I-PEX Inc. (Headquarters: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Representative Director and President: Reiji Konishi, hereinafter referred to as I-PEX) has developed the CABLINE®-UMF FPC connector, which is ideal for internal connections in information and communications equipment, as part of the CABLINE® series of micro-coaxial /twinaxial connectors, which boast a 60% global market share*1 for connecting notebook PC display panels. Sales will begin in March 2026.
"CABLINE®-UMF" is a 0.4 mm pitch, vertical mating type FPC connector with mechanical lock and maximum mated height of 2.35 mm that supports high-speed transmission (40 Gbps/lane PAM3) and EMC countermeasures with ZenShield®. Applying the structure and characteristics of the "CABLINE®" series, which excels in high-speed transmission, to FPC connections contributes to greater freedom in the product design of information and communications equipment.
FPC connector CABLINE®-UMF
Click here for the CABLINE®-UMF product page
- *1. Company research
Development Background
In recent years, the market for information and telecommunications devices, including laptops, has seen a trend toward faster internal transmission speeds and smaller components.
Within devices, reducing transmission loss due to ever-increasing data transmission speeds and preventing interference with antenna frequency bands installed in IoT devices are becoming major issues. To solve these issues, noise suppression measures are required for electronic components installed inside devices.
Furthermore, as communication devices become smaller, space constraints within the devices are becoming stricter. Traditionally, micro-coaxial cables have been widely used to connect display panels, which require high-speed transmission, but there is a growing need for lower-profile FPCs to transmit high-speed signals.
I-PEX has contributed to the realization of high-speed transmission connections within information and communications equipment through the development of the micro-coaxial connector "CABLINE®-UM" (0.4 mm pitch, vertical mating type), which is equipped with ZenShield®, a 360-degree EMC shielding technology for noise prevention.
Now, with the aim of further increasing the degree of freedom in customer product design, we have developed CABLINE®-UMF, a connector that can be used to connect CABLINE®-UM to shielded FPCs.
Micro-coaxial connector CABLINE®-UM
Features
- ZenShield® full shielding and multi-point grounding is ideal for EMC solutions
- A locking cover and a wiping length of 0.65 mm or more ensure high contact reliability
- Ideal for high-data-rate transfer up to 40 Gbps/lane PAM3
- Vertical mating type with a maximum mated height of 2.35 mm
Comparison of CABLINE®-UMF and CABLINE®-UM
| Product Name | CABLINE®-UMF | CABLINE®-UM |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Type | FPC | micro-coaxial |
| Pitch | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Mating Direction | Vertical Mating | Vertical Mating |
| Pin Count | 40, 70 pins | 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 pins |
| Mated Height | 2.35 mm max. | 2.35 mm max. |
About CABLINE®
CABLINE® is I-PEX's connector series for micro-coaxial/discrete cables, ideal for connecting displays, camera modules, servers, and more. I-PEX is a pioneer in micro-coaxial cable connectors suitable for high-speed transmission, having developed the world's first micro-coaxial connector, CABLINE® I, in 1996. The CABLINE® series has secured the top market share for panel connection connectors for laptops (according to company research).
Click here for more information on the CABLINE® series
About ZenShield®
ZenShield® is I-PEX's solution for small connectors, providing high-performance EMC shielding design. Connectors incorporating ZenShield® technology enable greater flexibility in PCB design, including the placement of connectors closer to antennas, especially in electronic devices with wireless communication functions that require intra-system EMC protection.
Click here for more information on ZenShield®
About I-PEX Inc.
I-PEX stands for “Innovative Product development & Engineering solutions eXpert” providing value in the form of inspiration and astonishment in the global marketplace. The company was founded in 1963 as Dai-ichi Seiko, a precision mold manufacturer, and has since produced numerous world-firsts and unique products and solutions. I-PEX currently operates in five business fields: Connectors, Contract Manufacturing (Automotive Components & Electronics Components), Molds & Equipment, MEMS Foundry, and Energy Solutions. By delivering the sharpest tip to the world, we will contribute to exciting value-creation in the digitalized society by working globally with every customer who opens up the new era.
| Trade Name | I-PEX Inc. |
|---|---|
| President | Representative Director and President Reiji Konishi |
| Location | 5th Hase Building, 7th Floor, 637 Suiginya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8411 |
| Establishment | July 10, 1963 |
| Paid-in Capital | 9,968 million yen (as of December 31, 2025) |
| Business Operation | ・ Connectors Business ・ Contract Manufacturing Business (Automotive Components & Electronics Components) ・ Mold & Equipment Business ・ MEMS Foundry Business ・ Energy Solutions Business |
| URL | https://corp.i-pex.com/en |
