This article primarily discusses the characteristics of FPC connectors and some of their materials.
1: Advantages of FPC connectors:
FPC connectors are noted for their high density, compact size, and lightweight design, featuring 7 to 129 cores with a 9-hole arrangement. The FH23 specification series exemplifies space-saving design with a connector height of 1.0 mm and a mounting area depth of 3.2 mm. Additionally, the 0.6 mm terminal pitch on the solder terminals is compatible with existing front and back connectors.
2: FPC connector YF52 (6.3 mm, 2.0 mm, 110°) utilizes a front-locking structure, making it most suitable for digital devices, although its applications are quite diverse.
3: FPC connector materials
1. Conductors:
The copper foil used in FPC connectors is ideal for flexible circuits and can be either electrodeposited or plated. One side of the electrodeposited copper foil features a glossy finish, while the other side is matte and dull. This flexible material can be manufactured in various thicknesses and widths, with the matte side often treated to enhance bonding capabilities.
2. Insulating film:
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1. There are various types of insulating film materials used for FPC connectors, with polyimide and polyester being the most prevalent. Currently, nearly 80% of flexible circuit manufacturers in the United States utilize polyimide film materials, while around 20% opt for polyester film materials. Polyimide is non-flammable, geometrically stable, possesses high tear strength, and can withstand soldering temperatures. Polyester, also referred to as polyethylene bis-stupidate, shares similar physical properties but has a lower dielectric constant and absorbs minimal moisture. However, it is not high-temperature resistant. Polyesters have a melting point of 250°C and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 80°C, which restricts their application in high-welding environments. In low-temperature scenarios, they display rigidity. Nonetheless, they are well-suited for products such as phones and other devices that aren’t exposed to extreme conditions.
2. Adhesive
In addition to adhering the insulating film to the conductive material, adhesives can serve as cover layers, protective coatings, and outer coatings. The primary distinction between these applications lies in the method of application. The cover layer is bonded to the insulating film to create a laminated circuit structure, while screen printing technology is employed for the adhesive coating.
3. FPC Connector Lifespan
Accurately determining the standard test duration required for FPC connector data and specific applications can be challenging. For automotive electronic products, test durations of 1000 to 3000 hours are generally utilized to evaluate characteristic data at expected use temperatures. Increasing attention is being given to characteristic data beyond 3000 hours, particularly in the range of 3000 to 5000 hours (equivalent to a service life of 150,000 miles). Calculating test data without considering slope changes can result in an overestimation of contact lifespan, which tends to increase over time. Currently, the semi-logarithmic graphical representation of data at specific temperatures is the most widely adopted and urgently needed method, as it allows for easy comparisons of various materials for particular applications. Data derived from FPC connector tests should be meticulously verified, with careful consideration given to the potential for overestimating final lifespan.
4. Most FPC connectors adhere to design requirements classified as level 3 or level 1, with expectations for automotive connectors’ operating temperatures to rise. However, many non-automotive connectors do not appear to require stability under such conditions. Nonetheless, high-density FPC connectors necessitate lower initial mating forces, thereby reducing stress relief requirements. This emphasizes the importance of stress relief, even at lower temperatures.
1: Advantages of FPC connectors:
FPC connectors are noted for their high density, compact size, and lightweight design, featuring 7 to 129 cores with a 9-hole arrangement. The FH23 specification series exemplifies space-saving design with a connector height of 1.0 mm and a mounting area depth of 3.2 mm. Additionally, the 0.6 mm terminal pitch on the solder terminals is compatible with existing front and back connectors.
2: FPC connector YF52 (6.3 mm, 2.0 mm, 110°) utilizes a front-locking structure, making it most suitable for digital devices, although its applications are quite diverse.
3: FPC connector materials
1. Conductors:
The copper foil used in FPC connectors is ideal for flexible circuits and can be either electrodeposited or plated. One side of the electrodeposited copper foil features a glossy finish, while the other side is matte and dull. This flexible material can be manufactured in various thicknesses and widths, with the matte side often treated to enhance bonding capabilities.
2. Insulating film:
Here’s a slightly refined version of your text:
—
1. There are various types of insulating film materials used for FPC connectors, with polyimide and polyester being the most prevalent. Currently, nearly 80% of flexible circuit manufacturers in the United States utilize polyimide film materials, while around 20% opt for polyester film materials. Polyimide is non-flammable, geometrically stable, possesses high tear strength, and can withstand soldering temperatures. Polyester, also referred to as polyethylene bis-stupidate, shares similar physical properties but has a lower dielectric constant and absorbs minimal moisture. However, it is not high-temperature resistant. Polyesters have a melting point of 250°C and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 80°C, which restricts their application in high-welding environments. In low-temperature scenarios, they display rigidity. Nonetheless, they are well-suited for products such as phones and other devices that aren’t exposed to extreme conditions.
2. Adhesive
In addition to adhering the insulating film to the conductive material, adhesives can serve as cover layers, protective coatings, and outer coatings. The primary distinction between these applications lies in the method of application. The cover layer is bonded to the insulating film to create a laminated circuit structure, while screen printing technology is employed for the adhesive coating.
3. FPC Connector Lifespan
Accurately determining the standard test duration required for FPC connector data and specific applications can be challenging. For automotive electronic products, test durations of 1000 to 3000 hours are generally utilized to evaluate characteristic data at expected use temperatures. Increasing attention is being given to characteristic data beyond 3000 hours, particularly in the range of 3000 to 5000 hours (equivalent to a service life of 150,000 miles). Calculating test data without considering slope changes can result in an overestimation of contact lifespan, which tends to increase over time. Currently, the semi-logarithmic graphical representation of data at specific temperatures is the most widely adopted and urgently needed method, as it allows for easy comparisons of various materials for particular applications. Data derived from FPC connector tests should be meticulously verified, with careful consideration given to the potential for overestimating final lifespan.
4. Most FPC connectors adhere to design requirements classified as level 3 or level 1, with expectations for automotive connectors’ operating temperatures to rise. However, many non-automotive connectors do not appear to require stability under such conditions. Nonetheless, high-density FPC connectors necessitate lower initial mating forces, thereby reducing stress relief requirements. This emphasizes the importance of stress relief, even at lower temperatures.
