An LED screen flat cable, also known as an “LED ribbon cable” or “FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) cable,” is a thin, flexible electrical cable used to transmit power and data between the components of an LED display system—including LED modules, driver boards, control cards, and power supplies. Unlike traditional round cables, flat cables are designed with a flat, ribbon-like structure that allows for compact installation, minimal space usage, and reliable signal transmission in tight spaces (such as between LED modules or inside narrow cabinets). They are custom-manufactured to match the pin configuration and length requirements of specific LED systems, with designs tailored to handle the low-voltage power and high-speed data signals required by modern LED displays.

The core functions of an LED screen flat cable are power transmission, data transmission, and mechanical flexibility.

Power Transmission: The cable delivers stable DC power from the power supply to the LED modules and driver boards, with conductors sized to handle the current requirements (typically 1A-5A per conductor, depending on the screen size and brightness). Flat cables are designed to minimize voltage drop— a common issue in long cables that can cause uneven brightness across the screen—by using thick, low-resistance copper conductors and minimizing the length of the cable run.

Data Transmission: For data signals (which control the color, brightness, and refresh rate of the LED chips), flat cables are engineered to transmit high-speed signals (up to several Gbps) with minimal interference or signal loss. They often include shielded conductors or twisted pairs to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby power cables or electronic components—ensuring that the data signals remain stable and accurate, even in large screens with dozens of modules.

Mechanical Flexibility: The flat, flexible design of the cable allows it to bend and twist without damaging the conductors or insulation—making it ideal for installations where space is limited, such as between curved LED modules, inside narrow cabinets, or in portable rental screens that require frequent setup and teardown. Unlike round cables, which can become tangled or kinked, flat cables lay flat and can be routed along precise paths, reducing the risk of damage during installation or maintenance.

The structure of an LED screen flat cable is designed for durability, flexibility, and performance:

Conductors: Made of high-purity copper (for low resistance) or tinned copper (for corrosion resistance), the conductors are arranged in a flat, parallel pattern—with the number of conductors varying based on the application (e.g., 4 conductors for power-only cables, 8-24 conductors for power-and-data cables).

Insulation: A thin, flexible insulation layer (usually made of PVC, PET, or FEP) covers the conductors, protecting them from physical damage, moisture, and short circuits. The insulation is chosen for its flexibility (to allow bending) and heat resistance (to withstand the heat generated by LED modules).

Jacket: An outer jacket (often made of the same material as the insulation) provides additional protection against abrasion, chemicals, and environmental factors. For outdoor applications, the jacket may be waterproof or UV-resistant to prevent degradation from rain or sunlight.

Connectors: The ends of the cable are terminated with custom connectors (such as JST, Molex, or board-to-board connectors) that match the pin configuration of the LED modules, driver boards, or control cards. The connectors are designed for secure, low-resistance connections—often with locking mechanisms to prevent accidental disconnection.

LED screen flat cables are categorized based on their application, length, and number of conductors:

Module-to-Module Cables: Short cables (typically 100mm-300mm) used to connect adjacent LED modules—transmitting power and data between them to ensure synchronized operation. These cables are often pre-installed on the modules for easy assembly.