Connector system for flat flexible cables

A connector assembly for a flat flexible cable (FFC), comprising:

• a plug retaining a plurality of conductive terminals, each of the plurality of conductive terminals having a welding surface exposed on a first side of the plug having a first contact surface, and a second contact surface exposed on a second side of the plug, opposite the first side;
• the FFC including a plurality of conductors exposed on at least one side thereof;
• a cable stiffening element arranged over the FFC proximate the plurality of exposed conductors, the cable stiffening element mounted to the plug such that the welding surfaces of the plurality of conductive terminals oppose the exposed conductors of the FFC;
• and
• a header adapted to be mounted to a substrate and defining a plug opening having a plurality of conductive header contacts arranged therein, the plug connectable to the header within the plug opening with the second contact surfaces of the plurality of conductive terminals in conductive contact with respective ones of the plurality of header contacts.