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 planar 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 pins in a connector, a tremendous saving in labour. They can also be connected in the middle of the cable, for multi-drop operation.
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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 which 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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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.
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==

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.

See also