Miniaturization in Automotive Technology

As consumer devices become more digitized and automotive innovations rapidly evolve to keep pace, vehicle manufacturers are racing to develop the latest technologies. Key factors and objectives shaping next-generation offerings include electrification, enhanced in-vehicle experiences and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These improvements are intended to help support safety, comfort and adaptability—and the industry is also counting on them to help facilitate the longer-term promise of fully autonomous operation.  

With consumers continuing to demand more functionality in the same or less space, an ever-increasing number of cables and connectors are competing for room inside already-dense vehicle architectures. More than ever before, driver experience is at the core of each new car on the road—and electronics design can make or break that experience.   

Space is at an unprecedented premium, so manufacturers are pivoting toward miniaturization to help maximize data management. This is one key factor influencing the shift to zonal architecture. Molex is actively building lighter, smaller mixed-pin and hybrid connectors featuring high-performance power and signal functionality—rugged and trusted solutions designed to accommodate increasing space constraints and withstand debris ingress.  

Next-generation automotive innovations demand high reliability in the harshest conditions. With over 30 years of proven proficiency in the consumer microminiature space, Molex provides automotive engineers an extensive portfolio of miniaturized solutions to help enable dependable functionality while addressing the need for reduced package size, space consumption, weight, and wire gauge. Our multi-disciplinary expertise, expansive supply chain network and integrated global footprint enable today’s vehicle manufacturers to prioritize safety and driver satisfaction.