FPC Connector—an invisible hero

Author：danny / time：2018-09-25 / The number of clicks：436

The gradual miniaturization of electronic products has become an inevitable trend. We have seen the evolution of mobile phones, from being brick-like to becoming mantou size. Installing a single function on smaller and smaller circuits is currently being done. Although our mobile phones have been restored to their original "big" size, the function is not the same as before. It has been said that the processing capability of iPhone 4s exceeds the total processing capability of NASA’s computers in the 1970s. Such comparisons show that the electronics industry has presented a geometric development in just a few decades. Behind these developments is the ever-reliable  FPC Connector.

Unlike peripheral connectors like the USB, the FPC Connector is usually overlooked, but it is widely used in electronic products. A notebook computer for example, uses an FPC Connector on its touchpad, keyboard, audio, and even video, which could pose a problem. Today, multilayer boards are popular, but why are these simple components used for connection？This is due to the disadvantages of multilayer PCBs. In terms of design principles, it is better to have fewer components in which required functions can be installed. Multilayer printed circuit boards have disadvantages compared with multiple single-layer boards given their high cost. Moreover, the design and production cycle of multilayer circuit boards are not simple due to the superposition of a number of layers to calculate time. Multilayer printed circuits likewise require very professional and reliable inspection methods to verify quality. The flying needle testing is one such method, but the high cost of testing machines along with different customer needs, has made investing in high-end testing machines controversial.

With a simple calculation, a connection with a single/dual layer using an FPC Connector becomes a very rational option considering the price/performance. Not only can the demand for large-scale integrated circuits with high-speed and high-precision be met, but also the cost is greatly reduced. There are many suppliers on the market to choose from. FPC Connectors with different spacing and installation methods are available. Moreover, they have a clear advantage over multilayer PCBs that require professional design.

However, there are still many market requirements for the  FPC Connector that need to be carried out. For example, a thinner design is required for fine installation. This entails reducing the aperture and line spacing for the purpose of miniaturization, versatility, etc.