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Miniaturization in Automotive Technology

Digital technology is changing the way today’s automotive engineers design and integrate new capabilities. Given the sophisticated dynamics behind powertrain electrification, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and driver interfaces, an increasing array of electronics are competing for space inside already-dense vehicle architectures. Miniaturization can help maximize performance when space is at a premium—and Molex miniaturized solutions are based on rugged, high-performance connection systems. This helps customers address the need for reduced package size, space consumption, weight, and wire gauge considerations in next-generation automotive innovations. Best of all, solutions proven in the harsh conditions of the road are finding new uses in applications ranging from agricultural machinery and robotics to outdoor lighting and home appliances. 

Overview


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.   

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“Molex is at the forefront of miniaturization efforts, brainstorming with manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers to create breakthrough solutions.”
Kyle Glissman
Global Product Manager
Molex

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.


Rugged and Reliable: Optimizing Vehicle Designs through Miniaturization

Today’s vehicle electronics need to be smaller, lighter, more connected and faster than ever – all while retaining high levels of ruggedness and reliability. In this webinar, learn about key questions to ask when designing miniaturized electronics and how to choose connectors that best fit the vehicle application’s unique needs.

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Predicting Automotive Electronics Performance with Digital Twins 

Digital twins have already revolutionized automotive design and manufacturing, but what happens when that approach is applied to the component level? A team of Molex engineers is now developing product digital twins and using a virtual world to predetermine performance capabilities and lifespan. 

Making Room for Rugged, Reliable Connected Applications 

Electronics are expected to make up 50% of the cost of a new car by 2030 as automakers race to deliver the latest functionality. Learn how engineers can not only simultaneously design in more features with less available space but do so with components built to withstand harsh environments. 

Enabling the Next Generation of Vehicle Technology

The autonomous vehicle of the future will incorporate a range of technologies such as ADAS, electrification and enhanced connectivity. Learn more about the key innovations that are shaping the automotive industry.

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Additional Resources


Solution Guide to Rugged, Miniaturized Connectors

From industrial machinery to common household appliances, the boom in internet of things functionality has redefined the definition of harsh environments. Complex electronic systems are increasingly exposed to extreme temperatures, ingress and vibration – requiring simultaneous ruggedization and miniaturization. Learn how connectors built to withstand life on the road are finding uses in new applications. 

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Unleashing the Power of Connected Cars

In-vehicle connectivity means that our smartphones have become part of our driving experience, including everything from entertainment to safety. Learn more about the miniaturized technologies that will enable connected vehicles.

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Zonal Architecture: Making the Car of the Future Possible

Zonal architecture will change both the design and manufacture of future vehicles. Learn more about this new approach that will alter forever how we use cars.

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Making Room for More Tech in Connected Cars

Achieving 50% Space Savings and More

In addition to wiring harnesses, today’s cars contain an average of 80 sensors and 100 electronic units. With room for even more functionality running scarce, Jose Ortega, Molex Global Product Manager, explains how miniaturization opens the possibility for an even more connected car of the future. 

 

Jose Ortega, Molex Global Product Manager, explores miniaturized components that can achieve 50% space savings over traditional 0.64mm connectors, ways to eliminate custom tooling and how to ruggedize and improve the reliability of existing designs. 


ConnTAK50 Connectors

Versatile 1.80mm-pitch connector system employs AK interface and offers single- and dual-row versions. 

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Mini50 Connectors

Achieves 50% space covers over traditional USCAR 0.64mm connectors and provides superior thermal resistance. 

Mini50_Connectors

stAK50h Connectors

Offers unsealed hybrid headers and receptables to deliver both signal and Ethernet connectivity. 

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DuraClik Connectors

DuraClik-Connectors

Stac64 Connectors

Stac64_Connectors

H-DAC 64 Connectors

H-DAC_64

Mizu Connectors

Mizu-Connectors

SlimStack Connectors

SlimStack-Connectors

Easy-On FFC / FPC Connectors

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Mirror Mezz Connectors

Mirror-Mezz-Connectors

MXP120 Connector System

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MX64 Connectors

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Automotive Thank You

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