Advantages of Using ZIF Connectors as a Termination Method
March 17, 2020 | All FlexEstimated reading time: 1 minute

Application: Advantages and Information About ZIF Connectors
There are many types of connectors and termination methods available when designing a flexible circuit. One of the most common is the zero insertion force (ZIF) connector. The reason why the ZIF connector is so popular is that they eliminate the requirement for an added connector. They create a direct connection from the circuit to the mating connector reducing overall weight and cost. Here are a few general facts about ZIF connectors.
1. ZIF Connectors Capabilities and Requirements
- Our equipment allows us to hold ±0.002” tolerance on overall width
- The standard allowable thickness tolerance for 0.012” connectors is ±0.002”
- Specialized material sets have allowed us to hold ±0.001” thickness tolerance on ±0.012” requirement applications verified through multiple capability studies
2. Finishes of ZIF Connectors and Matching With Mating Connector
- Applications that require multiple insertions or greater mechanical force applications (membrane switches) should use hard electrolytic nickel gold (Ni/Au)
- Applications that are static or flex-to-install may only use ENIG/Tin/HASL, depending on the mating connector. It is important to match surface finishes with the contact finishes to inhibit corrosion, especially with tin and gold
- Electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG) is our most common ZIF plating method and allows for solderability and one surface finish across the entire flex board
3. ZIF Stiffeners
- Polyimide is the most common material added to our standard flex circuit (polyimide) stackup to meet the final ZIF thickness requirement, which is typically 0.012”. Many ZIF connectors have some type of latching mechanism that allows the flex to be inserted and then ultimately clamped down using this latching mechanism
- For ZIF connectors that do not have a latching mechanism, we have utilized an F-R4 (rigid) material as the increased thickness material. The rigid material has the copper etched off which creates a “tooth” for the connector to grab onto versus the polyimide material, which is a smooth material
- ZIF stiffeners are designed to overlap the conductors; 1 mm is the minimum requirement, but 2.5–3 mm is recommended. This provides a “finger hold” for insertion to the connector and prevents mechanical stress and cracking of the conductors. The following images depict the correct design:
Disclaimer
Data presented for informational purposes only. Actual values and/or usage is for reference.
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
07/11/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineThis week, we have quite a variety of news items and articles for you. News continues to stream out of Washington, D.C., with tariffs rearing their controversial head again. Because these tariffs are targeted at overseas copper manufacturers, this news has a direct effect on our industry.I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
Digital Twin Concept in Copper Electroplating Process Performance
07/11/2025 | Aga Franczak, Robrecht Belis, Elsyca N.V.PCB manufacturing involves transforming a design into a physical board while meeting specific requirements. Understanding these design specifications is crucial, as they directly impact the PCB's fabrication process, performance, and yield rate. One key design specification is copper thieving—the addition of “dummy” pads across the surface that are plated along with the features designed on the outer layers. The purpose of the process is to provide a uniform distribution of copper across the outer layers to make the plating current density and plating in the holes more uniform.
Trump Copper Tariffs Spark Concern
07/10/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamPresident Donald Trump stated on July 8 that he plans to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports, sparking concern in a global industry whose output is critical to electric vehicles, military hardware, semiconductors, and a wide range of consumer goods. According to Yahoo Finance, copper futures climbed over 2% following tariff confirmation.
Happy’s Tech Talk #40: Factors in PTH Reliability—Hole Voids
07/09/2025 | Happy Holden -- Column: Happy’s Tech TalkWhen we consider via reliability, the major contributing factors are typically processing deviations. These can be subtle and not always visible. One particularly insightful column was by Mike Carano, “Causes of Plating Voids, Pre-electroless Copper,” where he outlined some of the possible causes of hole defects for both plated through-hole (PTH) and blind vias.
Trouble in Your Tank: Can You Drill the Perfect Hole?
07/07/2025 | Michael Carano -- Column: Trouble in Your TankIn the movie “Friday Night Lights,” the head football coach (played by Billy Bob Thornton) addresses his high school football team on a hot day in August in West Texas. He asks his players one question: “Can you be perfect?” That is an interesting question, in football and the printed circuit board fabrication world, where being perfect is somewhat elusive. When it comes to mechanical drilling and via formation, can you drill the perfect hole time after time?