FPC/FFC Connectors

I-PEX FPC/FFC Connectors
Auto-Lock FPC/FFC Connectors
I-PEX® EVAFLEX® FFC/FPC Connectors have an auto-locking feature that can mate FFC/FPC with one action, making them more robust and durable than traditional FFC/FPC connectors. EVAFLEX® connectors have a 360-degree EMI-shielding (ZenShield®) option and supports high-data-rate transmission as well as high temperature applications up to 125°C. The unique locking feature on these connectors makes them operator friendly and the high-speed transmission and high-temperature option makes them suitable for automotive applications.
ZIF and LIF FPC/FFC Connectors
I-PEX® MINIFLEX® FPC/FFC Connectors, commonly referred to as ZIFs or LIFs, offer a variety of pin counts and pitch ranges from 0.5 mm down to one of the world’s smallest at 0.175 mm. Connector height profiles range from a robust 2.5 mm down to one of the industry’s lowest at just 0.55 mm. These connectors have an additional mechanical lock option with FPC cut out lock feature. They are perfect for applications that require higher FPC retention force and for adding FPC retention force for smaller pin counts.
Contents :
Why Select I-PEX Auto-Lock FFC Connectors?
Auto-Lock Mechanism
High-Speed Transmission
High Temperature Resistance
Why Select I-PEX FPC Connectors?
Mechanical Lock Creates High Retention Force
Hold Down to Improve Strength of Side Wall and Prevent Actuator Drop-off
Accidental operation without the FPC inserted is no problem
Why select I-PEX Auto-Lock FFC connectors?
1 ) Auto-Lock Mechanism
◆ One-step operation helps improve productivity and is also designed for robotic automation.
◆ Auto-lock structure reliably holds the notched FFC, creating excellent retention force against pulling and vibration.
◆ You can hear and feel the connector click when mating, which will prevent half-mating insertion.
2 ) High-Speed Transmission
High-speed transmission is made possible by improved shield and contact design.
◆ 4+Gbps : EVAFLEX® 5-SE-G HT, EVAFLEX® 5-SE-G VT
◆ 8+Gbps : EVAFLEX® 5-VS
◆ 10+Gbps : EVAFLEX® 5-HD
◆ 16+Gbps : EVAFLEX® 5
3 ) High Temperature Resistance

We have a variety of products that work in high-temperature environments, especially automotive applications.
◆ -40℃~+105℃ : EVAFLEX® 5-VS
◆ -40℃~+125℃ : EVAFLEX® 5-SE, EVAFLEX® 5-SE-G HT, EVAFLEX® 5-SE-G VT
Why select I-PEX FPC connectors?
1 ) Mechanical Lock Creates High Retention Force
High retention force is created by the lock contacts. These contacts are on both side walls of the connector and are designed to catch and hold the designated cut out area of the FPC. The mechanical lock ensures approximately 1.7 times higher resistance compared to our 0.3 mm pitch, 19 pin count connectors without a mechanical lock. This connector is not only ideal for high vibration environments, but it is also suitable for applications that require high FPC retention. FPC retention force comparison chart is here.
[ The mechanical structure shown here is a hybrid type of FPC and discrete wire connector, DW 5. This mechanical l lock structure is also adapted for MINIFLEX series.]
Without Lock | With Lock |
MINIFLEX 3-BFN | MINIFLEX 3-BFN LK |
6.7 N | 11.34 N |
◆Connector with mechanical lock 0.3 mm pitch
MINIFLEX 3-BFN LK (0.3 mm, High pin count available)
MINIFLEX 3-BFN L-LK-HD (0.3 mm, High pin count, robust)
MINIFLEX 3-BFNH L-HD (0.3mm, Robust type)
◆Connector with mechanical lock from 0.4 mm ~ 0.5 mm pitch
MINIFLEX 4-ST (0.4 mm, Super low profile, 0.50 mm)
MINIFLEX 5-BFN II LK (0.5 mm, High temperature resistance)
DW-5 (0.5 mm, Hybrid type for FPC and discrete wire)
2 ) Hold Down to Improve Strength of Side Wall and Prevent Actuator Drop-off
Have you ever faced actuator drop-off during assembly? Certain I-PEX FPC/FFC connectors were developed with improved side wall hold down features that help the actuator from dropping off.
When hold down is soldered, it prevents both side walls from piling-off action and distortion.
(N) | Without hold down | |
Test from outside | Inside out test | |
AVG. | 2.353 | 2.257 |
MAX. | 2.45 | 2.40 |
MIN. | 2.24 | 2.12 |
(N) | With hold down | |
Test from outside | Inside out test | |
AVG. | 23.790 | 21.720 |
MAX. | 24.25 | 22.21 |
MIN. | 23.41 | 21.24 |
3 ) Accidental operation without the FPC inserted is no problem!
I-PEX's MINIFLEX series was developed with reliable features such as the ability to open and close the connector without the FPC inserted.
3-1 ) Connector will still function reliably
3-2 ) Connector still performs even though the insertion force went up

3-3 ) Retention force connector does not change

when actuator is in closed state. It is strongly recommended to avoid any actuator open
and close operation without FPC inserted from the beginning.