Ribbon Cables are thin cables composed of multiple small-grade cables placed parallel. Each core placed side by side forms a wide flat wire that resembles a ribbon. Ribbon cabling is commonly used in computing and communication applications. They are often used internally in electronic appliances, hard drive wiring, testing, measuring, computing, and robotics. Screened ribbon cabling is ideal for sensitive equipment areas and protects against EMI.
Types of Ribbon Cable:
Flat Ribbon Cable
A flat ribbon cable is a flat, rectangular cable made up of many wires running parallel. Insulation displacement contact (IDC) connectors are mass terminated with this device. Electrical characteristics like impedance, capacitance, time delay, crosstalk, and attenuation are consistent with fixed conductor spacing and constant shape.
Round Ribbon Cable (RRC):
These cables are made up of wires that are spread out flat and side by side, with each wire colored differently to assist in differentiating between them. Contrary to other types of ribbon cable, they consume far less room, which makes them valuable. They are mainly used for external wiring in electronic equipment, appliances, and consumer products.
A black PVC jacketed cable core with a slit and attached flat grey ribbon wire is used to make RRC. The core is folded and twisted into a round shape before being taped with polyester or aluminum/polyester tape. If a dual shielded cable is required, the cable is braided to provide additional protection.
Types of RRC:
These cables having different voltage ratings and capacitance come in shielded and unshielded forms. The number and size of the strands can vary, as can the length of the cable and the cable's maximum and minimum operating temperature.
Advantages of RRC:
- There are several benefits, i.e., they are versatile and easy to install found easily at any home or office supply store.
- These cables are excellent for multi-core connections in consumer electronics, office equipment, and more.
- Their large number of cores makes them convenient for installation.
- These cables are led through a slot and secured with a gland which allows them to be installed without insulation and are therefore ideal for multi-core connections.
- Round ribbons of certain brands are typically made with nine to 64 cores of copper/tinned 28AWG wires. Shielded variants are available in braid or aluminum foil.
Applications of RRC:
- Round ribbon cables are mainly used for external wiring in electronic appliances and consumer products. Further applications include use in external wiring for business equipment, serial applications, and tight space applications.
- These cables are beneficial for applications where space is an issue. These are proper in confined spaces and allow for flexibility.
Conclusion:
Cabling that can successfully fit in confined locations has become increasingly vital for industries and organizations as electronics, appliances, and consumer products become smaller and smaller. There are many different types of cables depending upon the type of your project. Visit Enrgtech and place an order to get the fine quality product with a single click with same-day shipping.
