Abstract: A flow field plate for use in a PEM fuel cell using a gaseous fuel and oxidant, comprising a substantially planar surface and a flow field formed in the substantially planar surface is provided. The plate further includes a network of flow passages for supplying the fuel or oxidant to the flow field and a network of flow passages for receiving the gases discharging from the flow field. The flow field includes a plurality of substantially symmetric flow sectors having separate inlets and outlets communicating with the networks of supply and exhaust flow passages, respectively. Each flow sector includes a plurality of substantially parallel flow channels formed in the substantially planar plate surface, with each sector partitioned so as to subdivide the channels into a plurality of sets of channels disposed in serial flow relationship, with each set including a plurality of the channels disposed in parallel flow relationship.