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Instrument Cluster Design for Tomorrow’s Vehicles

Integrating a variety of critical electronic systems into the cluster while ensuring safety, reliability and adherence to regulatory standards requires innovative interconnect solutions. Molex automotive connectors seamlessly integrate advanced functions in the vehicle instrument cluster using compact, robust designs that support high-speed data and superior signal integrity for information delivery and safety applications.

Designing Vehicle Instrument Clusters


There are few systems in the vehicle more critical to safety and a positive driver experience than the instrument cluster. Designers must balance advanced capabilities like real-time data processing, high-speed connectivity and user-friendly interfaces against constraints imposed by harsh automotive conditions, space, cost and reliability demands.

The right solution requires robust connectors with superior electrical contact reliability, ensuring seamless operation and next-generation performance to support instrument cluster components. Low-profile, miniaturized options maximize limited PCB real estate, while modular and customizable solutions help meet reliability requirements without sacrificing performance.

Molex connectors optimize power management, high-speed data transmission, size and weight to support a wide range of high-performance applications. Advanced features are balanced with ruggedness and reliability, ensuring dependable operation for critical devices such as camera and sensor systems. Compact and flexible designs support the miniaturization of vehicle electronics without compromising performance, enabling use in the space-constrained instrument cluster and enhancing efficiency. Connectors are validated to global automotive standards to ensure regulatory compliance. Learn how robust, versatile and high-performance instrument cluster connectors from Molex can improve reliability and design flexibility, enhancing vehicle safety and helping ensure an enjoyable driving experience.


Display System Connectors


Efficiently integrating the cluster display with the advanced electronics systems in the vehicle requires flexible and customizable solutions. Compact and rugged interconnects with customized interfaces from Molex help ensure intuitive functionality and reliable, seamless real-time communication in harsh conditions. Versatile panel and connection options allow for adaptation to different vehicle models while high-speed 5G data transmission capability helps future-proof cluster display systems.

  Stack Height / Pitch Available Circuits Materials Wire-to-board Board-to-board
FFC / FPC Connectors   2 to 120   X  
Flexible Printed Circuits 0.25 to 2.54mm Single to over 100 Copper, Silver, and other conductive inks    
SlimStack Connectors 0.60 to 16.00mm 6 to 240     X

Premo-Flex FFC Solutions

Efficiently integrating the cluster display with the advanced electronics systems in the vehicle requires flexible and customizable solutions that maximize space and perform well in a rugged environment. Premo-Flex FFC offers off-the-shelf and custom solutions that help optimize PCB space while ensuring a secure connection in harsh environments.

Flexible Printed Circuits

Flexible Printed Circuits (FPCs) offer superior flexibility, durability and a space-saving design, making them ideal for use in vehicle display systems. Their precise data transmission, enhanced reliability and seamless integration into modern vehicle dashboards—while providing the ability to withstand harsh environments—meet the critical needs of automotive manufacturers.

User Interface Solutions

User Interface Solutions offer flexible, space-saving and customizable solutions that allow for adaptation to different vehicle models. Their real-time data processing enhances functionality and streamlines interactions for improved driver safety, while their reliability makes them an obvious choice for automotive manufacturers.

Control and Processing Unit Connectors


Supporting high-performance instrument cluster components and a diverse range of electronic systems while balancing requirements for safety, reliability and power efficiency in the cluster control and processing unit demands specialized, yet flexible, interconnect solutions. Molex connectors optimize limited PCB space, deliver superior signal integrity at high data rates, streamline manufacturing and assembly and improve reliability in high-vibration and extreme-temperature environments.

  Terminal Size / Cable  Available Circuits Sealed Wire-to-board Wire-to-wire
DuraClik Connectors 2.00mm  2 to 15     X  
ConnTAK50 Connectors 0.50mm 2 to 22   X  
Mini50 Connectors 0.50, 1.20mm 2 to 38 X  X X
High-Speed FAKRA Mini (HFM) Coaxial Cable  Coaxial (Single, dual, quad, custom ports) X X X
HSAutoLink Connectors Twisted pair 6 to 14 X X