Flat ribbon cables

Flat ribbon cable in high quality design

Flat ribbon cables are often used in electrical engineering. We will show you how this cable form is composed, in which industries it is used and why you should use our professionally customized product.

What is a flat ribbon cable?

A flat ribbon cable is a multicore cable in which, in contrast to the conventional round cable, the individual cores are arranged in a plane parallel to each other. The spacing (pitch) of 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 ribbon cable, the individual cores have each a color code, which is specified by DIN IEC 62. The specified color sequence repeats after every 10 cores, depending on the number of cores. Simple versions have a standard gray tone.

Where are flat ribbon cables used?

Flat ribbon cables are generally used in industry and the IT sector. They are used where a fast, space-saving and simple connection of electronic components is required. These include, for example, computers, cables in telecommunications or devices that control machines. They are often used as DIN IEC 62 of printed circuit boards and other internal electrical assemblies.

What are the advantages of flat ribbon cables?

Flat ribbon cables with connectors are space-saving electrical connections of electrical components. Therefore, they are particularly suitable for installation in enclosures or closed rooms. Their flexible property allows adapted use in any environment. Round cables, on the other hand, are space-consuming. Parallel ribbon cables with multiple strands are ideal for simple plug-in connections. The parallel position of the individual strands allows the cables to be contacted simply, without splicing, using a connector without the need for soldering and stripping.

Professional, customized flat ribbon cable and solutions

For the production of flat ribbon cables are mostly used copper and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The copper wires are covered with a core sheath, which also serves as an outer sheath.

Upon request, we also offer shielded and extra-sheathed variants. The cutting is done by machine and accurate to the millimeter. In order to connect the flat ribbon cables with the respective flat connectors, we use the common cut-clamp technique. In this process, the flat cable line is inserted into a connector, with appropriately arranged insulation displacement contacts, and crimped with special pliers or a crimping tool in a single operation. This means that all cores are pressed into gas-tight contact with the contacts of the connector at the same time. As a rule, we use standardized D-Sub plugs or plugs according to DIN 41651.

Have you planned a demanding project in the field of electronics? As a manufacturer of flat ribbon cables, we take care of the assembly based on your individual wishes. We take care of the planning, the purchase of the cables by the meter as well as the careful final inspection.

Our expertise in the production of flat ribbon cables

As a professional cable assembler, we offer customized cable solutions manufactured using professional processing techniques. The processing of different types of flat ribbon cables includes cutting to length and stripping the cable ends as well as punching and splicing. We assemble all flat ribbon cable connectors available on the market.

Do you want a standard construction? Then the production is usually done by machine. For individual solutions, we plan and design the appropriate cables for you in advance. We use both mechanical and manual processes to carefully manufacture the complex assembly.

How are flat ribbon cables assembled?

The cut-and-clamp technology makes it possible to connect cables with D-Sub connectors or other connectors without stripping the insulation. The terminal contacts of the connectors are specially aligned with the flat ribbon cables so that it is not necessary to strip each strand individually. The advantage of processing flat ribbon cables and insulation displacement connectors is that time-consuming preparatory work such as stripping, splicing and soldering the wire ends to the connector contacts is no longer necessary.

There are also individual solutions for flat ribbon connectors, which are manufactured according to the cable. The specifications vary and are related to criteria such as the current strength, the voltage force or the protection against external influences. We will gladly assemble your desired connectors depending on your requirements.

Twinax flat ribbon cable from CiS

A special feature is the Twinax cable assembled by CiS and developed by the manufacturer 3M. It is particularly suitable for transmitting high-frequency signals. The high-performance Twinax ribbon cable has special properties. It is thin, flat, foldable and longitudinally shielded. With CiS you will find one of the few cable assemblers worldwide who is able to process these innovative cables. In Europe, CiS is currently the only cable assembler on the market offering this technology.

Special forms of cable connections

A special form is the flat round cable, where a flat ribbon cable or a flat twisted pair cable is rolled up and covered with a round outer jacket. For connection to an insulation displacement connector, the cable ends are stripped, the flat cable end is uncoiled and connected to the insulation displacement connector with a plug.  On request, these round flat cables are also available shielded.

In addition, twisted-pair cable variants exist. In the twisted pair cables, two wires lying next to each other are twisted together. Here, the ribbon cable is divided alternately into twisted and parallel core sections. This technique makes it possible to avoid unwanted interference between independent signals.

In addition, twisted-pair cable variants exist. In the so-called twisted pair cables, two adjacent wires are twisted together. In this case, the ribbon cable is divided alternately into twisted and parallel core sections. With this technique it is possible to avoid unwanted interference between independent signals.

CiS assembles all conventional and special forms of flat ribbon cables. Would you like to get more details? For more information, please contact our technical consultants.