As someone who’s new to electrical repairs, it’s easy to get confused between FFC and FPC cables. They’re both flat, flexible, and are used in consumer electronics.

An FPC cable is used in antennas, cameras, hearing aids, and laptops. It can weather tough conditions and perfectly run the conductor circuit.

On the other hand, you’ll find FFC cables in copiers, fax machines, and scanners. They’re used in high-temperature devices where space is also an issue.

Now that you have that sorted out, you need to be able to tell FPC cables from FFC cables. And we happen to know about 3 major differences between them. Keep reading!

The Differences Between an FFC Cable and an FPC Cable

Here, we’ll discuss their differences in detail. By the end of the section, you’ll know exactly which cable is right for you!

FFC and FPC Cables Have Different Applications

Did you know that FPC circuits are used in not only cell phones but also pacemakers, heart monitors, and hearing aids? FPC cables are suitable for applications where personal wiring is off the table.

You can’t count on a rigid circuit board in every circumstance. So, your best bet is to purchase a flex printed cable for laptops and a flex flat cable for TVs. Let’s see why that is! 

Inside an FFC cable, two layers of wires sandwich the insulation point. Therefore, this particular cable is thicker than flex printed cables. FPCs are available in a single conductor layer which saves a lot of space!

FPC Cables Are Thinner than FFC Cables

It’s important that you pick the right size cable for repairing electronics. FPC cables come in all shapes and sizes. But their small 0.15mm size is why they made headlines.

Flexible flat cables are available in eight different sizes, from 0.5mm to 2.5mm. Which cable you ultimately need will depend on the space, conductivity, and working condition.

If there’s going to be a lot of twisting and turning involved, you’re going to need flexible printed circuits. Their layout is nothing like each other. It helps them have separate applications in the electronics industry.

There are Many Variations of FPC Cables

FPC cables are available in 3 different types. The first one is a single-layer circuit. It comes with one conductor layer made of metal and a dielectric film. Priced slightly higher than single-layer circuits, double-sided FPC cables have two strips of conductors. Finally, there’s the multi-layer FPC circuit with three or more conductors.

At this point, it might seem like you can swap FFC for an FPC cable. But the truth is- they can’t fully replace each other. Especially when it comes to durability, FFC cables are the clear winner here. Also, flexible flat cables can’t stay below the 0.5mm cut, making FPC just as popular!

Bottom Line 

These 3 pointers should be enough to choose a good cable for your purpose. Between FFC and FPC cables, the latter is more suitable for a television screen. Now you know all the differences between an FFC and an FPC cable, so we know you’ll make the right call. All the best!

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