What Is FPC Controller?

What Is FPC Controller?

FPC connectors were developed in response to the challenges in this rising industry that called for smaller centreline or timer distances and lightweight and smaller capacity heights solutions since the trends of this industry moved towards miniaturization. TE’s FPC connector is reliable interconnection that uses FPC cable terminators that are field-specific and available in varying sizes, such as:

• 0.25mm.
• 0.3mm.
• 0.5mm.
• 1.0mm.
• 1.25mm.

It also has compact characteristics and low-profile detail height.

Introduction

Connectors were created to cater to the challenges of this growing market, which caused the need for pitch distances, smaller centrelines, and light interconnections. There are several ways of exploring the capabilities of the FPC controllers.

The most prevalent alternative to cable connectors for smart applications is the Flexible PCB connector or FPC. These connectors have fragile shape factors and unparalleled flexibility while offering high density, serving countless advanced applications in different market segments. These cable solutions can fit into tight areas with amazing profile designs.

Uses Of FPC

FPC Connectors, like medical equipment and wearable electronics, are broadly used in many convenient applications. In the automobile industry, the FPC connectors support innovative capabilities such as bright lighting, vehicle infotainment, driving autopilot modes, safety settings, and navigation support.

With the 5G technology and smart manufacturing, FPC connectors explore the options in several next-gen applications. Many companies are now offering reliable, flexible, and high-performing FPC solutions for fulfilling the needs of upcoming devices. 

The micro flex connectors offer about 1.00mm torque and about 0.5mm torque, preferably used for many automotive, data and commercial, and medical devices.

What Are FFC Connectors?

FFC connectors are also called flexible flat cable connectors; they are ribbon-life polymer, plastic, film, or designed polyurethane connectors with a metallic termination parallel to the base. In comparison, the FPC has inserted or printed circuitry on the FPC cable board to help the cable serve as the variable PCB. In the 0.5 and 1.00mm, the Amphenol provides multi-hight vibration-proof connectors. FPC and FFC connectors come with a 2.49mm pitch and are accessible in ZIP, LIF, NON-ZIF, and high speed.

Uses Of FFC

FFC is the type of ribbon cable called a comprehensive centralized system. Generally, they are smooth connectors that do not have additional tools. These cables are generally plastic film connected to metallic connectors called pitch.

The construction of the FFC cables makes them more flexible and has less space than round cables. It also provides better RFI and EMI removal and termination of the wire coupling issues.

These cables aim to be excellent in electronic systems – specifically when the demand for high flexibility level is needed, such as connections of the moveable printer head, space or mass restrictions, or wrapping mobile phones.

Electronical equipment selects FFC cables for connecting or soldering with 0,5-2.54mm pitch.

Electronic devices offer a variety of FFC connectors satisfactory for varying pitches, which enhances the range of the FFC cables.

What Is The Difference Between FFC and FPC?

Many users, primarily those new to printed circuit boards and the electronic world, can be challenging to find the difference between FFC and FPC. Although FPC and FFC would be dame, they are also entirely different. They provide several advanced features. So, how do you find the difference between the FPC and FFC connectors?

The following will tell you the difference between the two to help you understand.

Application Difference Between FFC and FPC

There are many roles for both FPC and FFC cables. The FFC cables are extensively used for high-flex applications, starting with specific applications. Everyone uses widening all electrical appliances. Scanners, plotters, copiers, stereos, and fax machine appliances are used in applying FFC cables.

FPC is accessible in audible devices, antennas, LCD TVs, printers, laptops, and cameras. They are very pervasive in the aviation industry. FPCs have gone through many changes throughout the years to enhance their quality and performance.

Production Differences Between FPC and FFC

FFC is different from FPC in terms of manufacturing processes. FPCs are made by grafting on the FCCL or flexible copper-clad laminate and are cut to size in varying layers. However, the FFC needs a structured lamination of the flat polyethylene terephthalate and copper wires. 

This is why cables are usually thicker and more important than the FPC. In contrast to FPC, the FFC has two wiring layers that insulate the foil on the flat copper doctor.

Thickness

As mentioned, FFC works better in several application areas than FPC. For instance, a tight field needs cables of thickness than cables in the application that are less stressful. The ideal thickness of the FFC wire is:

• 0.5mm
• 0.8mm
• 1.0mm
• 1.25mm
• 1.27mm
• 1.5mm
• 2.0mm
• 2.54mm

On the other hand, the FPC cables have little room. Many of them have a thickness of about 0.15-0.2mm.

Inability To Replace Each Other 

Finally, the inability to alternate or fit where others can operate while working as needed differentiates versatile circuits from the FFC. For instance, the manufacturing strategies are classified. FPC, compared to FFC, is vulnerable.

Nevertheless, FFC has components that are good heat conductive. As such, one cannot fit the role of the other. Another major difference between FFC and FPC is the inability to replace one other.

Types Of FPC Connectors

Different types of FPC connectors are ideal for many applications, such as:

• Pitch 0.2mm: Y2B Series.
• Pitch 0.5mm: Y5B Series.
• Pitch 0.3mm: Y3BL Series.

Panel to Panel Connector

The trend for mobile devices that are smaller than the pin length and width is that the 0.4mm pitch is the primary item which will grow to 0.35mm, followed by the low height. 

FPC Battery Connector

You can split the battery connector into the type of elastic sheet. The current trend of battery connectors is miniaturization, low contact properties, new battery functionality, and amazing connectivity.

Important Parts of FPC Connectors

The FPC connector is used to relate the PCB board and the flexible imported circuit board for making mechanical and electrical connections. There are many matching specifications between FPC connector structures. Here are the most important parts of FPC connectors:

• Terminal

The terminal is the FFC and FPC connector contact part. The connector terminal ensures a high-density connector setting maintains contact performance by using narrowed contacting method and choosing the material with mechanical and high biocompatibility properties.

• Plastic Body

Everything within the plastic material, like sheet barrier framework, can also organize after installation at a small interval and provide a specified stabilization force. According to the application’s specifications, the plastic body should be rigid and strong without warp deflections after the soldering process.

• Card Lock

The card locking components are matched with the plastic body. The locking parts are used for locking the FFC and FPC to preserve the specific contact force when implanting the FPC. The parts should be sufficiently rigid and prepared with PPS components.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an FPC controller is an electronic component that is used to control the function of a flexible printed circuit board. It provides power to the FPC, communicates with it to receive and send data, and may include additional circuitry to control other device functions. FPC controllers are used in various applications, including wearable devices, medical devices, and automotive electronics.