Automotive Electrical Connectors

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Automated Vehicle Manufacturing Accelerates with AI

Robotics, AI, automated production, and simulation technologies are transforming the automotive production line with new implications for connector selection, wire harness design, and vehicle architectures. Even engineers deeply embedded in vehicle manufacturing can’t believe how quickly artificial intelligence and automation are changing the assembly line. When Dr. Nick…

CNC Rotary Transfer Architecture for High-Density Connector Production

What is Automotive Composite Wire (ACW)?

Telematics/GPS/ADAS Interconnects Product Roundup

May 2026 New Connectivity Products

Listing of Market Articles
Automated Vehicle Manufacturing Accelerates with AI Robotics, AI, automated production, and simulation technologies are transforming the automotive production line with new implications for connector selection, wire harness design, and vehicle architectures. Even engineers deeply embedded in vehicle manufacturing can’t believe how quickly artificial intelligence and automation are changing the assembly line. When Dr. Nick…
CNC Rotary Transfer Architecture for High-Density Connector Production As connector form factors multiply and lead-free alloys become the norm, the mechanical transfer machine production is being pushed to its limits. CNC integration offers a solution for high-volume pin and socket production. Article contributed by MIKRON The rotary transfer machine is at the center of connector manufacturing.…
What is Automotive Composite Wire (ACW)? Automotive composite wire (ACW) is a dual-wall, single-core wire used in vehicle wire harnesses for engine compartments and other high-temperature zones. Its insulation combines a radiation cross-linked polyolefin inner layer with a radiation cross-linked fluoropolymer outer layer. The two layers are chemically bonded rather than co-extruded in a…
Telematics/GPS/ADAS Interconnects Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights telematics/GPS/ADAS interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Telematics/GPS/ADAS Interconnects JAE's MX74A Series is a compact, high-performance connector built for nextgeneration automotive Ethernet systems. MX74A delivers reliable 1 Gb/s data transmission in demanding vehicle environments. Designed to meet IEEE 1000BASE-T1 and OPEN Alliance standards,…
May 2026 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. May 2026 New Connectivity Products May 2026 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Würth Elektronik expanded its product range with a comprehensive heat sink portfolio divided into three specialized product groups. The WE-HTO heat sinks are designed for THT-TO packages…
JAE Sponsorship Helps UCI Zotsun Win Its First Award University students tackle complex engineering challenges in pursuit of innovation, sustainability, and community. A leading connector supplier is part of the team. Last May, JAE announced its sponsorship of ZotSun, the University of California, Irvine (UCI) solar car project. Both the company and the students involved are reaping…
Connectivity Demo: Automotive Electronics and Embedded Systems Converge At Embedded World 2026 in Nuremberg, ATTEND featured a FAKRA connectivity demo that illustrates the RF signal path between an automotive camera module and the vehicle ECU. Is this a preview of the future of vehicle architectures? Article Contributed by Maxine Chien, ATTEND ATTEND presented an innovative automotive…
Global Connector Market Posts 14.7% Growth in 2025, Led by Asia Pacific Surge New research from Bishop & Associates tracks more than $12.7 billion in market expansion, with huge growth in Asia. Learn what markets topped the charts. The worldwide electronic connector market expanded by more than $12.7 billion in 2025, delivering a 14.7% increase over 2024 sales, one of the…
What are Triax Connectors? Meet the Connector: Triax Connectors By adding a third conductor, these high-performance RF connectors work with triaxial cable to increase signal integrity and reduce noise in high-precision applications in busy environments that call for increased shielding. A triax connector (also called a triaxial connector) is a specialized coaxial connector that…
EV Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights EV connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. EV connectors Lumberg’s 4580 01 high-current contact is designed for both SMT (reflow) and THT soldering. This innovative phase contact offers a flexible solution for various assembly requirements and is particularly suited for high-current applications.…
MIPI A-PHY Reaches a Significant Production Milestone As the first SerDes standard to enter mass production with a global OEM, MIPI A-PHY is securing its standing as the leading standardized SerDes technology for high-speed connectivity. MIPI A-PHY became the first SerDes (serializer-deserializer) standard in mass production with a global OEM. The high-speed automotive SerDes chipset…
Advancing EV Motor Efficiency Through Magnet Wire Termination Innovation The electric vehicle (EV) transformation has created significant engineering challenges in motor design, particularly in optimizing the electromagnetic performance of compact coil systems while meeting sustainability and cost-effectiveness requirements. By FABIO DE PASQUALE, R&D, Product Development Engineer, and Clinton Pereira, Supervisor, R&D, Product Development Engineer, TE Connectivity A…
Get Your Copy of Our Free Electrification and e-Mobility eBook! Igniting the Spark! Electrification and e-Mobility, our latest eBook, delves into the evolving and impactful interconnect solutions that are meeting the immediate and future challenges of our world. From factories to farms and vehicles to infrastructure, connector companies are leading the charge to make electrification safe, efficient, rugged,…
What are Quantum Sensors? Meet the Sensor: Quantum Sensors Quantum sensors are a highly complex sensing device that measures physical quantities with extreme precision. They can measure time, temperature, distance, gravity, electromagnetic fields, and more. They use the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum coherence, to measure physical…
USCAR & FAKRA Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights USCAR & FAKRA connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. USCAR & FAKRA Connectors PEI-Genesis offers FAKRA connectors from Amphenol RF. These connectors are designed to perform up to 3 GHz and meet the particular mechanical and environmental requirements of the automotive industry.…
Q&A: The Benefits of 48V Electrical Systems As automakers increase safety features and efficiency, the electrical systems that power all this new technology must also evolve to ensure performance and user safety. 48V systems are at the heart of this evolution. An increase in safety and infotainment features coupled with demand for range and energy…
IMS2025 Brings New RF/Microwave Interconnects The world's foremost microwave conference, the IMS symposium features everything from basic technologies to components to systems, including the newest 0.6 mm connectors, waveguides, and interconnect technologies. [caption id="attachment_49377" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photo by LylePhotos.com[/caption] The IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium is the world's foremost conference covering RF through…
Is Boosting the Current the Solution to Faster EV Charging? Rated boost current, in which short-term currents exceed the rated continuous current, reduces EV charging times. New innovations in contact technology make it a viable solution. By Joydip Sanyal, a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Smiths Interconnect Expanding and updating the EV charging infrastructure to deliver ultrafast CCS (combined charging…
What are Terminals? Meet the Connector: Terminals A terminal is the conductive element that provides an electrical contact point that enables electricity to flow through an electrical circuit. At its most basic level, a terminal is simply a conductive bare wire that is secured through crimping or soldering, often to a…
Rugged and Reliable Sensors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights rugged and reliable sensors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Rugged & Reliable Sensors Onboard camera modules in North American and European markets, especially digital camera modules for ADAS (automotive driver assistance system) sensing applications, have experienced increasing demand due to laws and…
Challenges of E-mobility Connectivity: Q&A High power applications require innovative connectivity solutions that address battery performance, battery health, and safety. We asked Shakib Shaikh, product marketing manager-North America, and Swapnil Bhale, lead engineer-new product development at Amphenol Communications Solutions, how connectors contribute to the performance, health, and safety of battery management systems (BMS)…
Connecting Automotive Infotainment Systems Modern automotive infotainment systems are designed to make driving safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable for drivers and passengers. Automation, AI, IoT, and driverless vehicles are playing significant roles in the development of advanced automotive infotainment systems. Compact, high-speed connectivity solutions that not only have high bandwidth and…
What are Blade Connectors? Blade-type connectors handle high power loads with flat, durable conductive terminal blades. Meet the Connector: Blade Connectors Also referred to as blade-type contacts, blade-type connectors are characterized by flat, conductive, blade-shaped terminals. Blade terminals are an early and ubiquitous connectivity design and are widely favored for their ease…
V2X Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights V2X connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. V2X connectors KW02C connectors from JAE are CHAdeMO-compliant and are suitable for both V2H (vehicle to home) and V2G (vehicle to grid) applications. This product has an ergonomic handle and a 20% reduction in size…
May 2025 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. May 2025 New Connectivity Products May 2025 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. The compact LF Cat6A Series expands Hirose’s popular LF Series of shielded high-speed Ethernet connectors. LF Cat6A Series supports 10 GB/s and features a simple yet reliable bayonet lock…
Connector Suppliers Answer Our Automotive Questions Connector suppliers share their thoughts on automotive innovations, the role of interconnects, what they drive, and bumper stickers. This week, we thought we’d try something a little different and sent a short list of automotive-related questions to our suppliers to get their thoughts. We asked about the industry,…
Connecting the High-speed Data Networks of Autonomous Vehicles As advanced driver-assistance systems redefine the driving experience, innovations including software-defined vehicles and high-performance computing are reshaping the automotive industry, with interconnects representing the critical link Most electronic systems deliver and optimize predefined functionality through closely coupled hardware and software elements. Therefore, the perceived natural order of things…
New Bishop Report Examines the State of the Connector Market Bishop & Associates’ latest research report, World Connector Market Handbook, details the connector industry performance from 2015 through 2024 and offers a preliminary 2025 and 2030 forecast. In 2024, the connector industry saw sales grow a solid +5.6%. Is the industry expected to continue to grow at such a…
What are Shark Fin Antennas? Meet the Antenna: Shark Fin Antennas Discreet, low-profile shark fin antennas have become an essential part of connected systems in automotive and transportation applications. They may also be called paddle antennas. Typically roof-mounted, they have an aerodynamic and stylish form modeled after a shark’s dorsal fin. The housing…
Connectors for Telematics, GPS, and ADAS Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights connectors for telematics, GPS, and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Connectors for Telematics, GPS, and ADAS PEI-Genesis offers FAKRA connectors from Amphenol RF. These connectors are designed to perform up to 3 GHz and meet the particular…
Materials Make the Difference in EV Charging EV charging infrastructure is rapidly improving. With strategic design changes, including materials innovations throughout the charging system, it is becoming possible to deliver a recharge in minutes. Significant developments for EV charging are set to unfold in 2025, bringing millions of high-tech opportunities for design engineers, installation workers,…
Driving Vehicle Innovation Through Advanced EV Connectors EV connector design plays a meaningful role in engineering breakthroughs that are adding efficiency, performance, and range to the next generation of electric vehicles. EV connector design is revolutionizing the electric and hybrid electric vehicle markets through innovative materials, enhanced performance, and lightweight, miniaturized formats that contribute powerfully…
2024 Connector Industry Acquisitions If you can’t beat them, join them. Companies acquired new capabilities through strategic moves in 2024. Plus, the big acquisition everyone was talking about at the end of the year. The connector industry keeps making connections — with other companies. In 2024, we saw a continuation of acquisition…
What are High-Voltage Cables? Meet the Connector: High-Voltage Cables High-voltage (HV) cable, is a highly insulated, heavy-duty cable necessary for high-voltage power transmission. It is used in instruments, ignition systems, and alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power transmission in many environments. High voltage cable is used in electric vehicles (EVs)…
Charging Inlet Components Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights charging inlet components from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Charging inlet components PEI-Genesis offers Amphenol High Voltage Coupler Outlet (HVCO) IP55 connectors, used primarily in hybrid and electric vehicles. Able to withstand 10,000 mating cycles and environmentally sealed to IP55 standards when mated,…
January 2025 Connector Industry News Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. January 2025 Connector Industry News January 2025 Connector Industry News > Event News DesignCon, the premier high-speed communications and system design conference and exposition, will…
Accelerating the Charge: EV Charging Connectors Evolve Charging an electric car still takes longer than filling up a gas car. But that is about to change, and it all comes down to the connectors. The latest charging connectors are ready to dramatically upgrade charging infrastructure. At the moment, the slow EV charging experience remains one…
Faster EV Charging, Further Ranges Electric vehicle technology is rapidly improving, along with fast EV charging infrastructure and connectivity systems that make it faster and easier to charge at home and on the road. Stricter air pollution regulations in a growing number of cities are prompting restrictions on diesel vehicles and putting pressure…
The Top 100 Connector Companies in 2023: Market Leaders What companies led the connector industry in 2023? In this third article in a series based on the new market research report by Bishop & Associates, learn about the leading companies by market. Bishop & Associates' new 10-chapter research report provides a comprehensive analysis of the world’s Top…
What are High-Speed Data (HSD) Connectors? Meet the Connector: High-Speed Data Connectors High-speed data connectors, also called HSDs, address the low-voltage, high-speed data requirements of a wide range of automotive applications. These compact, shielded connectors transmit high-frequency signals and are commonly used in automotive and industrial applications for systems like Ethernet, USB, and LVDS, as…
Precision RF Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights precision RF connectors and cables from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Precision RF COAX Connectors’ RF connectors are precision designed and manufactured to provide reliable performance. A wide variety of RF connector interfaces are available to suit different applications. For connectors that need…
December 2024 Connector Industry News Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. December 2024 Connector Industry News December 2024 Connector Industry News > Award News ECIA announced Avnet CEO Phil Gallagher as this year's recipient of its…
LEDs Illuminate New Automotive Designs Superior performance, longer lifespans, efficiency, affordability, and design flexibility make LEDs the obvious choice for most automotive lighting applications, from headlights and taillights to interior ambient lighting, indicators, and controls. One of the most visible advancements in automotive design can be spotted from a mile away: LED lighting…
E-Mobility's Impact on Energy Demand Smart grids will support new applications that produce and monetize energy, facilitate EV return of energy to the grid, and export renewable-generated electricity to other countries. E-Mobility has grown fast over the past several years, particularly in Europe and Asia, due in large part to Electric vehicle (EV)…
What are Variable Reluctance Speed Sensors? Meet the Connector: Variable Reluctance Speed Sensors Engine speed and position sensing enhance vehicle performance and safety. Engine management, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction all rely on the accurate measurement of rotational speed. The advancement of this technology is in line with increased demand for high-performance and eco-friendly…
EMI/EMP Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights EMI/EMP connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. EMI/EMP connectors TE Connectivity Corcom filters, available from Avnet, are renowned for their reliability and effectiveness in mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) in electronic devices. These filters are engineered to meet…
October 2024 Connector Industry News Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. October 2024 Connector Industry News October 2024 Connector Industry News > Event News DigiKey’s popular Back2School Prize Giveaway offers college students a chance to win…
The Engineering Pipeline Begins with FIRST Robotics FIRST Robotics has become an important force in the development of future engineers. Many of the young professionals working on the latest automotive technologies, from EVs to automation, got their start on a FIRST team, and many interconnect professionals volunteer as mentors with the organization. In an exclusive…
Connectivity Standards Evolve For Electric, Autonomous Cars Vehicle systems produce and consume vast amounts of data, raising concerns around data integrity and security, and the ever-present challenge of electromagnetic compatibility. In this fast-changing scenario, which industry standards do designers need to keep in mind? The growth of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles and the ever-greater…
What are Automotive Terminals? Meet the Connector: Automotive Terminals Automotive terminals are used for connecting fuses, battery terminals, and vehicle sensors. They are found in cars, trucks, motorcycles, motorhomes, off-road and construction vehicles, and electric vehicles. Today’s automobiles contain about a mile of wire and thousands of electrical connections. These connections power…
USCAR Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights USCAR connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. USCAR connectors Avnet’s Mini50 receptacles from Molex achieve 50% space savings over traditional USCAR 0.64 mm connectors. These single- and dual-row receptacles have smaller terminals to fit more low-current electrical circuits in interior vehicle environments.[market_ad…
August 2024 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. August 2024 New Connectivity Products August 2024 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Hirose Electric’s newly developed BM54 Series board-to-board connector combines floating functionality and miniature size to meet automotive specifications. The BM54 Series takes compact design further with the…
University Students Race to Advance Solar Car Technology For several decades, teams of students from universities around the world have been competing to build the best solar car, gaining valuable skills and building relationships along the way. Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, yet issues around charging speed, range, and accessibility are still deterrents to…
Automotive Electrification Brings Opportunity for Smart Cities Automotive electrification, connected transportation infrastructure, and high-speed communication systems are converging to create a safer, more efficient, and more connected automotive ecosystem in cities around the world. Automotive electrification has transformed every vehicle, not just EVs. Safety systems, driver assist technologies, and connected entertainment, navigation, and communication tools…
Automotive SerDes Taps Ethernet for High-Speed Communications The first wave of devices based on the Automotive SerDes Alliance Motion Link Ethernet (ASA-MLE) draft specification are coming out now. These devices will become components of critical infrastructure for the next generation of intelligent Software Defined Vehicles. A new automotive SerDes technology standard is rapidly coming into view: the…
What are HSL/High-Speed Link Connectors? Meet the Connector: HSL/High-Speed Link Connectors HSL/High-speed link connectors are used to facilitate high-speed data communication between different components within electronic systems, such as computers, servers, telecommunications equipment, and other digital devices. The term HSL refers to a broad category of high-speed, high-performance interconnects that are capable of…
EV Charging Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights EV charging interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. EV charging interconnects TE Connectivity leverages its deep expertise and cutting-edge technology to present a comprehensive range of electric vehicle charging products. TE’s EV charging products, supplied by Avnet effectively address the challenges faced…
Telematics is the Data and Communications Superstar in Your Car Telematics is having its moment as the key to an array of advanced data and communications capabilities— from lane retention and blind spot warnings (available today) to instant crash avoidance notifications and coordinated traffic lights (on the horizon). The practice of collecting vehicle operation data began in the…
Building a Better EV Battery Monitoring System New interconnect technologies help design more efficient, more powerful electric vehicles beginning with the battery pack. The foundation of any electric powertrain is the EV battery pack, as it is here that electrical energy supplied by charging infrastructure is stored. When the vehicle is moving, the battery is…
What is a Busbar? Meet the Connector: Busbars A busbar is a metallic strip or bar used to conduct electricity from a power source (such as a transformer or generator) to various electrical loads. "They are a simple, cost-effective way to transfer and distribute current. These are the easiest, most straightforward way.…
Automotive Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights automotive connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Automotive connectors TE Connectivity's (TE) Heavy-Duty Sealed Connectors with MATEnet Inserts are now available from Mouser Electronics. Leverage the high performance of MATEnet terminals and the rugged reliability of heavy-duty connector series housings. This combination…
April 2024 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. April 2024 New Connectivity Products April 2024 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Amphenol Industrial Sustainable Technologies partnered with Melni Technologies to expand its RadCrimp series of solar splice connectors. The expanded series now includes connectors with current ratings…
How Formula E Contributes to e-Mobility Innovation Lessons learned in the high-stakes performance racing market transfer to the evolution of automotive and autonomous technologies. High-speed interconnects are key to these designs. [caption id="attachment_43658" align="aligncenter" width="650"] KYOCERA AVX, Molex, Mouser, and TTI sponsor the Dragon/Penske Autosport car.[/caption] In the rapidly changing landscape of motorsports, Formula…
Alerts and Alarms: Connecting Horns and Backup Alarms These simple but essential vehicle functions can be incorporated into automotive designs with a combination of custom and legacy interconnects. While much of the attention on automotive innovation today is focused on electrification and drivetrain technologies, if you really want to attract attention in a car, automotive horns…
Accelerating into the Future of Mobility as a Service In the years to come, it is projected that consumers worldwide will pivot from owning private cars, that they only use a fraction of the time to instead accessing mobility as a service (MaaS). With the breathless coverage of electric vehicles (EVs), it would be easy to believe…
What are Solderless Terminals? Meet the Connector: Solderless Terminals Solderless terminals provide a simplified wire joining solution. Whereas soldering provides a permanent connection, solderless terminals are advantageous in applications where connections may need to be disconnected for repair or if a change in design or components is imminent. [caption id="attachment_43633" align="aligncenter" width="600"]…
FFC/FPC Solutions Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights FFC/FPC power connectors from connector manufacturers and suppliers. Power connectors Axon’ flat flexible cables are designed for board-to-board connections in electronic systems. From 0.30 mm to 1.25 mm pitch, these flat flexible cables provide a space saving solution for PCB connection. They are…
Jan 2024 Connector Industry News Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. Jan 2024 Connector Industry News Jan 2024 Connector Industry News > Award News DigiKey ranked #121 on the Forbes 2023 list of America’s Largest Private Companies.…
Next-Generation EV Cell Contacting System Drives Vehicle Innovations The reliable and easy-to-implement interface solution connects cells to the control board in an EV battery module, eliminating the need to daisy chain wires. Eight years ago, Molex took a leap and heavily invested in the equipment and capabilities to develop its cell contacting system in support of…
Five Important Considerations in Electric Vehicle Battery Manufacturing for 2023 EV batteries have come a long way, with improvements in energy density, charging speed, safety, and cost. Five considerations are top of mind for engineers working on the next generation of battery solutions. The vehicle energy transition is underway. By the end of 2023, the International Energy Agency…
Software-Defined Vehicles: A New Era of Vehicle Customization In April, automotive and component manufacturers, suppliers, and the media flocked to China to participate in Shanghai Auto Show, the world’s largest car show. This year’s theme was “Embracing the New Era of the Automotive Industry,” and the show did not disappoint. Manufacturers showcased 1,500 state-of-the-art vehicles across…
Connector Supplier’s Latest eBook Explores the Vast World of Connectivity From aviation to energy, military to medical, the connector industry is at the heart of efforts to meet the demand for connectivity that has taken hold across markets and in a plethora of applications. Download your copy of our latest eBook here! Success is tied to the speed…
What are Pin Headers? Meet the Connector: Pin Headers Pin headers are a type of electrical connector that consists of one or more rows of metal pins or contacts molded into a plastic base. They serve as a bridge between various elements in an electronic device, enabling the distribution of power, data, and…
Wire-to-Board Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights wire-to-board connectors from leading suppliers. Wire-to-board connectors Avnet supplies Amphenol's FlexLock FPC-to-Board and Flex-to-Wire. The compact design addresses the growing demand for the automotive application market. The connector design is compliant to USCAR- T2V2 and LV-214 S3 specifications.[market_ad position="1"] Anderson Power…
Testing Automotive Connectors For the companies that make and supply them, testing automotive connectors is an important step in their design and production. Electronics make up over 35% of the cost of a modern car, with tens of thousands of electronic components inside each vehicle. If any of them fail to…
The EV Revolution Will Be Connectorized A new category of e-mobility connectors for use in vehicles and charging infrastructure will help create our EV future. E-mobility, or electromobility, is the use of electric propulsion to power vehicles. Over the last decade, e-mobility has rapidly evolved with the adoption of electric cars, buses, trucks, and…
Tesla’s NACS Connector Poised to Standardize U.S. EV Charging Landscape The interface is now leading a global field of competitors, simplifying the EV charging process and bringing a future single standard into focus. U.S. automakers Ford and General Motors will adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging connector as the interface of choice for their upcoming EV…
What are CHAdeMO EV Charging Connectors? Meet the Connector: CHAdeMO Connectors The CHAdeMO (CHArge de MOve) EV charging connector, developed by the CHAdeMO Association, is a fast-charging standard interface for electric vehicles. It is primarily used by Japanese automakers, including Nissan, Mitsubishi, KIA, and French companies Peugeot and Citröen. The connector was introduced in…
Headers Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights headers from leading suppliers. Headers Avnet supplies Molex's MX150 sealed and unsealed connector system. This field-proven platform offers high-quality, reliable connections in harsh environments to support compact automotive and commercial vehicle applications. With an USCAR interface, class 4 temp ranges (-40 °C to…
Light and Motion: New Automotive LED Technologies Take to the Roads Advances in automotive lighting like laser-powered and adaptive headlights technologies, OLED panels, and micro-LEDs are lighting up the automotive world with the help of miniaturized interconnects. While transformative innovations like automation and electrification are drawing the most attention in the automotive industry, new automotive lighting technologies are also…
Shock, Vibration, and Corrosion: Rugged Materials Help Avoid Damaging Effects in High-Performance Automotive Connectors Connector material selection plays a critical role in ensuring that automotive connectors deliver reliability and performance over the lifespan of a vehicle. The rigors and extremes these systems are exposed to makes it important for designers to consider many factors to specify the right solution. Electronic architectures in…
What are Butt Contacts and High-Current Probes? Meet the Connector: Butt Contacts and High-Current Probes A butt contact is an energizing connector that functions as a high current probe by directly pressing it to an electrical current-carrying surface, according to Globetech, a Tokyo-based supplier of custom connectors for industrial electrical machinery. Traditionally, a screw or…
LED Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights connectors from leading suppliers that are used in applications involving LEDs. LEDs The new Dialight 657 PMI from RS is designed for a 11/16” mounting hole diameter and is available with a flat or domed lens. It has 6” wire leads and comes…
Secure Connectors Rev Up Automotive Safety As automotive manufacturing advances, high-speed, press-fit, and other connector technologies evolve to meet current industry demands. Today’s cars are essentially high-end computers on wheels. A decade ago, vehicle electronics centered on basics like power windows, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and satellite radio. Today’s cars contain a full suite…
New SPE Standard Revolutionizes Automotive Manufacturing Single-pair Ethernet technology has been integrated into recent models of automobiles, replacing controller area network (CAN) and other bus systems, with an eye towards a future in which controls, communication, and safety functions will run on Ethernet. Meanwhile, these advantages can also serve industrial automation and automotive manufacturing. …
What are USCAR-Approved Interconnects? Meet the Connector: USCAR-Approved Interconnects USCAR connectors are part of a wide range of interconnect products that meet the specifications of the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), a collaborative automotive research company founded in 1992 to “strengthen the technology base of the U.S. auto industry through…
FAKRA Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights FAKRA connectors from leading suppliers. FAKRA connectors Mouser Electronics supplies TE Connectivity's FAKRA Automotive Connector System, which features an 800VAC voltage rating, 1A current, 50Ω impedance, and a frequency range of DC up to 6GHz. This comprehensive connector system is fully compatible and…
Formula E’s Gen 3 Car Embraces the E-mobility Racing Mission Connector companies play a big role in advancing the technology behind electric powertrains and battery management systems. The Formula E race series showcases the progress in the high-performance vehicle market. The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship electric car racing series is a proving ground for electric mobility,…
Solutions for Vehicle Communications and Power Interconnectivity The increasing demand for mobile tactical power and communications capabilities presents new interconnect and cable assembly design challenges. The increasing demand for mobile tactical power and communications capabilities for military use presents new interconnect and cable assembly design challenges. In addition to demanding the utmost in durability and…
What are ECU Connectors? Meet the Connector: ECU Connectors ECU Connectors, also called PCM connectors, are used to connect different types of controllers, particularly in vehicle applications. An electronic control unit (ECU) or electronic control module (ECM) is an embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems…
USCAR-Approved Interconnects Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights USCAR-approved interconnects from leading suppliers. USCAR-Approved Interconnects The MX72 squib connector from JAE is a controlled miniature explosive device integrated into an air bag or mechanical retraction system for the SRS. When the sensor detects a collision, an electric current flows through the…
Range and Charge Time are Key in Battery Management System Design Weight, vibration, and temperature are significant challenges in meeting the goals of long range and fast charging in electric vehicles and battery management system design. Range and charge time are the main concerns of makers and buyers of electric vehicles (EVs) — how to go farther on a…
Rapid Innovation Puts Pressure on EV Battery Connectors “We’re in the midst of a revolution,” say TE Connectivity’s e-Mobility experts, as automakers make exponential gains in battery performance and electric drivetrain efficiency. The EV battery ecosystem is changing quickly. Automotive OEMs and battery cell and battery pack manufacturers are investing in innovative battery chemistries, new form…
EV Battery Connectors Go the Extra Mile EV batteries are improving and the new interconnect products that support them are optimized to manage the high voltage flow of power throughout the vehicle with great safety and efficiency. Range anxiety — the fear that an electric car’s battery will run out of power and leave you…
EVs Herald a Shift in Powertrain Connectivity Innovation in electric vehicle technologies — including the integration of new rugged board-to-board connectors — have expanded mileage ranges and decreased charging time. Despite the negative impacts of supply chain issues and the COVID pandemic on the automotive market, EV registrations are rapidly increasing in major global markets.…
Automotive Displays Accomplish More with Less Wiring Heavy and complex cables present a problem in today’s efficient vehicle designs. As more operational functions move to the screen, automotive display standards help streamline connectivity solutions. Soon, nearly every new vehicle will include at least one screen. Cars built since May 1, 2018, for the North American…
Automotive Ethernet is a Key Enabler for Connected Cars Automotive Ethernet interconnect solutions need to be miniaturized, lightweight, modular, optimized for high-speed automotive systems, and compatible with automated assembly processes. Connectivity is enabling safer, greener, and more enjoyable driving experiences. As connected car technologies within vehicles continues to rise in support of these features, so too does…
What is an EV Charging Connector? Meet the Connector: EV Charging Connectors EV charging connectors are used to charge electric vehicles. They connect the vehicle to charging infrastructure, whether that be a "pump" type charger or a suitable high-voltage outlet in a building. The plug end (or male connector) delivers power from an electricity…
Wire-to-Board Automotive Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights wire-to-board automotive connectors from leading suppliers. Wire-to-Board Automotive Connectors Greenconn’s wire-to-board connectors are offered in two assembly methods: fixed type and plug-in type. Both types adopt IDC piercing technology, which makes production more economical and allows for a more stable connection. Once the…