If you have ever seen the inside of a laptop or cellphone, you were probably amazed at the labyrinth of wires and connectors. With a little knowledge, this seemingly incomprehensible jumble can begin to make a bit of sense. One item found in these devices is the FFC connector. This is an important piece of the electronics puzzle and is worth exploring further.

What Exactly Is An FFC Connector?

FFC stands for Flexible Flat Cable. It is basically a very small cable that is designed to fit into electronic devises. When you open your cellphone or other devise, the FFC looks like a small ribbon with metal conductors on one surface. Each end of the FFC connector is stiffer than the middle to make it easier to insert. Sometimes, the term FPC or Flexible Printed Circuit is used interchangeably with FFC. This is not exactly correct because an FPC contains a component and an FFC does not.

What To Look For In FFC Connectors

If you ever need to purchase one of these connectors, there are a few things you should know. One important thing to consider is the pitch. The pitch refers to the distance from one conductor to another on the connector. These connectors come in pitches ranging from 0.5 millimeters to 0.175 millimeters.

Another thing to look for is the type. Does the connector you need have exposed contacts on the same side, or do you need a connector with contacts on opposite sides? You may also wish to consider the size and exposure length of the connector you need. The length and width of connectors can vary as well.

Many companies, such as IPEX, sell these connectors online. Most of these companies carry a wide variety of connectors, so finding the one you need should not be a problem.

The FFC connector a very common component in devises such as laptops, scanners, fax machines, and DVD players. Knowing something about the make-up of these machines can help you the next time something goes wrong.