Flat ribbon cable: the smart choice for compact and powerful connections

A flat ribbon cable is a multi-core cable in which, in contrast to conventional round cables, the individual cores are arranged parallel to each other in one plane. The distance between the individual cores can vary from 0.0mm to 2.54mm depending on the conductor cross-section. The most common pitch is 1.27mm. The number of cores in a ribbon cable varies from 6 to 96 cores. For easy connection of a flat ribbon cable, the individual cores each have a colour code, which is specified by DIN IEC 62. The specified colour sequence is repeated after every 10 cores, depending on the number of cores. Simple versions have a standard grey tone.

Flat ribbon cables with connectors are space-saving electrical connections for electrical components. They are therefore particularly suitable for installation in housings or enclosed spaces. Their flexible properties allow them to be used in any environment. The parallel flat ribbon cables with multiple strands are ideal for simple plug connections. The parallel position of the individual strands allows the cables to be easily connected with a plug connector without splicing, soldering or stripping.

The insulation displacement technology makes it possible to connect cables with D-Sub connectors or other connectors without stripping the insulation. The connection contacts of the connectors are specially designed for the flat ribbon cables so that each strand does not have to be stripped individually. The advantage of using flat ribbon cables and insulation displacement connectors is that there is no need for time-consuming preparatory work such as stripping, splicing and soldering the wire ends to the connector contacts. There are also customised solutions for flat ribbon connectors, depending on the cable. The specifications vary and are related to criteria such as current strength, voltage force or protection against external influences.

Copper and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are usually used in the manufacture of flat ribbon cables. The copper cables are covered with a core sheath, which also serves as the outer sheath. We also offer shielded and specially sheathed variants on request. The cables are cut to size by machine with millimetre precision. To connect the ribbon cables to the respective ribbon connectors, we use the standard cut-and-clamp technique. In this process, the flat ribbon cable is inserted into a connector with appropriately arranged insulation displacement contacts and crimped in a single operation using special pliers or a crimping tool. This means that all cores are simultaneously connected to the contacts of the connector in a gas-tight manner. We generally use standardised D-Sub connectors or connectors in accordance with DIN 41651.