Ribbon Cable

Ribbon Cable

Galaxy supplies ribbon cable to a variety of markets including commercial and military. Galaxy can supply many types of ribbon cables, both stock and custom, in various AWG sizes, voltage ratings, compounds, shielding constructions, and conductor counts. Galaxy can also recommend the correct ribbon cable for specific applications.

What is Ribbon Cable?

Ribbon cables are flat cables designed with the conductors laid parallel (side by side). Ribbon cable, also known as multi-wire planar cable, is used for a wide variety of high speed, high performance, space restricted applications, and low voltage applications.

Benefits of Ribbon Cable

While they may not be suitable for all applications, there are certainly distinct advantages to utilizing ribbon cables when appropriate. Ribbon cables are small, lightweight and flexible, allowing for use in tight spaces. The conductors are easily separated and route within circuit board environments. There are standard off-the-shelf configured ribbon cables. Galaxy can also design custom constructed ribbon cable.

Ribbon Cable Applications

Ribbon cables are well suited for:

• Board to Board Interface
• Instrumentation and Measurement
• Lighting
• Medical Equipment
• Aerospace
• Defense
• Robotics
• Many more

No matter what the demand or application, Galaxy can design and provide the ribbon cable that you need for your specific application.

Galaxy Differentiators / Advantages for Ribbon Cable

Galaxy provides ribbon cable from stock allowing for quick turnaround time and measurable cost savings. Galaxy also designs custom ribbon cable around specific performance needs, providing a cable for longer life, reduced down time and measureable cost reduction. Various shielding, insulation and jacketing materials are available to meet the requirements required. Galaxy’s Sales Engineers have successfully assisted in the design of custom ribbon cables for many customers, and understand the challenges that come along with the cable selection process. No matter the environment or desired functionality, a ribbon cable can be manufactured that enables the equipment to function as intended.

Features

Galaxy offers ribbon cable with the following features:

• Various insulation types
• Various jacketing materials
• Various shielding type for improved protection
• Generally low voltage
• UL/CSA certified listed products
• Various industry standard certifications
• ICEA, UL, CSA, and more

Materials

Ribbon cable from Galaxy is available with the following materials:

• FEP
• PVC
• TPE
• And more

Ribbon Cable Technical Specifications

Galaxy offers ribbon cable in the following ranges of technical specifications:

• Gauge: typically 16 AWG through 32 AWG
• Voltage: typically low voltage applications
• Temperature: -65⁰C to +200⁰C

Terminology Notes

There are various terms used in the wire and cable industry related to this type of cable. They include: ribbon cable, flat cable, flat flexible cable, planar cable, multi-wire planar cable, flat flexible cable, twisted and flat cable, woven cable.