High Data Rate Flat Flexible Cable (FFC) - Shielding EMC Performances

Flat Flexible Cables have many advantages and among them, a very constant geometry and robust assembly. Thanks to that it appears it would be interesting to take advantage of this technology to make very high speed connections through a very low SKEW of the electric signals using this media. Moreover FFCs must be shielded to guarantee the characteristic impedance of the transmission lines and also to offer an EMC protection of the link. In this paper, Axon’ reviews signal integrity and EMC results from the ongoing evaluation testing of a link using a new MicroMach® flat shape connector variant dedicated to shielded FFC. This connector is based on the design of the MicroMach® SpaceWire connector ESCC3409/002.