Flat Ribbon Cable: The Smart Choice for Compact and Powerful Connections

A flat ribbon cable is a multi-core cable where, unlike conventional round cables, the individual conductors are arranged parallel to each other in a single plane. The spacing between conductors can range from 0.0 mm to 2.54 mm, depending on the conductor cross-section. The most common pitch is 1.27 mm. The number of conductors in a ribbon cable typically ranges from 6 to 96. For easy identification and connection, each conductor is colour-coded according to DIN IEC 62. The colour sequence repeats every 10 conductors, depending on the total number used. Simple versions have a standard grey tone.

Flat ribbon cables with connectors provide space-saving electrical connections for electrical components. They are particularly well-suited for installation in enclosures or tight spaces. Their flexibility makes them adaptable to a wide range of environments. Parallel flat ribbon cables with multiple conductors are ideal for simple plug-in connections. The parallel arrangement of individual conductors enables easy connection via plug connectors—no splicing, soldering, or stripping required.

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.