What cable is ribbon cable?

What cable is ribbon cable?

A thin, flat, multiconductor cable that is widely used for internal peripheral connections in electronic systems. In a PC, a 34-wire ribbon connects the floppy drive (if present) to the motherboard. A 40-wire cable connects the IDE (ATA) CD drive, and an 80-wire cable is used for the IDE (ATA) hard disks.

Are ribbon cables still used?

These types are used for many types of equipment, in particular for interconnections within an enclosure. For personal computers, this size is used today in floppy-disk-drive cables and older or custom Parallel ATA cables.

What is a ribbon cable used for?

Ribbon cables are usually used as interconnects for internal peripherals in computers, such as hard drives, CD drives, and floppy drives. On some older computer systems they were also used for external connections.

What are the different types of ribbon cable?

A ribbon cable is defined as “a cable with many conducting wires running parallel to each other on the same flat plane….This product is available in 3 different types of cables:

  • Single Hook-Up wire.
  • Coaxial cable.
  • Multi-Conductor cable.

How do I identify a ribbon cable?

Generally, ribbon cables will have one edge marked in a contrasting color to the remainder of the cable, with the color of the edge mark in some instances corresponding to the pitch or center spacing of the cable, for instance a 0.050” spacing cable typically uses a red edge mark.

Can you solder a ribbon cable?

Soldering a ribbon cable can be somewhat tricky due to its thin individual wires. Turn the soldering iron on and set it at a temperature of 375 degrees Celsius (700 Fahrenheit). Place the connector where the ribbon cable is to be soldered on a flat and dry surface with soldering pins exposed and easily accessible.

How much current can a ribbon cable take?

The current limit for a single connection is as great as 4.5 amps, but if all lines carry equal current, the capability drops to a 1.5A limit.

What gauge is ribbon cable?

Ribbon cable wire sizes Standard 0.050″ pitch flat ribbon cable usually comprises stranded 26 AWG or 28 AWG wires, but sometimes may contain wires as large as 24 AWG or 22 AWG (although AWG 22 and AWG 24 cables are uncommon).

Are ribbon cables universal?

Ribbon cables are not universal and you must purchase a replacement from the manufacturer of your TV, printer, or computer. Measure the width of the cable to determine the size you need and use the color or pattern on the cable itself to find a matching cable.

Can you repair broken ribbon cable?

In order for the ribbon to perform, each of the multiple wires inside must be fully connected along the entire length of the ribbon to the components. Easily repair a broken ribbon wire by recreating the wire connections with a metallic conductive substance.

What is the ampacity of 18 gauge wire?

Table 310.15(B)(17)

Size Temperature Rating of Copper Conductor
(AWG or kcmil) 60°C (140°F) 90°C (194°F)
18 AWG 18
16 AWG 24
14 AWG* 35

How much current can a ribbon cable handle?

Can you bend ribbon cables?

Flat and ribbon cables shall not be creased, folded or bent less than three (3) insulated wire diameters (short-term). The recommended long-term bend radius is ten (10) diameters.

How many amps can a 16 gauge wire carry?

Why Wire Gauge Is Important

Wire Use Rated Ampacity Wire Gauge
Low-voltage lighting and lamp cords 10 amps 18-gauge
Extension cords (light-duty) 13 amps 16-gauge
Light fixtures, lamps, lighting circuits 15 amps 14-gauge
Kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor receptacles (outlets); 120-volt air conditioners 20 amps 12-gauge