Skip to main content
Pico-Lock Connector System

Pico-Lock Connectors

Ideal for for applications requiring space savings and secure mating retention, the Pico-Lock wire-to-board system offers a combination of low profile, high-current carrying capability and durable locking with various pitch versions to accommodate design needs.

Pitch Circuits Current
1.00, 1.50, 2.00, 3.00mm 2 to 12 Up to 10.0A
PCB Headers
Molex Pico-Lock PCB header

Connector Housings

Molex Pico-Lock receptacle crimp housing.

Crimp Terminals

Molex Pico-Lock female crimp terminal.

Power and Signal Cable Assemblies

Molex Pico-Lock-to-Pico-Lock Off-the-Shelf (OTS) cable assembly.

Features and Benefits


Notebook and Tablet PCs with large graphic displays continue to get thinner in design and more powerful in functionality. This combination has created a need for a new style of connector that offers a very low profile, high current-carrying capability and a robust positive lock to maintain connection even when subjected to shock or vibration. The Pico-Lock system, available in 1.00, 1.50, 2.00 and 3.00mm pitch versions, is the first miniature wire-to-board connector system to combine all these features to meet these needs.


Allows for more efficient use of space on circuit boards
The compact design of low-profile PicoLock connectors maximizes the efficient use of space on circuit boards and in tight electronic assemblies, enabling smaller, thinner and more compact electronic devices while maintaining robust electrical connections.

Helps carry larger amounts of electrical current
The high-current Pico-Lock connectors are engineered to provide secure and reliable electrical connections for applications requiring higher power transmission capabilities. Their design allows for efficient handling of up to 10.0A (AWG 16, 2-circuit) of current, making them well-suited for a variety of industrial, automotive and other high-power electronic applications.

Offers secure PCB retention and additional mechanical stability
The wide robust-fitting nails (solder tabs) provide a larger surface area for soldering onto the PCB that ensures a strong and secure mechanical connection between the connector and the PCB.

Provides additional mating retention and visual mating assurance
The top friction locks are designed to enhance the reliability and security of the connection.

Prevents mis-mating while guiding the housing into the header
The mating guide for polarization plays a critical role in preventing mis-mating, guiding the connector housing into the header, and enhancing the ease and reliability of connector assembly.

Provides smooth mating and pin-contact protection
The beveled header pin design enhances the ease of use, protects pins and contacts from damage, and improves the overall durability of the connectors.

Helps ensure secure mating retention with additional space savings compared to top-style locks
The side positive locks consist of small tabs on the sides of the connector housings that creates a secure mechanical connection. The reduced footprint of the connectors with side positive locks enables designers to achieve higher component density and more efficient use of available space.

Datasheets and Guides


Videos


Pico-Lock Connectors

With a low-profile design and high-current capability, Pico-Lock Connectors from Molex deliver exceptional space savings without sacrificing performance. Multiple pitch options and a range of circuit counts and mated heights are available for design flexibility. These connectors enable design customization for specific power and space requirements across automotive, consumer, industrial and telecom applications.

Applications by Industry


Black boxes
Control units
Heads-up displays
Infotainment systems
Interior electronics

Gaming equipment
Heaters/fans
LED/LCD TVs
LED lightings
Notebook PCs

Factory automation equipment
Power supplies
Security/Surveillance systems
Smart meters
Transformers

Tablets

Wireless modems
Servers

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

Frequently Asked Questions


What are Pico-Lock Connectors?

Pico-Lock Connectors are a miniature wire-to-board connector system designed for space-constrained and high-performance applications. Features include an exceptionally low profile, high current-carrying capability and a robust positive locking system. These connectors are available in 1.00-, 1.50-, 2.00- and 3.00mm-pitch versions to support various design requirements.

Is the Pico-Lock Connector a polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-free product?

Yes, a PFAS-free version of the Pico-Lock product family is available for all pitch sizes offered.

How do Pico-Lock Connectors help prevent mis-mating and ensure secure connections?

Pico-Lock Connectors include several design features to enhance mating reliability. Top friction locks provide additional mating retention and visual assurance. Polarization mating guides help prevent incorrect insertion while guiding the housing smoothly into the header. These features ensure secure connections, help prevent mis-mating and improve assembly efficiency.

Is the Pico-Lock product family suitable for automotive applications?

Yes, the Pico-Lock product family is suitable for use in various interior vehicle applications. Specifically, the 2.00 and 3.00mm versions have been tested to USCAR2 standards and have successfully achieved the V1 performance level, demonstrating their suitability for automotive environments.

What are the applications for Pico-Lock 1.0 connectors?

Pico-Lock 1.00mm-pitch connectors provide a robust solution in space-constrained applications across consumer devices and wearables.