Compact connector system offers performance enhancements and smaller components solutions

Molex has added three new terminals plus the Mini50 sealed connector to its range. Designated as TAK50 terminal, CTX50 unsealed gold terminal, and CTX50 sealed terminal, these new terminals enable vehicle manufacturers to take advantage of miniaturised interconnect systems in both interior (unsealed) and exterior (sealed) applications. The new sealed connector features a rounded shape for through-hole harness routing and a vertical independent secondary lock (ISL) that is shipped pre-assembled, thus reducing the number of individual components. Approximately 50% smaller than the USCAR 0.64mm interfaces, the 0.5mm automotive approved range addresses a growing demand from vehicle manufacturers for smaller components solutions due to the growth in on board electronics and installation space restrictions. The new models also provide reduced overall harness weight savings by allowing wire-harness customers to crimp and process smaller wire gauges versus traditional 0.64mm terminal systems. Ideal for applications such as infotainment and body control lighting modules, the new TAK50 terminal features a two beam design and is AK blade and cavity compatible. Environmentally tested/ validated to GMW3191 (2012) with temperature ratings of 85C to 105C and LV214 (2010) featuring 105C and 130C, the terminal accepts 0.13mm² to 0.35mm² cables. Offering superior performance over equivalent competitor products in areas such as contact engage/ disengage force, crimp interface and current rating, the terminal benefits from a pin alignment feature for connection accuracy and an anti-stub feature. The new variant can also be used in areas around the vehicle that require interconnects that are able to cope with high vibration. The CTX50 unsealed female terminals are now available with a gold option for low current, safety, and high mating cycle applications. They are also ideal for deployment in corrosive environments. Accepting cable sizes of 0.13mm² to 0.35mm², gold terminals, as compared to 0.64mm alternatives, deliver the benefit of weight and space savings, better conductivity, lower insertion force, and are more resistant to oxidisation. “Manufacturers are adding more electronic features to their vehicles in areas such as infotainment and safety. This extra functionality is driving Molex to extend the available devices within the space saving Mini50 series”, said Jeremy Stout, group product manager, Molex. “With the sealed variants especially, device manufacturers can now take advantage of the compact form to enable the ever growing range of exterior features that their customers are demanding.”