Mating with Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) connectors is an increasingly popular
termination for flexible printed circuits.

Use of a ZIF connector eliminates the need for a mating connector. The flex end
“mates” into the connector, usually located on a rigid board.

Several issues should be addressed with a ZIF termination:

1. ZIF mating areas require a tight tolerance. +/-.003” is common. This can be accomplished by:
   1. Class A Blank Die – All Flex has several standard sizes to choose from, if your design is flexible, to reduce tooling cost.

      Standard Sizes
      1.693"	0.950"	0.433"	0.295"
      1.283"	0.935"	0.413"	0.283"
      1.220"	0.886"	0.380"	0.278"
      1.150"	0.826"	0.374"	0.256"
      1.141"	0.670"	0.358"	0.250"
      1.064"	0.661"	0.354"	0.220"
      1.019"	0.610"	0.334"	0.214"
      1.004"	0.509"	0.331"	0.197"

      
      
   2. Laser cut of outline
   3. Steel Rule Die technology can be used for prototypes
   
   
2. Material thickness in ZIF mating areas is critical. .012” is common. This can easily be accomplished by the addition of a polyimide stiffener in the mating area.
    
3. When adding a polyimide stiffener, coverlay and stiffener points should overlap a minimum of .030” (.76mm) to avoid stress points.

   

Recommended Suppliers

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1705 Cannon Lane Northfield, MN 55057
Phone: (507) 663-7162 Fax: (507) 663-1070
E-mail: information@allflexinc.com
www.allflexinc.com