadrangle has acquired a new Cross Linked 28AWG Halogen (PVC) FREE hookup wire which can be used seamlessly, and interchangeably with the much more standard and common UL1571 PVC wire. In an effort to set the curve and continue to set an example as industry innovators, Quadrangle has begun implementing this wire 2 years prior to the pending environmental, health and RoHS 2 requirements.

Inquire with our Engineering team if you would like to hear more about this new product. We can answer any questions you might have about these cables in relation to the more common PVC wire models.

What Are Halogens?

Halogens are non-metallic elements found in the periodic table. The five halogens are fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine. A commonly used material that contains halogens in the chemical structure is PVC. Halogens make wire and cable jackets and insulation highly flame retardant. Some naturally non-halogenated materials have halogen added because of the flame-retardant properties. When burned, halogens will emit a thick toxic smoke and become corrosive. These characteristics can cause damage to equipment and pose a safety concern.

Why Consider Halogen-Free Cable?

In recent years, halogen-free wire and cable products have seen an increase in popularity. Halogen-free wires and cables are used in consideration of issues, including fire safety, fire damage prevention and environmental impact. Halogen-free products help eliminate the need to use environmentally sensitive materials.

Quadrangle has proudly moved toward providing our customers with halogen-free products in an attempt to be more environmentally friendly and in an effort to provide our wire and cable clients with a safer alternative to the wires and cables that have been the standard in the past.

Contact Quadrangle Products Regarding Halogen (PVC) Free Wires

If you are interested in ordering halogen (PVC) free wires and cables or would like to learn more information, contact Quadrangle Products today.

Quadrangle Products is now supporting and terminating cables to Round Military Spec (MIL-STD/Mil Spec) connectors frequently used in aerospace, industrial, marine and automotive applications. Contact us today to see if we can work with the connector used in your design. [email protected]