IDC is short for Insulation-Displacement Connector. These electrical connectors are designed for ribbon cables and telecommunications applications. They are also referred to as insulation-piercing contacts (IPCs).
Flat Ribbon Cable Assemblies
IDC connectors are most commonly used with Flat Ribbon Cables to create a cable assembly. Ribbon cables consist of multiple wires connected together in a thin, flat ribbon. The IDC connector has sharp contact points which pierce the insulation and make contact with the wire. They are quick and easy as you do not need to strip shrouded wires like conventional crimping methods. IDCs are an ideal ribbon cable termination.
IDC Connectors use cold welding technology. The IDC connector terminal pushes down and cuts through the insulation of the wire. During this process, there is significant pressure applied which create this cold weld. Some IDC connectors also come with strain relief functionality which helps to protect the ribbon cable connection and improve life span and reliability.
Things to consider when purchasing an IDC:
Number of Contacts -
IDCs are available with different numbers of pins or connections. For example, 4-way and 10-way. Note: the pins may be across multiple rows.
Gender -
IDCs can come in a male version, also known as a plug, or female version, also known as a socket or header.
Pitch -
This refers to the distance between each contact. For example, 1.2 mm. This needs to be compatible with the ribbon connector you wish to connect.
Mounting Type -
IDC plugs and sockets are usually mounted onto a cable or a PCB as a header.
Description:
A range of 2.54mm pitch PCB mount box
headers and IDC ribbon cable sockets that are compatible with connectors conforming to BS9525-F0023. These 2.54mm Universal PCB headers and IDC sockets have grey UL94V rated glass filled polyester housings and gold ...
Description:
Double row IDC ribbon cable socket connectors with
a 2.54 x 2.54mm pitch. These female IDC ribbon cable connectors have a PBT UL94V-0 housing with central polarization and gold plated IDC socket contacts.
Description:
AMPMODU MTE 2.54 mm pitch single row IDC
receptacle Assemblies for use in wire to wire and wire to board applications. The receptacles are supplied preassembled in strips and pre-loaded with IDC socket contacts. These AMPMODU MTE 2.54 mm IDC ...
Description:
1.27mm QF-50 IDC single beam vertical MIL/DIN version
ribbon cable/wire trap female connectors with an upper housing pre-loaded with gold plated phosphor bronze IDC contacts. These QF-50 single beam ribbon cable/wire trap connectors are fully shrouded with a 90 degree ...
