Ribbon Cable Information

Ribbon cables provide a simple, quick and cost-effective solution to mass termination. They also have space and weight saving advantages over other wiring methods and are ideal for use on computers, peripherals, and interface units, audio and digital equipment.

RS PRO IDC Ribbon Cables

RS PRO range of flat ribbon cable which is suitable for use with all commonly available IDC connectors. This ribbon cable consists of parallel stranded tinned copper wire conductors laminated between layers of grey PVC film to form a flat ribbon cable suitable for use with Speedbloc® insulation displacement connectors. One edge has a red marker to indicate the first conductor. This flat cable can be split into any number of ways by tearing between conductors. The laminate ensures precise alignment and spacing between conductors, essential during assembly with the connectors. Each conductor is formed from 7 strands of 36 AWG (0.13 mm diameter), 28 AWG overall (0.08 mm2).
Flat ribbon cable consists of multiple individual small grade cable strands places parallel to each other to form a flattened single strip. This type of flat cable is found in electronic systems that need multiple data buses to link internal peripherals. Colour coding is often implemented in ribbon cables to minimise the risk of accidental reverse connections. Ribbon cable can also save space and time on circuit interconnecting assemblies.
IDC (Insulation Displacement Connectors) Ribbon Cable options include:
289-9846 - 10 way,12.7mm x 5m
289-9852 - 14 way, 17.8mm x 5m
289-9874 - 16 way, 20.3mm x 5m
289-9896 - 20 way, 25.4mm x 5m
289-9919 - 25 way, 31.8mm x 5m
289-9925 - 26 way, 33mm x 5m
289-9931 - 34 way, 43.2mm x 5m
289-9969 - 37 way, 47mm x 5m
289-9975 - 40 way, 50.8mm x 5m
289-9981 - 50 way, 63.5mm x 5m
289-9997 - 64 way, 81.3mm x 5m
360-093 - 10 way, 12.7mm x 30m
360-100 - 14 way, 17.8 mm x 30m
360-223 - 15 way, 19.1mm x 30m
360-116 - 16 way, 20.3mm x 30m
360-122 - 20 way, 25.4mm x 30m
360-138 - 24 way, 30.5mm x 30m
360-144 - 25 way, 31.8mm x 30m
360-150 - 26 way, 3mm x 30m
360-166 - 34 way, 43.2mm x 30m
360-172 - 36 way, 45.7mm x 30m
360-188 - 37 way, 47mm x 30m
360-194 - 40 way, 50.8mm x 30m
360-201 - 50 way, 63.5mm x 30m
360-217 - 64 way, 81.3mm x 30m
RS PRO have a great range of ribbon and flat cable in several formats and grades.

WARNING : These cables are not to be regarded as power cables or cables for the direct connection of equipment to mains power supplies.

Features and Benefits:

Flat and flexible – can be easily routed in small spaces
Provides a tidy wiring solution
Available is various ways from 10 way to 64
Colour coded – one edge has a red stripe to avoid reverse connections
Pitch between conductors is 1.27 mm (0.05inch)
UL recognised style 2651

Typical Applications:

Ribbon cable is also known as planar cable and are normally used for internal peripherals in computers such as hard drives.

FAQs
What is Pitch?
The pitch of a cable is the distance from the central part of one conductor to the central part of another conductor.

Why RS PRO?
RS PRO is our own brand range and brings you a wide range of high-quality, great value products offering you more choice. Trusted by engineers all over the world, every part of every RS PRO product has been rigorously tested against demanding industry standards; they’re only given the RS PRO Seal of Approval if we’re confident of their exceptional quality, which means you can be confident too.