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The wide application of FPC Connectors in phones

Author:Danny / time:2018-08-02 / The number of clicks:493

With 3G network sweeping the world, the development of smartphones experienced a boost, resulting in the introduction of new smartphones in almost all electronic product releases made annually across the globe. In 2013, the market share of smartphones took over 50% of the entire mobile phone market, which shows how embedded smartphones are in our everyday lives. Apple’s iOS system, Google’s Android system and Microsoft’s Windows Mobile system teamed up with different mobile phone manufacturers to launch all kinds of smartphones in the hope of increasing market share. In order to cater to individual needs of different users, smartphones today appear more or less similar to one another, with strong focus on thinness and lightness. Paired with Quadro-core or octa-core CPU, a 4 to 7-inch mainstream capacitive screen provides better experience for users. In the design of smartphones, the key issue designers focus on is how to minimize space reasonably. The traditional connector component is yet to adapt to the rapid changes in smartphones, which is why FPC connectors have caught the attention of designers and are used as an essential component of consumer electronic goods instead of merely utilizing them for military and medical purposes.

Good flexibility and high intensity are the main reasons behind the successful application of FPC connectors in smartphones. Compared to other connectors, FPC connectors further reduced the distance between pins, creating an advantage in terms of height and width, while also supporting the development of smartphones. FPC connectors include the special ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) connector design, which can be repeatedly pulled in and out with extremely low wear rate, making it highly suitable for the design of smartphones.

For now, there are three kinds of FFC/FPC connectors applied in the design of smartphones: Inverted flip-flop operating ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) connectors are applicable to connections between display screens and background lighting; ZIP is applicable to connections between speakers and keyboard components; embedded connectors are applicable to the design of power supply cable connectors. The three range sizes are between 0.2 to 1.00 mm, with 3 to 136 circuit loops. The present FPC connectors can better adapt to strict smartphone requirements in terms of  performance and size of connections.

Inverted flip-flop operating ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) connectors can sustain stable transfer of information at limited height. It is an upgraded version of the original SVL series of ZIP (Zero Insertion Force) connectors with the same cable locking function. The smaller ZIP connectors are widely applied in the design of foldable operators, such as connection between speakers and keyboard components, and can better facilitate closing operations. The emergence of embedded power supply cable connectors has solved the embedded connection problem of mobile phone batteries. The pin power of which exceeds 1A; the connectors can thereby address the charging requirements and current amplification of smartphones.

With the rapid development of smartphones, there is an increasingly higher requirement for components such as FPC connectors. New products are launched in the market every now and then, putting stress on FPC connector manufacturers while also acting as a driving force to enhance product development. Innovative technologies and creative know-how are the two key aspects in the future development of connectors. The key issue manufacturers must work on is how to best adapt their products to the smartphone industry.

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