A flex pcb edge connector is an electrical connector designed for flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs) to provide a reliable electrical connection between the circuit leads of a flexible circuit board and the contact pads on other circuit boards, such as rigid PCBs. It is usually mounted on a rigid circuit board (PCB) to secure and electrically connect the flexible circuit board by means of insertion and crimping, allowing the flexible circuit board to maintain a high degree of flexibility and good electrical contact performance.
The working principle of flex pcb edge connector mainly involves two aspects: physical connection and signal transmission:
Physical connection:
The key component of the flex pcb edge connector is the flexible contact piece, which is usually made of a metallic material with elasticity.
When the flexible circuit board is inserted into the flex pcb edge connector, the elastic contact piece will be in contact with the wires or pads of the circuit board, and produce a certain elasticity to ensure a reliable physical connection.
Signal Transmission:
The conductive area of the elastic contact piece comes into contact with the wires or pads of the flexible circuit board to form an electrical connection.
The signal on the wire can be transmitted to the connector pins or sockets through the conductive area of the elastic contact piece to achieve signal transmission between the flexible circuit board and the connector.
The main types of flex pcb connectors
According to different application scenarios and needs, flexible pcb connectors can be divided into various types, including but not limited to the following:
- Flexible Circuit Board Connector (FPC Connector): It is mainly used to connect a flexible circuit board (FPC) with a motherboard or other electronic components. It has the advantages of small size, light weight and can be installed in high density.
- Flexible flat cable connector (FFC Connector): suitable for connecting flexible flat cable (FFC) and the interface between the equipment, FFC connector usually has a high number of plugging and unplugging and good environmental performance.
- Flexible Wire Connector (Flexible Wire Connector): used to connect fine wire diameter, multi-stranded flexible cable. These connectors usually have a high degree of flexibility and wear resistance.
Flex PCB edge connector composition:
Rubber Core: Its main role is to protect the terminals, to achieve the insulation effect, to ensure that the connection is guided accurately, and to provide structural strength. The part is usually manufactured through the injection moulding process, commonly used materials for PA9T or other good performance plastic.
Tongue: Used to clamp the wires, provide insulation protection, assist the guiding function when connecting, and at the same time give the connector mechanical strength. Manufacturing process is generally used in injection moulding technology, the material chosen is PA10T, PPS or other high-performance plastics.
Terminals: bear the electronic signal conduction transmission task, manufacturing process for stamping combined with plating (such as gold-plated or tin-plated), in order to enhance the welding performance. Terminals are generally made of phosphor bronze or other high-quality alloy materials.
Soldering tabs: Used for positioning and fixing of components, and to enhance the overall mechanical strength. The part is also made by stamping and plating process, the material is usually bronze or other good performance alloy.
The role of flex pcb edge connector
1.Electrical connection function
The core role of flex pcb edge connector is to realise the electrical conduction between rigid circuit board (PCB) and flexible printed circuit board (FPC). Through the connector terminals, electronic signals are smoothly transmitted between conductors to ensure stable circuit operation. This electrical connection is the basis for the normal operation of electronic equipment, so that the components can work together to complete the expected function of the equipment.
2.Mechanical support and stability
In addition to achieving electrical connections, flex pcb edge connector also provide the necessary mechanical support for electronic equipment, fixed and stable flexible circuit boards, to avoid displacement or damage within the device. Mechanical stability of the guarantee, help to protect the circuit board and connector, to extend its service life.
3.Adapt to a variety of complex environments
Because of the use of flexible circuit boards, flex pcb edge connector can be flexibly adapted to a variety of complex equipment shapes and structures, to meet the needs of different installation spaces and environmental conditions, to enhance the applicability and reliability of electronic equipment.
4.High quality signal transmission
Flex pcb edge connector supports a variety of signals, including audio, video and data signals, especially for equipment with high signal quality requirements, such as digital cameras, audio systems and video surveillance equipment, to ensure the stability and high quality of signal transmission.
5.Easy assembly and maintenance
With its compact design,flex pcb edge connector reduces the internal space occupied by the device and makes the electronic product more compact. At the same time, it simplifies the assembly process, improve productivity, and easy to disassemble and repair, reduce maintenance difficulties and costs.
6.Enhance the overall equipment performance
Through the use of flex pcb edge connector, electronic equipment can achieve more efficient signal transmission and data processing, significantly improve the performance and efficiency of the equipment to better meet user needs.
