IDC connector assemblies
Ribbon cable prepared with the specified IDC connector, circuit count and orientation.
TERMINATED ASSEMBLIES — TRADING & SOURCING PARTNER
Custom Flat Ribbon & IDC Cable Assemblies
Send your drawing, sample or available specifications. Zeakka coordinates requirement review, factory quotations and samples for terminated flat ribbon and IDC cable assemblies.
Common terminated ribbon assembly requirements
Mixed-end assemblies
Ribbon cable with different connector types or a defined terminated end for the project.
Folded or split routing
A terminated assembly where fold position, split points and final routing need to be shown.
What to include in your assembly request
Start with what you know. Mark open questions so we can clarify the selected cable, connectors and assembly details before arranging a build.
- 01Connector references and mating parts
- List exact connector references at each end and the mating parts. Specify connector contact pitch separately from cable conductor spacing; include drawings or datasheets where available.
- 02Cable construction
- State conductor count, wire gauge, solid or stranded construction, insulation outside diameter and cable specification. These details are needed to check the selected cable against the terminal requirements.
- 03Pin-to-pin mapping
- Provide a table linking each connector A pin to its connector B pin. Identify unused conductors explicitly, and include any additional connections required by your drawing.
- 04Finished length and tolerance
- Give the finished assembly length, its measurement datum and the allowed tolerance. Show whether the dimension is measured between connector faces, cable exits or other identified points.
- 05Routing and available space
- Mark folds, splits, branches and strain-relief positions, plus space constraints. State your minimum bend requirement for assessment against the selected build; there is no universal bend radius for every assembly.
- 06Quantity and application
- Share prototype and production quantities, delivery target, application, electrical and temperature requirements, and requested documents. Tell us which details are unknown so the review can identify what needs clarification.
Make connector orientation unambiguous
Add these views to your drawing or photos so both ends can be reviewed against the same connection definition.
- 01
Label ends and viewing direction
Label the connectors A and B. State whether each view looks at the mating face or the wire-entry side; an unlabeled view can reverse the apparent pin order.
- 02
Identify pin 1 at both ends
Mark pin 1 on both connectors. Treat the cable stripe as an identification aid only; it does not replace an explicit pin-to-pin mapping.
- 03
Confirm keying and cable exit
Show latch or keying features and cable-exit direction alongside the agreed pin-to-pin mapping. Confirm the sample against these details before production.
Do you need an assembly or bulk flat ribbon cable?
Choose the page that matches what you are buying; this avoids quoting the wrong scope.
Terminated cable assembly
Choose this page when connectors, pinout, pin-1 orientation, length or routing are part of the requirement.
Bulk flat ribbon cable
Choose bulk cable when you need cable by reel or length without a completed terminated assembly.
Bulk flat ribbon cableReview before sample or production
We use the stated assembly details to clarify the project and compare suitable supplier options.
1. Read the interfaces
Review connector, pitch, conductor count, pinout and orientation.
2. Clarify the cable path
Confirm length, tolerance, fold, split and routing details that affect the finished assembly.
3. Compare project options
Match and compare suitable suppliers based on the confirmed scope.
4. Coordinate the next stage
Coordinate samples, revisions and production follow-up after the specification is confirmed.
Testing and project controls
The inspection scope is defined for the requested assembly and confirmed during project review.
- Every assembly receives continuity and short-circuit testing
- Pull-force testing is sampled and defined for the project
- Pinout, pin-1 orientation and finished length should be stated in the RFQ
- Material, compliance and document requirements are confirmed for the project
Commercial starting points
- Custom harness MOQ is commonly 200–1,000 pieces after project confirmation
- A valid custom project normally has potential order value of at least USD 200
- Quotes are typically provided 1–5 business days after requirements are clear
- Samples are typically 3–7 days after specifications and materials are confirmed; tooling or special materials can take longer
Flat ribbon assembly RFQ questions
Is cable conductor spacing the same as connector pitch?
Not necessarily. Specify cable conductor spacing and connector contact pitch separately. Check both against the selected cable and connector documentation; one value alone does not define a suitable assembly.
Does the same conductor count guarantee an IDC termination?
No. The exact cable construction must be checked against the selected terminal specification and its permitted cable range. Matching conductor count alone is insufficient.
Why do you ask for pin-1 orientation?
Pin-1 and connector orientation affect the finished terminated assembly. Providing them in the drawing, photo or written instruction reduces ambiguity before sampling.
Can a photo be enough to start?
Yes. Send clear photos of both ends, viewing direction, required length and quantity. We can start the review and clarify any unresolved pin mapping before arranging the build.
What is tested?
Every cable assembly receives continuity and short-circuit testing. Pull-force testing is sampled and defined for the project.
Can you quote ribbon cable by itself?
Yes. If you need cable by reel or length without terminations, use the bulk flat ribbon cable page so the request is scoped correctly.
Details needed before a ribbon assembly quote
Send the available drawing, photo, connector reference or written specification.