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Driving Miniaturization in Automotive Components

As the number of electronic systems grows in modern vehicles, the available room for components is at a premium. Molex offers rugged, miniaturized connectivity solutions built for high performance in smaller spaces.

The Need for Smaller, Robust Connectivity in Automobiles

The automotive industry faces a major challenge. Today’s vehicles are packed with an ever-growing array of features, from advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to sophisticated infotainment options.  However, shrinking footprints and weight reduction goals leave little room for these complex electronic systems. The task is to pack more functionality into tighter spaces while ensuring reliable performance. 

This calls for innovative miniaturized connectivity solutions. These space-saving products are specifically designed for the harsh realities of transportation. With advanced features to deliver reliable connectivity, Molex miniaturized automotive connectors are the answer to maximizing functionality under the hood and in the cabin.

Vibration

Ensuring Secure Connections

Any vehicle needs to withstand the constant tremors and bumps it experiences, and miniaturized Molex automotive connectors are designed to deliver in the most demanding situations. This allows electronic systems to maintain signal integrity in the rugged environment of an automobile. Molex space-saving connectors use features such as connector position assurance (CPA) and terminal position assurance (TPA) mechanisms. Additional design choices, such as rugged housings, audible latching interfaces and board alignment features help ensure reliable connections and prevent electrical malfunctions in critical automotive systems.

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Temperature

Withstanding Extreme Temperatures

In conditions with extreme high and low temperatures, miniaturized Molex connectivity products are built to ensure reliability across a broad range of operating temperatures from -40°C to +125°C. Features such as high-temperature thermoplastic housings not only deliver reliable performance in harsh automotive environments, but also simplify the manufacturing process by withstanding infrared lead-free soldering temperatures up to 255°C. This eliminates the need for wave soldering, saving manufacturers time and resources.

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Ingress Protection

Keeping the Elements Out

Miniaturized Molex automotive connectors are available with ingress protection ratings including IP67, IP68/IPX8 and IP69k, safeguarding critical components against dust, dirt and moisture. IP69k rated products are specifically designed for their resistance to high water pressure and high heat applications, such as an offroad vehicle being sprayed down with a pressure washer. As vehicles are exposed to external elements in challenging environmental conditions, Molex connectivity solutions offer superior ingress protection with small footprints.

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Featured Products

Additional Resources

SOLUTION GUIDE

Rugged, Miniaturized Connectors

The demand for smaller, reliable electronics across industries is propelling the use of miniaturized connectors designed for harsh environments.

Download the Guide
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APPLICATION

Miniaturization in Automotive Technology

To incorporate next-generation features into an already long list of electronic systems in today’s vehicles, miniaturization of high-performance connectors is key.

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BLOG

Next-Gen Vehicles Rely on Miniaturization

In next-generation vehicles, zonal architecture organizes electronics by location using miniaturized connectors, reducing wiring complexity and decreasing overall weight.

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