Combining high-speed data and power in hybrid automotive connector portfolio

Molex has introduced its MX-DaSH family of data-signal hybrid connectors that unify power, signal and high-speed data connectivity in a single connector system. These innovative wire-to-wire and wire-to-board connectors are created to support the transition to zonal architecture and manage the full range of emerging applications needing reliable data transmission. These include autonomous driving modules, camera systems, GPS and infotainment devices, LiDAR, high-resolution displays, sensor-device connectivity and more.

“The complete MX-DaSH portfolio enables automotive designers to reimagine vehicle electronics by integrating power and high-speed data transmissions within a single connector system to achieve major savings in size, space, cost and labor,” said Greg Everly, director, new product introduction for Molex, Transportation Innovative Solutions (TIS). “Our holistic approach lets designers mix and match different types of terminals, offering greater freedom and flexibility to support zonal architectures and simplify wiring harnesses.”

The connectors are obtainable with sealed and unsealed options to optimise next-gen automotive architectures with varied environmental and design needs. Versatile configurations support different power and signal terminal sizes, such as 0.5, 0.64, 1.2, 1.5, 2.8 or 4.8mm, and high-speed FAKRA Mini (HFM) modules for high-speed data transmission.

To ensure heightened reliability, these wire-to-wire connectors offer industry-leading male blade stabilisation and independent secondary locks for robust and reliable terminal mating. Moreover, they empower automotive engineers to accommodate a growing mix of devices and sensors with different network requirements by delivering modular sections or cartridges in the wire-to-board option that supports various interfaces without changing form factors or footprints.

With the newfamily, automotive OEMs and their suppliers can better fulfil escalating demands for more compact, hybrid connectivity to support a multitude of automotive applications. For example, Mx-DaSH makes it possible to decrease the number of inline, wire-to-board connectors for an instrument panel and body control harness from eight to two while removing up to 6m of copper wiring, depending on the specific vehicle model.

Multiple options in this connector system contain various wire-to-wire applications. For instance, the 31+1-Way connector system combines 31 power and ground circuits and a high-speed data connection to decrease packaging requirements by up to 30%. With more functionality built into every MX-DaSH connector, considerable time savings can be made through streamlined harness installations. Fewer component needs also offer increased opportunities to further reduce BOMs.

Also, these connectors have been designed for automated harness assembly to lower cycle times and raise overall manufacturing process efficiency and quality.

These connectors have been validated in accordance with global industry standards groups, including USCAR, Peugeot and IEC, to ensure reliable performance under the harshest automotive environmental conditions.