Difference between revisions of "Flat cable"
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| − | A '''flat cable''' is a multi-[[conductor]] cable which is formed by effectively laying a group of insulated wires parallel to each other, and bonding them into a flat entity, like a ribbon (hence the alternative name, '''ribbon cable'''). | + | A '''flat cable''' is a multi-[[conductor]] cable which is formed by effectively laying a group of insulated wires parallel to each other, and bonding them into a flat planar entity, like a ribbon (hence the alternative name, '''ribbon cable'''). |
| − | The main advantage of flat cables is that connectors (of the so-called Berg, DuPont, or IDC form, with pins on .100" centers) can be connected to the cable in a simple press-on manner, avoiding the need to hand-solder each wire to | + | The main advantage of flat cables is that connectors (of the so-called [[Berg connector|Berg]], DuPont, or IDC form, with pins on .100" centers) can be connected to the cable in a simple press-on manner, avoiding the need to hand-solder each wire to [[pin]]s in a connector, a tremendous saving in labour. They can also be connected in the middle of the cable, for multi-drop operation. |
Another advantage of flat cables is that they are usually easier to route, especially when there are a large number of conductors; a round cable with the same number is usually harder to install, especially through limited clearances. | Another advantage of flat cables is that they are usually easier to route, especially when there are a large number of conductors; a round cable with the same number is usually harder to install, especially through limited clearances. | ||
| − | The technology | + | The technology has almost entirely replaced older round cables, especially inside computers; the older round cables survive in external applications, since they are typically more robust. |
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| + | ==See also== | ||
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| + | * [[Flexprint cable]] | ||
[[Category: Components]] | [[Category: Components]] | ||
Latest revision as of 22:15, 21 January 2020
A flat cable is a multi-conductor cable which is formed by effectively laying a group of insulated wires parallel to each other, and bonding them into a flat planar entity, like a ribbon (hence the alternative name, ribbon cable).
The main advantage of flat cables is that connectors (of the so-called Berg, DuPont, or IDC form, with pins on .100" centers) can be connected to the cable in a simple press-on manner, avoiding the need to hand-solder each wire to pins in a connector, a tremendous saving in labour. They can also be connected in the middle of the cable, for multi-drop operation.
Another advantage of flat cables is that they are usually easier to route, especially when there are a large number of conductors; a round cable with the same number is usually harder to install, especially through limited clearances.
The technology has almost entirely replaced older round cables, especially inside computers; the older round cables survive in external applications, since they are typically more robust.
