The forces driving flex connector development are similar to many other connector systems in the market. From a technology perspective, the quest for miniaturization seems to be never ending. This is no surprise considering the number of handheld devices that utilize flex connectors. The drive for more functionality in a smaller package has affected not only contact spacing but overall height. Where a standard 1.0mm pitch connector was once the state of the art, the market is now demanding products with 0.2mm contact spacing and heights down to 0.7mm, which is under development. LCDs continue to evolve as well, meeting the needs for higher resolution and support of video applications. As a result, the data rates required to feed these displays must be supported by the connector interface. This is the focus of a great deal of development by connector manufacturers. Arguably the largest driver in flex connector development is that of improved quality. This refers to the overall quality of the end device being manufactured. In other words, the operator is sure the cable is inserted properly and the engineer knows that the connector will retain that cable over the life of the product.