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HSAutoLink C Connectors and Cables

High-Speed Transportation Networking

HSAutoLink C Interconnect System

The HSAutoLink C Interconnect System is ideal for automotive applications requiring compact, reliable, and high-performance data and power connectivity, all within a miniaturized, robust form factor. These connectors use an automotive Type C interface to deliver combined-system data rates up to 40Gbps and up to 240W of power to support next-generation vehicle architectures and simplify future upgrades. The lightweight design supports USB and DisplayPort automotive connectivity applications and offers sealed and unsealed versions.

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USCAR Interface Validation Standard Data Protocols Data Rate
Type C, 999-U-USB-Z02, 999-S-USB-Z02 (HSAutoLink C only) USCAR2, GMW3191 (HSAutoLink C); USCAR (HSAutoLink C-X) USB 2.0 to USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, DisplayPort 1.4 Up to 40Gbps

Features and Benefits

Manufacturers need to integrate an increasing number of functions into smaller module sizes and PCB footprints. High-speed data and video transmission, as well as higher power delivery, are required to support the growing demand for advanced infotainment, diagnostic and consumer device applications. The components enabling these capabilities must also perform reliably in harsh automotive conditions.

Combining multiple functions into a single, compact connector can help reduce package size, minimize costs and enhance design flexibility. Connectors that provide secure high-speed data transmission and robust power delivery help integrate the latest infotainment and consumer devices while future-proofing system designs.

The HSAutoLink C Interconnect System incorporates 24 pins and multiple cable routing options into a single compact, lightweight connector housing, providing a high-density design that optimizes space and functionality. The design delivers high-speed data rates up to 40Gbps and 240W of power to support future-ready, high-speed data and video architectures. Multiple protocols, including USB, DisplayPort, LVDS and Ethernet, enable use with a broad range of applications. The product family includes multiple automotive Type C interfaces, with both sealed and unsealed options, to meet varying application and regional requirements. The robust connector design helps ensure reliable operation in harsh automotive conditions subject to moisture and vibration, while multiple cable exits, cable routing options and strain relief angles help simplify module design and support space-constrained applications.

Exceptional Adaptability with the HSAutoLink C Family

The broad, versatile HSAutoLink C family includes the HSAutoLink C-X connector, an automotive Type-C interface that provides engineers with added flexibility when selecting connectivity solutions for a wide variety of next-generation automotive applications.

Molex HSAutoLink C-X connector and header.

Versatile Multi-Protocol Capabilities

The HSAutoLink C system offers flexible cable exit options including lightweight single-, dual- and triple-exit cables and multiple strain relief angles (e.g. straight, 90° down and 45° up) to enhance design flexibility and space optimization. This versatility across the product family reduces system complexity and offers significant space savings.

Sealed HSAutoLink C Connector and Cable

Rugged Reliability for Harsh Automotive Conditions

The HSAutoLink C system provides multiple termination options for various protocols such as USB, DisplayPort and Ethernet, enabling engineers to simplify designs by managing different types of data transmission within a single interface. The connector design supports future expansion, making it ideal for evolving vehicle architectures and capabilities.

Sealed HSAutoLink C Connector and Cable

Future-Ready High-Speed Data and Video Connectivity

Providing USB and DisplayPort-based connections with data rates up to 40Gbps and power delivery up to 240W, HSAutoLink C connectors help simplify future upgrades and support evolving in-vehicle data and video architectures that enable next-generation infotainment, display and diagnostic applications.

Driver using next-generation ADAS functionality in a vehicle.

Enables use in harsh automotive environments
The available sealed connector allows use in wet environments, while connector position assurance (CPA) uses a positive lock to ensure reliable connectivity in applications subject to shock or vibration forces.

Delivers reliable high-speed data connectivity
Supporting data rates up to a combined 40Gbps, the connector features a fully shielded design to enhance signal integrity and reduce interference.

Supports platform scalability and reduces validation requirements
The automotive Type C interface provides versatility to streamline future system upgrades and redesigns, simplifying validation work and shortening redesign time as vehicle data, video and connectivity requirements evolve.

Helps prevent connection failures in harsh conditions
Robust sealed or unsealed connector housings ensure reliable long-term operation and consistent electrical performance in challenging automotive environments.

Reduces package size and space on the PCB
The high-density, 24-pin design supports miniaturization and design flexibility, enabling the consolidation of multiple applications into a compact space on the board.

Provides hybrid power and data connectivity
Up to 240W of power is available in the same form factor as high-speed data connectivity, supporting a range of advanced applications.

Reduces weight and optimizes package size
The high-density, 24-pin design supports miniaturization and design flexibility for dense vehicle architectures, minimizing packaging constraints and enabling the consolidation of multiple applications into a compact space.

Enhances design flexibility
Multiple cable configurations, header configurations and pinout options simplify design work and allow the connector to meet specific PCB design requirements.

Simplifies next-generation data and video system integration
Data rates up to a combined 40Gbps and up to 240W of power are available in the same connector, supporting high-speed USB and DisplayPort applications and enabling upgradable infotainment, display and diagnostic system architectures.

Documents and Resources

Capability

HSAutoLink C Industry Awards

In the era of faster data rates and higher power delivery, connectors need robust design features that make them durable in automotive environments. The innovative HSAutoLink C system has been recognized through industry awards as a step forward, bringing multiple protocols into a single interface and easily integrating into modern vehicle architectures.

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Many-into-One Protocol Consolidation

The HSAutoLink C Interconnect System utilizes a Molex-designed Type C interface to deliver data rates up to 40Gbps and as much as 240W of power. The system offers sealed and unsealed connector options, as well as multiple cable exit options in a miniaturized form factor. See how its multi-protocol capability enables designers to consolidate functions and save space without sacrificing performance.

Applications by Industry

This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are HSAutoLink C-X connectors?

HSAutoLink C-X connectors are vehicle-grade USB Type C high-speed connectors that enable high-bandwidth USB and display data/video transmission. The non-diecast, lightweight and miniaturized design is compatible with mainstream interfaces and is design verification plan and report (DVPR) validated, with manufacturing optimized for global supply chain robustness.

Does the header use through-hole or surface-mount technology (SMT)?

Due to the fine pitch of the terminals and to meet signal integrity requirements, HSAutoLink C headers are currently only available with the SMT attachment.

Is this a single-source product from Molex?

While the HSAutoLink C system is a Molex designed and manufactured solution, Molex has released the interface to USCAR EWCAP as the standard for automotive Type C connectors so that others may use the interface in their own designs, broadening market adoption for Molex’s design.

Are HSAutoLink C cable assemblies active or passive cables?

Most HSAutoLink C cable configurations are passive and support a wide range of applications. Depending on the application, HSAutoLink C can be designed to implement active components to meet specific performance, length or pinout requirements.

What are HSAutoLink C connectors?

HSAutoLink C connectors are vehicle-grade connectors that use the Molex-designed USCAR Type C interface to transmit high-speed data and power. The HSAutoLink C system is validated to USCAR2 and GMW3191 standards, meets USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and DisplayPort specifications, offers sealed and unsealed versions, and is designed to support LVDS and Ethernet.

Why should I consider HSAutoLink C-X connectors?

HSAutoLink C-X connectors are designed to use lightweight, miniaturized construction and efficient manufacturing processes to balance performance, versatility and cost effectiveness. These connectors help reduce component costs and improve reliability for high-speed data and video applications.

What’s the difference between the HSAutoLink C and HSAutoLink C-X systems?

HSAutoLink C and HSAutoLink C-X connectors use closely related technology and manufacturing processes. The HSAutoLink C system is the USB association-certified interface, while HSAutoLink C-X system is the dominant interface in the Asian market and uses a different PCB layout to simplify integration for Asian and global designs. The HSAutoLink C design also offers both sealed and unsealed versions, while HSAutoLink C-X design is unsealed.