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 is ribbon cable used for?
Do computers still use ribbon cables?
Ribbon cables are usually specified by two numbers: the spacing or pitch of the conductors, and the number of conductors or ways. … For personal computers, this size is used today in floppy-disk-drive cables and older or custom Parallel ATA cables.
What are ribbon electric cables?
A ribbon cable is a flat, thin cable composed of multiple small-grade cables placed parallel to each other. … This type of cable is mostly used in electronic systems that require multiple data buses to link internal peripherals, such as disk drives to their respective drive controllers.
Where do you connect the ribbon cable?
Connecting the ribbon cable is simply a matter of lining up the grooves and ridges, then pressing the cable down into the connection socket. If the cable encounters resistance, it should be checked to make sure that the ridges aren't on the wrong side of the socket.
What are the different types of ribbon cables?
Most ribbon cables are color coded for pin one usually red in color. The cable types are Flat cable, Flat Jacket, Ground Plane, Round Jacket, Split Conductor, Flat Twin Axial, and Flat Twisted Pair with the number of conductors ranging from 2 to 154 and pitch ranging from 0.017” (0.43mm) to 0.394” (10.00mm).
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.
Are ribbon cables fragile?
These are very fragile and, when opening, need to be prised up gently using either a small screw driver blade, a plastic 'spudger' or even a plastic guitar pick.
How do you use a ribbon cable?
Slide the new ribbon cable into the connector or attach the connector itself.
- If you're attaching a connector, you should hear the connector click into the clip.
- If you slide the ribbon cable into the connector, just line the end of the ribbon up with the bottom of the connector and slide it back into the clip.
Can you clean a ribbon cable?
You will clean the ribbon cable with a pencil eraser and rubbing alcohol.