What are IDC insulation displacement connectors?

What are IDC insulation displacement connectors?

Insulation displacement connectors (IDC for short) are the ideal solution for device manufacturers if two or more PCBs are to be connected across longer distances. Where normal mezzanine or mother/daughter card arrangements are no longer sufficient, the IDC or insulation displacement connector delivers reliable connectivity via ribbon cables.

Atkconn offers a wide range of IDC insulation displacement connector systems for ribbon cables that are designed for cable-to-board applications throughout a variety of sectors. Atkconn tailors each IDC connector to your custom requirements, along with the appropriate cable type to simplify your installation and warehousing. The PCB connectors are available in various termination techniques: with solder termination (for manual, wave or reflow soldering) and press-fit technology. The different types have between 6 and 64 contacts. The cable connectors are suitable both for use within the device or for establishing connections between devices. Thus, IDC connectors provide a versatile solution suitable for any application.

An insulation-displacement contact (IDC), also known as insulation-piercing contact (IPC), is an electrical connector designed to be connected to the conductor(s) of an insulated cable by a connection process which forces a selectively sharpened blade or blades through the insulation, bypassing the need to strip the conductors of insulation before connecting. When properly made, the connector blade cold-welds to the conductor, making a theoretically reliable gas-tight connection.
IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector) connectors are commonly used in electronics and telecommunications applications where a large number of wires need to be connected quickly and efficiently. These connectors work by using sharp teeth or blades to pierce the insulation of the flat cable, making contact with the conductors inside. This creates a secure and reliable electrical connection between the cable and the connector.

One of the most common uses of IDC connectors is in computers and data storage devices. They are commonly used in hard drives and other data storage devices to connect the internal cables to the PCB. These connectors allow for fast and reliable connections between the various components of the device, ensuring that data can be transferred quickly and efficiently. Other applications of IDC connectors include telecommunications and automotive.

benefits and application:
Use ribbon cable to connect the PCB in the application
Transmission of data and signals
Gas-tight contact and connection to the electrical conductor using an insulation displacement connection
Self-connecting, easy to assemble
Connects several conductors simultaneously, in only one step or in only one press-fit process
THT, THR and press-fit technology = variable PCB termination technology