IDC Ribbon Connector (GPIO) connector, generated image
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Size2.54 mm, 2 x 20
SignalParallel data / GPIO

IDC

IDC Ribbon Connector (GPIO)
Invented in
1970s
Invented by
3M
Availability
Common (makers, legacy PC)

The flat grey ribbon cable with a boxy 2-row connector, famous today as the 40-pin GPIO header on a Raspberry Pi and historically as floppy and IDE drive cables.

Technical specifications
Introduced1970s (3M)
SignalParallel data / GPIO
Pitch2.54 mm
Common sizes2x5, 2x13, 2x20
Found on
an Arduino / Raspberry Pi
Recommended brands
013M
02Harting
03Amphenol
Where to buy
Amazonamazon.itReicheltreichelt.de
Europe-focused retailer searches. Some links are affiliate links and may earn a commission.
Fun fact

IDC means Insulation Displacement: the connector's blades pierce the ribbon insulation, so a 40-wire cable is made in one press with no soldering.

Tips & tricks

The red stripe on the ribbon marks pin 1. Plugging a GPIO ribbon in backwards can destroy a Raspberry Pi.

Philosophy

The cable that wired the inside of every PC of the 1990s, reborn as the maker's favourite way to break out a Raspberry Pi.

Applications
Data
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