IDC ribbon cable assembly guide

Custom IDC Ribbon Cable Assemblies for EMS and OEM Electronics Buyers

An IDC ribbon cable assembly uses insulation displacement connectors terminated onto flat ribbon cable. Buyers should specify pin count, connector type at each end, cable length, cable orientation, red-edge direction, cable pitch, connector pitch, strain relief, labeling, testing and quantity.

2.54mm IDC box header representative connector photo for ribbon cable assembly RFQ by Kirision — Representative Kirision connector image for specification review. Final structure is confirmed by drawing, sample or BOM details.

IDC ribbon cable assemblies are used for internal connections between PCBs, control panels, I/O boards, displays, test fixtures and industrial modules. Orientation and pin mapping must be checked before production.

A request such as 20P IDC cable is not enough for repeatable quotation. The same pin count can be assembled with different connector directions, cable lengths, strain relief options and pin 1 mapping.

Key specifications to confirm

Pin count	10P, 16P, 20P, 26P, 34P, 40P, 50P or other.
Connector type	IDC socket, card-edge connector, D-sub, box-header mating socket or other end connector.
Cable length	Length and tolerance should match installation path and service clearance.
Cable and connector pitch	Ribbon cable conductor pitch can differ from connector interface pitch.
Orientation	Same-side, opposite-side, reversed or custom direction controls cable routing.
Testing and packing	Continuity test, visual inspection, labels and packing should be stated for production orders.

Cable pitch and connector pitch are not always the same

Many common IDC systems use a 2.54mm connector interface with 1.27mm pitch ribbon cable conductors. This is normal, but it can confuse RFQs.

For replacement cables, send photos of both connector faces, the full cable path and any pin 1 marks. A photo of only one end may not show whether the assembly is straight-through, reversed or specially oriented.

RFQ checklist

Pin count and connector type on each end.
Cable length, tolerance, cable conductor pitch and connector interface pitch.
Same-side, opposite-side, reversed or custom orientation.
Pin 1 and red-edge direction at each connector.
Strain relief, labeling, testing, inspection and packing requirement.

Send a connector RFQ

Send drawing, sample photo, BOM, STEP, DWG or PDF files. Kirision can review pitch, rows, positions, mounting style, height, tail length, mating connector, plating, quantity and export document requirements before quotation.

ISO 9001 quality management documentation can be provided for qualified RFQ projects. RoHS material compliance review is available on request when export projects require it.

Send RFQ

FAQ

Is the ribbon cable pitch always the same as the connector pitch?

No. A common IDC system may use a 2.54mm connector interface with 1.27mm ribbon cable conductor pitch. Confirm both when requesting a quote.

What is the most important information for a custom IDC cable?

Connector type, pin count, cable length, connector orientation and pin 1 direction are the most important details. Testing and packing should also be stated.

Can Kirision quote from a sample photo?

Photos can start the check, but final pin mapping and dimensions should be confirmed before production. For replacement cables, send photos of both ends and the complete cable path.

Should the board-side header be included in the RFQ?

Yes when compatibility is uncertain. Quoting the cable and matching box header or ejector latch header together helps confirm mechanical fit and cable direction.

Recommended Kirision products for this guide

Use these product families as RFQ starting points. The final connector structure is confirmed by pitch, rows, positions, mounting style, height, tail length, plating, mating connector, drawing or sample details.