What are the most searched FPC Connectors and FFC Connectors in Europe?

Understanding FPC and FFC Connectors: A Comprehensive Guide

Part 1: What Are FPC and FFC Connectors? What’s the Difference?

FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) and FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) connectors are both types of flexible connectors used in electronic devices, but they differ in construction and application:

• FPC Connectors: These connectors are made from flexible, thin insulating films with metallic circuits. They are often used in compact electronic devices like smartphones, cameras, and laptops due to their ability to bend and flex without breaking.
• FFC Connectors: FFC connectors, on the other hand, are flat, flexible ribbon-like cables with parallel conductors. They are commonly used in devices where space is constrained and flexibility is required, such as in printers and displays.

Key Difference: The main difference lies in their construction. FPC is a circuit made from flexible materials, while FFC is a flat cable with parallel wires embedded in a flexible material. FPC connectors are generally more complex and used in applications requiring more intricate circuit designs, whereas FFC connectors are simpler and used for straightforward, flat connections.

Part 2: Differences Between FFC Connectors and FPC Connectors

While FFC and FPC connectors both serve as flexible connections in compact devices, they differ in structure and usage:

• FFC Connectors: Typically involve flat, ribbon-like cables with exposed parallel wires. These connectors are easy to manufacture and are often used in applications where a simple, straight-line connection is needed.
• FPC Connectors: In contrast, involve a more intricate design with flexible printed circuits. These connectors can include multiple layers and complex routing, making them suitable for high-density electronic designs.

Application Differences: FFC connectors are ideal for applications like connecting a keyboard to a laptop or linking a display to a PCB, where the connection path is straightforward. FPC connectors, with their ability to support more complex layouts, are used in advanced applications like cameras, foldable phones, and medical devices.

Part 3: Leading Brands in FPC and FFC Connectors

When it comes to FPC and FFC connectors, several brands lead the market due to their high-quality products and extensive ranges:

• MOLEX: Known for a wide range of FFC and FPC connectors, Molex offers reliable and durable products suitable for various industries.
• HRS (Hirose Electric): Hirose provides innovative connector solutions with a focus on miniaturization and high performance.
• OMRON: OMRON is renowned for its precision and quality, offering connectors that meet rigorous industrial standards.
• TE Connectivity (AMP): TE is a global leader in connector technology, offering a vast portfolio of FPC and FFC connectors for different applications.

Part 4: Types of FPC and FFC Cable Connectors

FPC and FFC connectors come in several types, each designed for specific applications:

• ZIF (Zero Insertion Force): These connectors allow the cable to be inserted with little to no force, ideal for fragile connections.
• LIF (Low Insertion Force): Similar to ZIF but with slightly more insertion force, used where a more secure connection is required.
• SMT (Surface Mount Technology): Designed for surface mounting on a PCB, these connectors are compact and suitable for high-density applications.
• Through-Hole: These connectors have pins that go through the PCB, providing a more secure connection.

Part 5: Popular Connector Pin Counts in Europe

Based on keyword searches across European countries like Poland, Turkey, the UK, and Germany, the following pin counts are most frequently searched:

• 4 Pin
• 6pin
• 8 Pin
• 10 Pin
• 12 Pin
• 20 Pin
• 24pin
• 30pin
• 32pin
• 40pin
• 45pin
• 50pin

These pin counts are common in various applications, including consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial equipment.

Part 6: Frequently Searched Part Numbers

Some of the most commonly searched part numbers in Europe include:

• TE 2049172-1
• TE 17345920
• Molex 5051104091
• Molex 503480-0600 52207
• Hirose FH12-8S-0.5SH
• Hirose FH34SRJ 24S 0.5 SH   FH34SRJ 30S 0.5 SH
• Omron XF3M-1215-1A
• Omron XF2M-3015 1A
• Omron XF2M-4015 1A
• Omron XF2M-1015 1A
• Omron XF2M-0815 1A
• Omron XF3M-4015-1B

These part numbers are associated with popular FPC and FFC connectors used in a wide range of electronic devices.

Part 7: Commonly Used Pitch Sizes

The pitch size of connectors, which refers to the distance between the center of one pin to the center of the next, is a crucial specification. The most common pitch sizes searched in Europe are:

• 0.3mm
• 0.5mm
• 1.0mm

These pitch sizes are widely used in compact electronic devices where space is at a premium.

Part 8: High-Search Volume Keywords

In addition to specific part numbers and pitch sizes, the following keywords are highly searched in relation to FPC and FFC connectors:

• “Flexible PCB Connector”
• “Ribbon Cable Connector”
• “Micro Pitch Connector”
• “SMT FPC Connector”
• “Low Profile Connector”
• zif fpc
• molex fpc cable
• fpc to fpc connector
• fpc plug
• fpc battery connector
• ffc to ffc connector
• ffc socket
• 40 pin ffc connector
• fpc cable connector
• FFC cable connector

ffc connector

FPC connector

These keywords reflect the features and types of connectors that engineers and procurement specialists are most interested in.

Part 9: Equivalent Part Numbers We Can Offer

At Sinolulu, we offer equivalent FPC and FFC connectors that match the quality and specifications of the top brands. Here are some of the part numbers we can replace:

• Equivalent for Molex 503480-0600
• Equivalent for Hirose FH12-8S-0.5SH
• Equivalent for TE 2049172-1
• Equivalent for Omron XF3M-1215-1A

These equivalents are designed to offer the same performance and reliability, often at a more competitive price.

Conclusion

FPC and FFC connectors are essential components in modern electronics, and understanding the market trends, popular specifications, and leading brands can help businesses make informed decisions. At Sinolulu, we provide high-quality alternatives to major brands, ensuring that our clients receive the best products for their needs. If you’re looking for reliable FPC and FFC connectors, contact us today to learn more about our offerings.