Optimized Interconnect Solutions for Commercial Drones
When designing commercial drones, engineers face the difficult task of embedding more sensors, cameras and communication systems without exceeding strict size and weight limits. Maintaining reliable power and data integrity is complicated in vibration-prone drone applications exposed to dust, moisture and temperature extremes. Compared to military drones, commercial models face tighter constraints on size, weight and cost, all while upholding high standards for battery life and reliability.
To overcome these challenges, engineers need high-density, lightweight connectors that deliver greater power and signal capacity within compact drone architectures. Connectors with rugged housings, weatherproof sealing and corrosion-resistant plating support reliable connectivity despite harsh outdoor conditions. For dependable electrical performance in high-vibration applications, engineers turn to connectivity solutions with secure latching, strong mating retention and minimized contact resistance.
Ultra-compact, lightweight connectors from Molex help engineers meet stringent size and weight requirements in commercial drones. Designed with environmental sealing, secure latching and vibration-resistant construction, these solutions provide reliable performance in demanding operating conditions. With thermally efficient high-current capabilities and integrated electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, Molex connectors enable high-performance drones to achieve extended flight durations and greater operational reliability.
Featured Products
Commercial Drone Main PCBA Connectors
The main PCB assembly (PCBA) in commercial drones must manage reliable power distribution and high data throughput within compact, lightweight design parameters. Space-saving interconnects facilitate high-density integration of sensors, processors and communication modules in tight architectures while maintaining signal integrity. With low-profile designs and strong locking mechanisms, Molex connectors support dependable power and signal delivery in size and weight sensitive drone architectures.
| Configuration | Pitch | Circuits | Current (max.) | Height | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quad-Row Connectors | Board-to-board | 0.175mm | 12 to 80 | 0.3A (signal), 3.0, 4.0A (power) | 0.50 to 0.80mm |
| ACB6+ Connectors | Board-to-board | 0.35mm | 10 to 60 | 0.3A (signal), 5.0A (power) | 0.60mm |
| SlimStack Connectors | Board-to-board, board-to-FPC | 0.35 to 1.25mm | 6 to 240 | 0.3A (signal), 18.0A (power) | 0.60 to 16.00mm |
| Pico-EZmate Connectors | Wire-to-board | 1.00 to 1.80mm | 2 to 7 | 1.5 to 5.0A | 1.20 to 1.65mm |
| Pico-Lock Connectors | Wire-to-board | 1.00 to 3.00mm | 2 to 12 | 10.0A |
Commercial Drone Power System Connectors
In commercial drones, power connectors must efficiently transfer energy to motors, sensors and payload systems with minimal heat buildup under tight size and weight limitations. Compact, low-resistance connectors with secure mating features enable efficient delivery of high-current power to critical drone subsystems. Molex provides rugged, space-saving connectors with high-current capability, blind mating and EMI shielding to support reliable electrical distribution in drone power and propulsion systems.
| Configuration | Pitch | Circuits | Current (max.) | Wire Gauge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nano-Fit Connectors | Wire-to-board, wire-to-wire | 2.50mm | 2 to 16 | 8.0A | 26 to 20 AWG |
| EXTreme Ten60 High-Power Connectors | Board-to-board | 2.00 to 7.50mm | 1 to 72 | 60.0A | 16 to 8 AWG |
| Mini-Fit Connectors | Wire-to-board, wire-to-wire | 4.20mm | 1 to 40 | 13.0A | 28 to 16 AWG |
| SlimStack 0.35mm GCB7V Connectors | Board-to-board | 0.35mm | 8 | 18.0A | |
| SlimStack 0.40mm GCB7X | Board-to-board | 0.40mm | 10 | 15.0A |
| Configuration | Pitch | Circuits | Current (max.) | Data Transfer Speed (max.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB C Connectors | Wire-to-board | 0.50 to 2.50mm | 4 to 24 | 6.0A | 480Mbps |
Commercial Drone Thermal Management Connectors
Extended drone flights generate substantial heat, which can reduce component reliability and impair system efficiency. Durable, heat-resistant connectors help ensure consistent performance and safety under prolonged thermal stress. Compact, high-temperature wire-to-board connectors from Molex offer secure locking mechanisms and robust plating materials, delivering sustained performance in thermally demanding drone applications.
| Configuration | Pitch | Circuits | Current (max.) | Wire Gauge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pico-EZmate Connectors | Wire-to-board | 1.00 to 1.80mm | 2 to 7 | 1.5 to 5.0A | 30 to 22 AWG |
| Pico-Lock Connectors | Wire-to-board | 1.00 to 3.00mm | 2 to 12 | 10.0A | 32 to 16 AWG |
| Pico-Clasp Connectors | Wire-to-board | 1.00mm | 2 to 50 | 2.0A | 32 to 28 AWG |
| Micro-Lock Plus Connectors | Wire-to-board | 1.25 to 2.00mm | 2 to 16 (single row), 8 to 42 (dual row) | 4.7A | 30 to 22 AWG |
Commercial Drone Camera System Connectors
High-resolution cameras and sensors in commercial drones must integrate high-speed data interfaces within tight spatial and weight constraints. Space-saving, high-speed connectors with secure mating features help maintain signal integrity and stable power delivery in vibration-intensive drone applications. High-bandwidth board-to-board connectors from Molex feature compact footprints and mechanically robust construction, supporting high-performance imaging systems in commercial drones.
| Configuration | Pitch | Circuits | Current (max.) | Height | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quad-Row Connectors | Board-to-board | 0.175mm | 12 to 80 | 0.3A (signal), 3.0, 4.0A (power) | 0.50 to 0.80mm |
| ACB6+ Connectors | Board-to-board | 0.35mm | 10 to 60 | 0.3A (signal), 5.0A (power) | 0.60mm |
Commercial Drone Controller and Communication System Connectors
Communication and navigation systems within commercial drones must provide reliable, high-integrity signal transmission to ensure flight stability and accurate positioning. Compact, low-loss connectors and antennas with EMI protection facilitate reliable high-frequency performance in demanding drone applications. Molex integrated antenna and RF cable assemblies deliver dependable, multi-function wireless connectivity, supporting uninterrupted communication, steady flight control and precise navigation in drone operations.
| Frequency (max.) | Impedance | Interface | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combo Wi-Fi/GNSS Antenna | 900 MHz to 6 GHz | 50 and 75 Ohms | Snap-on, threaded, push/pull coupling |
| RF Cable Assemblies | DC to 22 GHz | 50 and 75 Ohms | Snap-on, threaded, push/pull coupling |
Commercial Drone Safety System Connectors
Commercial drone safety features depend on robust connections that withstand mechanical shock, vibration and harsh environmental conditions. Miniature, secure interconnects help maintain reliable operation in drone safety functions like obstacle detection and fail-safe control systems. Designed for compact integration and vibration resilience, Molex high-density flexible connectors and rugged wire-to-board solutions support the long-term operational integrity of drone safety systems.
| Configuration | Pitch | Circuits | Current (max.) | Voltage (max.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FFC/FPC Connectors | Wire-to-board, board-to-board | 0.20 to 2.00mm | 2 to 120 | 2.0A | 200V AC (RMS)/DC |
| Micro-Lock Plus Connectors | Wire-to-board | 1.25 to 2.00mm | 2 to 16 (single row), 8 to 42 (dual row) | 4.7A | 250V AC (RMS)/DC |