The **FCW-26-R** is an electronic component primarily classified as a **Flat Cable Connector** (IDC - Insulation Displacement Connector). It is designed to facilitate secure and reliable connections between printed circuit boards (PCBs) and flat ribbon cables. --- ### ## Technical Specifications | Parameter | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | **Number of Positions** | 26 Pins (2 Rows of 13) | | **Pitch Spacing** | 2.54mm (0.100") | | **Connector Type** | IDC Ribbon Cable Connector (Female Socket) | | **Mounting Type** | Cable Mount (Free Hanging) | | **Contact Material** | Copper Alloy (usually Gold or Tin plated) | | **Housing Material** | Thermoplastic (PBT), UL94V-0 Rated | | **Current Rating** | 1A AC/DC | | **Voltage Rating** | 250V AC/DC | --- ### ### Key Electronic Features 1. **Insulation Displacement Technology (IDC):** The "FCW" series utilizes IDC contacts. These are sharp blades that pierce the insulation of a ribbon cable to make contact with the internal conductor, eliminating the need to strip wires manually. 2. **Dual Row Configuration:** The 26 pins are arranged in two parallel rows. This high-density layout is standard for parallel data transmission, such as connecting sensors, displays, or microcontrollers to peripheral boards. 3. **Polarization Key / Center Bump:** The "R" in the suffix often denotes specific orientation features, such as a **Central Polarization Bump**. This ensures the connector can only be plugged into the male header in the correct orientation, preventing short circuits or reverse polarity. 4. **Strain Relief:** Most FCW-26-R assemblies come with an optional or integrated strain relief clip. This plastic piece snaps over the ribbon cable to prevent the wires from being pulled out of the IDC contacts during vibration or handling. --- ### ### Typical Applications * **Internal Data Bus:** Connecting a motherboard to a daughterboard. * **LCD Interfaces:** Linking character or graphic LCDs to a control unit. * **Industrial Controls:** Signal routing within CNC machines or PLC units. * **Prototyping:** Widely used with Raspberry Pi or Arduino "Shield" expansions that utilize 2.54mm headers. ---