Ribbon cables are a type of cable where many conducting wires are running parallel to each other on the same flat plane. With each individual wire laid side by side, they form a wide-flat cable resembling a piece of ribbon, which gives the design it’s name. This kind of cable is most frequently employed in electronic systems that need multiple data buses to link internal peripherals. Ribbon cables are often used when space is a factor because they lay flat and take up very little room.
What Are Ribbon Cables Made Of?
The body of the cable or the “ribbon” itself is typically made from much smaller insulated wires that are bound together to create a long, protracted, flat surface. Wires are generally color-coded in terms of each wire’s function, and manufacturers usually also indicate direction by making the top or uppermost wire a particular color, typically red, in order for users to quickly be able to identify which way is up and which is down, for instance. In most cases the cables work through a series of conductors and connectors, and are available in varying sizes depending on their main use.
What Are The Primary Uses For Ribbon Cables?
Ribbon style cables were initially created as a way to facilitate electromagnetic processing within early computer mainframes. The primary design theory with a ribbon-shaped cable is to harness a number of important wires together, and connect them into one. Wires bundled in this way are easier to install and reattach if necessary, and are overall easier to manage within machines.
Ribbon cabling is used for data transmission and communications applications. It is often the cable of choice for computer cable applications, where it is used as internal wiring for hard drives, CD drives, and connecting other parts together. Like FFC cable, Ribbon cables are also commonly used as internal wiring for other electronics and appliances. They can be found in testing and measuring equipment, automated termination equipment, robotics, and pick and place equipment as well.
Ribbon Cables From Quadrangle Products
Contact us to learn how we can assist you with your cable needs. At Quadrangle our Engineers are also our Sales team. You will work directly with our Application Engineers who will guide you through the entire cable process including your custom quote. We believe this helps to provide a superior customer experience from concept to turnkey solution.
Confused? Don’t be! More often than not our customers are unfamiliar with the process of acquiring a cable. Our Engineering/Sales support is FREE of charge! We make it as easy as possible to assist you with the design and requirements of your request. Starting with our custom quote, throughout the purchase, and with our continual support over the life of our products, we are sure we will be an asset to you and your company. We consider it our goal to take out most of the guesswork providing a simple process resulting in a turnkey product we assure you will be satisfied with.