Ribbon Cables or Multi-Wire Planar Cables are electronic cablings that carry a flexible and flat appearance. These cables resemble those ribbons used for wrapping presents or gifts, and that’s where they got their name. The flexible ribbon cable was used in old-school computer models for connecting machines to various devices and internal wiring. Even though you can learn more about these cables through STL Tech, this article has some useful insights, which you should check out.

Ribbon Cables: What Are They Made Of?

The entire body of this particular cable is made from small insulated wires, which are bonded together to create a flat and long surface. The wires are sometimes color-coded because of the core functions.

On the other hand, the manufacturers show direction by making the uppermost or top wire of a distinctive shape, typically red. This will allow all the users to identify which way is down and which way is up.

Apart from that, these cables are said to work through a wide range of connectors and conductors, and they are also available in numerous sizes. This means you can opt for a Ribbon Cable according to your need.

The Main Use Of The Ribbon Cables

These cables are specially made to facilitate electromagnetic processing within the old computer mainframes. The main use of these ribbon-shaped cables is to harness several essential wires together and link them together.

When the wires are bundled up in this manner, it becomes a lot easier to reattach and install when required. Also, it becomes easier to manage them within the machines properly. Ribbon cables are used for communications applications and data transmission.

These cables are ideal for computer cable applications because they are used in interior wiring for merging several parts, CD drivers, and hard drives. Just like the FFC cables, these colored cables are also used as internal wiring for various other applications and electronics.

Furthermore, you will also find these cables available in measuring and testing equipment, robotics, place and pick equipment, and automated termination equipment.

Types Of Ribbon Cables Available In The Market

Since ribbon cables are used for various machines and applications, several kinds of them are available in the market. Under this section, you will learn about some of them.

1. Flat And Twisted Ribbon Cable

These cables are irregular to the normal structure but carry pairs for the conductors, bonded and twisted together. These twisted cables are pretty different compared with the twisted paired ones, mainly because the cable parts are not twisted. This allows the PCB headers and the connectors to be eliminated with the traditional IDC ribbon cabling methods.

2. Rainbow Ribbon Cable

The rainbow ribbon cables carry the same type of construction as the standard ones, except the rainbow cables' color, which helps with identification and organization. Sometimes, you will find the ends of these cables split for a separate finish.

3. Standard Ribbon Cables

These cables are used for their aptitude to mass eliminate, and you can easily identify them through their gray shade.

4. The Round To Flat Ribbon Cable

The round to flat cables is unique compared to other ribbon cables. The starting of the cable is completely bundled up into a spherical form and splits for application usage. This type of construction is useful for tight areas, even though the finish portion gains all the advantages that the ribbon structure has to offer.

Wrapping Up

Ribbon cables are highly essential for numerous machines and applications. Even though they were used for old computers in the past, they are still used in many devices for internal wiring. You can go through this article to develop a good understanding of how these cables to function.