24-pin FFC/FPC ribbon cable: replacing the flexible link that gave up

On a handheld console that has been opened ten times, the flexible ribbon linking the screen or the daughterboard to the mainboard ends up cracking at the fold, or losing a contact. This FFC/FPC ribbon cable with a 0.5 mm pitch and 24 pins comes in 25 lengths from 25 to 600 mm and in both contact orientations. You replace the worn part without soldering anything.

What it does

• 0.5 mm pitch, 24 positions: the ribbon slots into slide-type or flip-type ZIF connectors of this format, very common on handheld console boards, LCD panels and daughterboards.
• Two contact orientations: "same side" (contacts on the same face at both ends) or "opposite" (contacts on opposite faces). It is the receiving connector that dictates the choice.
• 25 lengths available: from 25 mm for a short link between two neighbouring boards to 600 mm for a test bench or a remote screen.
• Solder-free installation: open the connector latch, pull out the old ribbon, insert the new one, close it again.

What it doesn't do

• It is not an original part for a specific console model: it is a generic ribbon cable. We guarantee no manufacturer compatibility — it is up to you to measure the ribbon you are replacing before ordering.
• It does not replace a ribbon soldered, glued or crimped onto the board: only links with a ZIF connector are concerned.
• It does not adapt to another pitch or another pin count. A 24-pin ribbon cannot be cut down cleanly to 20 or 16 pins.
• The contact orientation is not reversible: a "same side" ribbon cannot replace an "opposite" one without a poor contact or a reversed pinout.
• No shielding: this ribbon is not intended for critical high-frequency signals or for high current.

Compatibility

Any FFC/FPC connector with a 0.5 mm pitch and 24 positions. Before ordering, note three things on the original ribbon: the pitch between two tracks (0.5 mm), the number of conductors (24) and the overall length in millimetres, end to end. Also check which side the gold contacts are on at each end. A ribbon with another pitch (0.3 mm, 1.0 mm) or another pin count will not do, even if the width looks close.

Skill required

Beginner. No soldering. You need to open the machine's shell (Phillips, tri-wing or Y00 screwdriver depending on the model), a thin spudger or a guitar pick to unclip it, and a lot of care with the ZIF connector latch: it is the most fragile part of the job. Allow 10 to 20 minutes, disassembly included. A caliper or a metal ruler is useful for measuring the length before you buy.

In the box

• 1 FFC/FPC ribbon cable, 0.5 mm pitch, 24 pins, in the length and contact orientation chosen when ordering.

Worth reading before you order: Retro Peripherals

Delivery in 10 to 18 days · ships within 3 to 5 days · 2-year legal guarantee · 14-day returns.