FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) and FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) cables have several differences. Firstly, in terms of structure, FFC cables typically consist of a flat ribbon of parallel conductors sandwiched between two insulating layers. The conductors are usually thin and flat, and the overall cable is relatively simple in construction. FPC cables, on the other hand, are more complex. They have a flexible substrate on which the conductors are patterned using printed circuit techniques. This allows for more customized circuit designs and can accommodate more intricate layouts.

Secondly, in terms of flexibility, both are flexible to some extent, but FPC cables generally offer more flexibility in terms of bending and twisting. They can be designed to conform to complex shapes and are often used in applications where tight bends or irregular geometries are required, such as in the hinge area of a laptop or in curved display panels. FFC cables are also flexible but may have more limitations in terms of the degree of bending and the complexity of the shapes they can take.

In terms of application, FFC cables are commonly used in consumer electronics such as printers, scanners, and DVD players where a simple, cost-effective flat cable solution is needed to connect different components within a relatively short distance. FPC cables, however, are widely used in more advanced and compact electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices where the need for high-density circuitry and flexibility in a small space is crucial. They are also used in industrial and automotive applications where reliability and performance under various conditions are important. Additionally, FPC cables can often support higher frequencies and faster data transfer rates compared to FFC cables, making them more suitable for applications that require high-speed signal transmission.