Ribbon cables and connectors for space

Author: EIS Release Date: Sep 15, 2022

French connector company Nicomatic has revealed flat flexible cables for space use.

 

Nicomatic space ribbon connector microflex solderpin

 

“Manufactured from NASA-grade materials, ‘FFCs for Space’ create strong board-to-board connections on PCBs and display boards in electronic equipment, systems and sub-assemblies, linking data and power points in tight areas,” according to the company.

 

They are designed to function through thermal cycling and to be folded or coiled – with Nicomatic claiming “millions of cycles in high-flexing environments”.

 

NASA outgassing specifications for vacuum conditions are met, and they are mateable with zero insertion force and low insertion force connectors, it said,

 

Standard parts range in pitch from 0.50mm to 2.54, and custom pitches are available as are complete custom assemblies.

 

It sees them being used in satellites, exploration rovers, solar arrays and research orbiters, with HD cameras, radar, communication units, optical sensors and simulators.

 

The company is showing its products in the UK at Space-Comm – Nicomatic’s DMM, CMM and EMM series connectors have been specified in space applications, including the ExoMars’ TGO module (CMM) and China’s Jade Rabbit rover (custom connector).

 

Electronics weekly has requested more information about these connectors.