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 mating 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 provide the perfect EMC solution
- A locking cover and a wiping length of 0.65 mm or more ensure high contact reliability
- Ideal for 40 Gbps/lane PAM3 high-speed transmission connections
- Vertical mating type with a maximum mating 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 type | Vertical Mating | Vertical Mating |
| Number of cores | 40, 70 pins | 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 pins |
| Mating 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 surprise to the global market. Founded in 1963 as Daiichi Seiko, a precision mold manufacturer, the company has since produced numerous world-first and unique products and solutions. Currently, the company operates in three business areas: "Connectors and Electronics Mechanism Components," "Automotive Electrical and Related Components," and "Semiconductor Equipment and Other." By spreading the cutting edge to the world, I-PEX contributes to the creation of exciting value in the digital society together with customers worldwide who are pioneering the next generation.
| Trade Name | I-PEX Inc. |
|---|---|
| President | Representative Director and President Reiji Konishi |
| Location | 7th Floor, 5th Hase Building, 637 Suiginyacho, 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 |
