Molex interconnect solutions lead the automotive industry into the era of "smart connected vehicles"

    Molex is a global leader in the high-growth automotive electronics sector. Vehicles are now being equipped with electronic sensors, safety systems, infotainment equipment, cameras, auxiliary navigation equipment, in-vehicle networks, solid-state lighting and flat-panel display devices. Vehicles are becoming increasingly multifunctional electronic environments and have high requirements for a large number of interconnection options.

    “China’s automotive electronics market is very active, with more and more vehicles equipped with complex electronic systems in the country,” said James Fan, assistant product manager, Molex Transportation Business Unit. “According to market research firm IHS iSuppli, electronic systems now account for an average of 40% of the total cost of a vehicle in China, and sales in China’s automotive electronics market are expected to reach $29.9 billion by 2015. Molex connectivity solutions are playing a huge role in driving this rapid growth.”

Complete product portfolio

    In 2013, Molex will provide a complete portfolio of interconnect solutions for automobiles, including the following advanced products:

    HSAutolink II™ Molex recently launched a flexible and scalable product series HSAutoLink II, the first phase of which includes 6 or 12-way models, providing the flexibility to combine connections or support multiple protocols in the same connector, including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, LVDS, Ethernet Audio Visual Bridging (AVB), and improved HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort. Use shielded twisted-pair (STP) or jacketed unshielded twisted pair (JUTP) for wiring, providing a range of options for cost-competitive high-speed differential signal application solutions.

    Typical applications include in-vehicle infotainment, telematics devices, radio and navigation systems, as well as meeting the growing demand for advanced driver assistance cameras for pedestrian warning, night vision or blind spot notification, 360-degree and rear-view vision systems.

    CMX Connector The CMX wire-to-board connection system is designed for applications requiring 2.5A current for signal pins and up to 20A current for power pins. The CMX connector features a streamlined design and uses Molex CTX clean-body, tin-plated standard terminals to provide a competitive solution for electronic control units (ECUs) and other wire-to-board transportation applications.

    CMX connectors are recommended for applications requiring IP67/6K9K standard sealing, vibration levels not exceeding 6.8G, and operating temperatures ranging from -40 to +120°C. They are also suitable for applications requiring ISO and JASO (AVS/AVSS) cables and requiring tin as the plating material. CMX connectors are not intended for use in trucks, tractors, or other heavy vehicles.

    CTX Crimp Terminals The CTX terminals for CMX connectors are the successor to the CP terminals for CMC connectors, a sealed, high-density connection system developed specifically for the transportation industry. The CTX/CMX combination is a lower-cost alternative for CP/CMC wire-to-board (WTB) applications.

    Molex CTX terminals are used in harsh climate environments, and their high conductivity copper (Cu) alloy provides excellent stress relaxation and current-carrying properties. All CTX terminals are designed to meet USCAR-2 Class III and selected OEM automakers' temperature requirements exceeding +125°C.

    MOX Products The MOX (Micro Omega Molex) connector series is unsealed and available in 2 to 64-way product ranges designed for harsh automotive applications. The 64-way MOX system is a double-row, 0.635mm (.025") wire-to-board connection system. When using 0.64mm MOX crimp terminals, the 64-way system provides a proven, cost-effective solution for airbag controllers, body electronics, and comfort-and-convenience applications.

    MX 120G™ Sealed Molex MX120G™ Connector System is a highly compact, sealed wire-to-wire and wire-to-board connector series that provides optimal performance, especially in wet, high-vibration and wide operating temperature environments. Designed for harsh, non-automotive applications, the IP67-rated MX120G Interconnect System can be extended to outdoor lighting applications, including traffic lights and overhead street lights, and is a more reliable and cost-effective solution than pre-crimped wire-seal alternatives.

    The connector's built-in positive locking feature ensures secure terminal retention and prevents any accidental terminal withdrawal. Its unique twist-lock design ensures that the header contact terminals are properly aligned with the socket contacts without the need for any fasteners.

    MX150 Unsealed Connector System The MX150 unsealed connector system is used for direct connection or in-line applications, which can reduce the overall package size compared to traditional 1.50mm connection systems. The design-to-cost approach provides a cost-competitive, high-performance connector by integrating TPA locks on the hinge, minimal molding costs, and short production cycle times. The connection system uses MX150 terminals and is compatible with Yazaki YESC terminals.

    NSCC – New Standard Casing Contact The NSCC product family offers unsealed wire-to-wire and wire-to-board power connections in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 16-way options. With a one-piece design and integrated hinged TPA functionality, the NSCC receptacle is a cost-effective solution for small form factor circuits, and the receptacle can carry power with 1.50 and 2.80mm terminals.

    NSCC connectors are fully compatible with SICMA, BTS and TSC contact systems.

    Stac64™-e Bio-Plastic Connector System. Bio-plastic Stac64™-e is the automotive industry’s first renewable, plant-based resin connector, offering an alternative to traditional petroleum-based connectors while providing equivalent performance and quality characteristics for transportation applications.

    生物塑料(bio-plastic)树脂Stac64-e连接器加入到Molex现有的Stac64 PCB连接器产品组合中，它们具有可堆叠的模块化壳体，可组合成为较大的接头组件，显著减少了上市时间，无需定制模具。Stac64连接器支持导航、仪表和其它汽车应用需求。

    “Today’s cars and vehicles are expected to have the same functionality as mobile communication centers, including navigation tools and multimedia entertainment. Connectors used in this environment must be able to provide high-speed data transmission for a wide range of I/O options while maintaining absolute signal and power integrity, especially in harsh environments where vibration, high temperatures and harsh chemicals may be present,” said James Fan. “Years of interconnect technology expertise have made Molex a world leader in ‘smart connected vehicle’ innovation, and we are working with our customers to develop next-generation interconnect solutions.”

Automotive Supplier Award

    Molex recently received the Innovative Automotive Supplier Award in the Connector category from China's AI Automobil Industrie for its Mini50™ Unsealed Connector System.

    Compared with the traditional 0.64mm connection system, the Mini50 non-sealed wire-to-board connection system provides customers with a smaller package size, cost savings and enhanced reliability.

    The Mini50 connector reduces overall harness weight and saves costs by allowing harness customers to crimp and process smaller wire gauge cables compared to traditional 0.64mm terminal systems.

    Visit us at electronica 2013 in Munich, booth 3438 in Hall E3 to learn about Molex connectivity solutions for automotive.