The IDC Flat Ribbon Cable Assembly is a compact internal wiring solution made with flat ribbon cable and IDC socket connectors.
IDC means Insulation Displacement Connector. The connector terminals pierce through the cable insulation during crimping, creating electrical contact without stripping or soldering each wire individually.
This cable assembly is widely used for multi-core signal transmission, board-to-board connection, and internal equipment wiring. It is suitable for industrial control devices, automation equipment, electronic instruments, communication equipment, display panels, and machine vision systems.
Features
Flat and Neat Cable Structure
The flat ribbon cable keeps all conductors arranged in parallel, making the wiring neat, compact, and easy to install inside equipment.
IDC Crimping Connection
The IDC termination process allows fast and stable assembly without individual wire stripping or soldering, improving production efficiency.
Customizable Pin Count and Cable Length
The product can be customized according to customer requirements, including:
• Number of pins
• Cable length
• Cable pitch
• Connector direction
• Label marking
• Wire color
• Red edge marking for Pin 1 identification
Suitable for Multi-signal Transmission
It is mainly used for low-current signal transmission, control signals, data connection, and board-level interconnection.
Space-saving Design
Compared with round multi-core cable assemblies, flat ribbon cables take up less space and are easier to route in compact equipment.
Keyed Connector Design
The IDC connector can include a polarization key or locking structure to reduce the risk of incorrect insertion.
Stable and Reliable Connection
The cable can be tested for continuity, short circuit, mis-wiring, and contact reliability before shipment.
Applications
Industrial Control Equipment
Used inside PLC modules, I/O modules, controllers, drives, and control boards.
Automation Equipment
Suitable for internal signal connection in automation machines, production equipment, and inspection systems.
Electronic Instruments
Used in testing equipment, measuring instruments, laboratory devices, and electronic control units.
Display and Panel Connection
Used between display modules, keypads, control panels, and main circuit boards.
Communication Equipment
Suitable for routers, switches, communication modules, and industrial communication devices.
Machine Vision Equipment
Can be used for internal control signal wiring in industrial cameras, code readers, and inspection devices.
Other Available Types
1. IDC Socket to IDC Socket Ribbon Cable
Both ends use IDC socket connectors. Commonly used for board-to-board connection.
2. IDC to D-SUB Cable Assembly
One end uses an IDC connector, and the other end uses a D-SUB connector. Suitable for industrial control and communication interfaces.
3. IDC to Open End Cable
One end is an IDC connector, and the other end is stripped, tinned, or terminated with other contacts.
4. IDC to JST / Molex Cable Assembly
One end uses an IDC connector, and the other end uses JST, Molex, or other small terminal connectors.
5. Rainbow Ribbon Cable Assembly
Uses different colored wires for easier wire identification and maintenance.
6. Grey Ribbon Cable with Red Edge
A common IDC ribbon cable type. The red edge is used to identify Pin 1.
7. Shielded Flat Ribbon Cable
Includes shielding for better protection against electromagnetic interference in sensitive signal applications.
| Connector Type | IDC Socket Connector | Cable Type | Flat Ribbon Cable |
| Cable Color | Grey / Light Purple / Customized | Pin Count | 10P / 14P / 16P / 20P / 24P / 26P / 34P / 40P / 50P / Customized |
| Connector Pitch | 2.54mm / 2.00mm / 1.27mm / Customized | Cable Pitch | 1.27mm / 1.00mm / Customized |
| Conductor Material | Tinned Copper / Bare Copper | Wire Gauge | 28AWG / 26AWG / Customized |
| Insulation Material | PVC / Customized | Connector Housing Material | PBT / PA / Customized |
| Contact Material | Copper Alloy | Contact Plating | Gold Plated / Tin Plated / Customized |
| Rated Voltage | Commonly 300V | Rated Current | Depends on pin count |
| Working temperature | -40°C to +80°C | Termination Method | IDC Crimping |
| Cable Length | Customized | Assembly Type | IDC to IDC / IDC to D-SUB / Customized |
| IP rating | IP65 | Certification | UL, CE, RoHS |
| Customized service | Length, stripping size, sheath color, interface type, etc. can all be customized | ||