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Flexible printed circuit boards, or FPCs, are extremely thin and flexible connectors used in many electronic devices because of their lightweight build and mobility. The FPC connectors provide a secure link between the flexible circuit and the rigid printed circuit board (PCB), enabling data transmission and electrical connectivity. Various kinds of FPC connectors are best suited for certain applications and devices. Hence, a display FPC board connector is available in numerous styles. These are the most frequently used ones.
ZIF FPC connectors have a particular structure that allows the cable to be connected with no force, as the name implies. The operating principle of these connectors is that a small lever or a clip must be lifted to connect the FPC, locking it in place. The locking mechanism eliminates the need for perforating the connector pins when inserting the cable, which is a significant advantage because even the tiniest damage to the pins can lead to connection problems. ZIF connectors also find wide application in systems requiring frequent cable disconnections, such as laptop displays, phones, and cameras. In these systems, the cable connection and disconnection are often made, so they must be easy to use and very dependable.
Low-profile ZIF connectors perform the same function as standard ZIF connectors but are constructed in a lower profile to suit modern electronics more effectively. The trend towards reducing the size of devices has finished the need for low ZIF connectors. These connectors are often found in screens of thin TVs, monitors, laptops, and mobile gadgets. Such devices would require a display FPC board connector with minimal space occupation.
High-pin-count ZIF connectors are used in applications where many signal or power lines need to be linked. Therefore, these connectors have a higher number of pins to support more complex circuits. Cameras, screens, and advanced medical devices with high-resolution displays and multiple functioning display drivers will benefit from such connectors. Mind that these connectors are frequently used in devices that need a strong data transfer rate or multi-function capability.
Non-ZIF FPC connectors are also called "push-pull" or "actuation" connectors. They are the opposite of Zero Insertion Force connectors. Users need to have some force to insert the flexible printed circuit board or to remove it. These types of connectors are widely used in applications where disconnection is not so frequent, like in appliances with relatively stable internal configurations, such as televisions and industrial displays.
It's critical to follow these requirements to achieve good performance, compatibility, and reliability with FPC connectors.
The pitch of a connector is the distance between the centers of two consecutive pins. It is one of the important parameters of an FPC connector to determine the kind of cable it will connect and how much data will be transferred through the connection. Common pitches are 0.3mm, 0.5mm, and 1.0mm. A smaller pitch means a higher data rate, as seen in modern devices. Electroluminescent FPC connectors, such as those found in LCD or OLED screens, usually have a smaller pitch to support the high-resolution video signal transfer.
FPC connectors are made from high-quality materials to ensure conductivity and durability. Gold-plated contacts are commonly used in ZIF connectors to ensure high signal conductivity and resistance to corrosion. The housing of the connector is typically made from durable plastic materials like LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). These materials provide good electrical insulation, are heat-resistant, and are robust.
Most of today's FPC connectors are made to work under extreme temperatures and even mechanical stress, given that the devices will not always function at room temperature. For example, automotive displays must withstand the heat and environmental factors in cars or trucks. There are also displays used in industrial machinery that require materials and connectors that can work continuously over time.
Things like RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) are a must for many industries, particularly in electronics, where the connectors are used in component suppliers, PCBs, and more connectors. Certificates of these standards are expected to be satisfied by the manufacturers of the FPC connectors, especially in industries where health and safety are paramount, like medical devices.
This selection process isn't so easy, as many factors have to be considered. While the application should be the primary consideration when selecting a connector, here are other important aspects.
The new LCD FPC connector must be compatible with the operating systems in electronic devices for it to work properly. This is because different displays have different connectors due to their various interface requirements. Moreover, the adhesive used in the display assembly process cannot be overlooked. Some connectors, like the ZIF, bond perfectly with ribbon cables, while others may not.
By now, everyone knows that connector pitch determines how FPCs will connect to the LCD. It is one of the most important parameters in this regard. The pitch should specifically match the printer's connector. If the pitch does not match, even a perfect FPC board connector will not work. Due to space constraints, only a few devices have easy-to-replace connectors, and most manufacturers produce proprietary connectors.
As said earlier, the main function of the ZIF connector is to lock the FPC during the connection. There are always non-ZIF connectors where the FPC must be soldered directly to the connector to ensure a more secure and permanent connection. However, this is not very practical for machines that require regular maintenance or repair. In those cases, ZIF connectors may be more suitable. This is because, with this type of connector, the FPC can at least be easily replaced without soldering.
Other factors that must be considered when selecting the display FPC connectors are the environmental conditions of the devices. For example, external factors such as temperature variations, moisture, and dust can influence the performance of these connectors. Therefore, they should be chosen based on their ability to withstand these elements. For instance, automotive and industrial connectors should be extra-thick and heavy-duty connectors for a more reliable connection.
FPC connectors are flexible printed circuit board connectors in multiple sectors, especially those with displays or imaging systems requiring thin and lightweight connectivity solutions.
In consumer electronics, the role of the connector in the LCD FPC is of paramount importance. It is widely used in mobile gadgets, laptops, cameras, and flat screens. They enable the connection between displays and the main circuitry. This makes information a two-way communication system. Given the demand for thinner and lighter devices, FPC connectors have become the go-to solution for seamless integration of multiple components.
Medical gadgets have to perform dependably and continuously, so medical systems also use FPC connectors. They are used in portable diagnostic equipment, patient monitors, and imaging systems where efficient space utilization and excellent connectivity are necessary. These connectors allow for compact designs, thus making it easy to link displays and other diagnostic components, increasing the device's portability and functionality.
The automotive industry is progressively incorporating advanced electronic systems into vehicles, such as infotainment systems, navigation, and driver assistance displays. FPC connectors are the easiest way to connect these components, given the increasing demand for automotive displays. They are designed for good performance even under tough environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, vibration, and humidity.
Industrial and manufacturing equipment require connectors for their displays in the industrial space. The machines are always in tough environments, and the machines themselves can be tough. In these situations, FPC connectors in the human-machine interface (HMI) systems ensure stable communication between the displays and control circuitry. They are in control panels, monitoring screens, and various industrial field devices.
The choice of the right connector will depend on factors like pitch, operating conditions, system compatibility, locking, and non-locking features.
These connectors help link displays and circuits and provide a two-way communication system between the two.
Of course! Their flexibility, lightweight, low profile, and space-saving properties make them more advantageous.
Most of them have been standardized to be RoHS compliant, meaning they are free of hazardous chemicals.
Traditional FPC connectors are designed for low-volts because they are not insulated well. However, there are models specifically made for high volt.
