All flat ribbon assemblies as well as round ribbon cable assemblies may be custom made to any length and with any configuration. Round ribbon
cables are designed to allow for maximum air flow in the case.Please contact us to inquire about your cable and assembly needs! A Guide to Ribbon Cable
 A ribbon cable is a cable with many conducting wires running
parallel to each other on the same flat plane. As a result, the cable is wide and flat, rather than round like more "traditional" cables. Its
name comes from the resemblance of the cable to a piece of ribbon (which is likewise wide and flat). When radio frequency signals are transmitted via coaxial cable or
ribbon cable, the impedance of the cable is significant in determining the load placed on the source and the efficiency of the transmission. Flat Cable sizes:
For computer use, ribbon cables are usually specified by two numbers: the spacing or pitch of the conductors, and the number of conductors or ways. Flat Cable connectors:
Because of the large number of conductors or 'ways' in most ribbon cables, it is not practical
to solder them individually to the pins of a connector. Instead, 'insulation displacement connectors' are used, in which the ribbon cable is forced onto a row of sharp forked contacts.
(The phrase 'IDC connector' is widely used, even though it is redundant. Each contact pierces ('displaces') the insulation of one conductor and grips the copper core. Although it is
sometimes possible to dismantle and re-use IDC connectors, they are not designed to allow this.
Popular types of connectors available with IDC termination include:
- BT224 connector - also defined by BS9525-F0023, DIN41651, MIL-C-83503 standards; these are the type used on ATA cables and are often simply called 'IDC
connectors'. They mate with either a purpose-made plug or a two-row grid of header pins with 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) spacing.
- D-subminiature D-subminiature or D-sub is a common type of electrical connector used particularly for serial ports and printer ports.
- DIN41612 connector - used for Eurocard buses.
- RJ-xx connectors used for telephone and Ethernet cables.
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