Products

Connectors - ZIF-Compatible

GENERAL: GGI International has the ability to design a membrane keypad circuit compatible with a "ZIF/LIF" connection system. ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) or LIF (Low Insertion Force) connectors are also known as "FFC/FPC" (Flat Flexible Cable) / Flexible Printed Circuit). Their distinguishing characteristic is that the connector system is on the rigid PCB as opposed to being on the membrane tail.

The tail of the circuit will be inserted in the ZIF/LIF connector creating electrical contact. In order to ensure the circuit tail termination will stay in place and maintain electrical contact, a stiffener is strategically laminated underneath the tail extremity.

  • Characteristics:
    • Orientation of the contacts on the circuit: Conducting traces on top of the circuit tail; stiffener under the tail extremity
    • Number of positions: ZIF and LIF (1 mm) = from 2 to 30
    • Number of rows: 1
    • Distance between positions (ZIF or LIF): SMT =1 mm / through hole = 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 2.00 mm, 2.54 mm
    • Corresponding connection: ZIF or LIF connector with contact oriented according to the circuit
    • Locking: by pressure (ZIF)
    • Multiple insertions: ZIF = max 30 cycles / LIF = max 10 cycles
    • Polarization: available
    • RoHS compatibility: available

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  • Note on characteristics:
    • Typical ZIF/LIF circuits manufactured by GGI International = 1 mm spacing / contact on top / thickness of 0.012".
  • Advantages:
    • Economical
    • Elimination of mechanical components such as pins and receptacles
    • No drilling or deterioration of the circuit because there are no pins
    • Reduction in the width and space required for the tail
  • Disadvantages:
    • Critical contact orientation, because the conductive side of the membrane switch keypad circuit is on the top of the tail (when the keypad is viewed face up)
    • For a spacing of 1 mm, the keypad circuit traces are thinner, which could increase the circuit resistance
    • The precision of the tail die cut position, in relation to the printed traces is extremely important

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