Emerging high-speed and high-power communication applications continue to drive the demand for reliable and long-lasting connector solutions. Learn more about how Molex offers sustainable connector solutions for an ever-changing landscape of engineering and design.
The electronics industry is constantly changing. Consumers are always searching for the next innovation or the latest gadget. For everything from 5G and the Internet of Things to autonomous vehicles and wearable technology, designers are continuously forced to find creative solutions for advancing technology.
Connectors are important to consider when working with new technology. The current appetite for high-speed communications is driving connector manufacturers to find new and secure ways to support the latest communications protocols. However, for every application that needs the fastest speed or the highest power, there are many more that can use established connector solutions. Connectors with a history of longevity and high performance offer huge benefits to equipment manufacturers and end users alike.
1. Availability
For manufacturers of high-value equipment, the simple fact is this: a connector needs to be available for years or even decades after launch. The automotive industry serves as a ready example. The costs associated with the design and manufacture of a new car or truck mean that the new vehicle needs to remain in service for many years to provide a return on investment.
During its life, the vehicle will need to be serviced and repaired. Therefore, it is vital that any components used are available for the life of the vehicle, and choosing well-established products is a safe decision.
An added advantage of a mature product is that it is likely to be fully represented by the distribution network. Availability from multiple sources means that a mature product will always be obtainable, allowing an equipment manufacturer to ride the ups and downs of demand that a fluctuating market creates.
2. Backwards Compatibility
Equipment rarely exists in a total vacuum. Many devices mate with other equipment, and it is connectors that provide the interface. Any equipment manufacturer that introduces a new product must always consider how this new device will fit into the existing infrastructure of the customer. By imposing a brand-new connector on users, a manufacturer risks alienating its existing customers.
Compatibility is also important when considering the tools required to install connectors. Crimp tooling, along with supporting equipment, can represent a significant investment in terms of both the cost of hardware and the need for training operators. Adopting a brand-new connector series can be an expensive exercise if new tooling is required. In this instance, choosing a mature product allows customers to obtain the greatest return on the investment made in their supporting equipment.
3. Familiarity
In the world of electronics, connectors can sometimes impose particular problems. In the diverse range of components that are used in electronics equipment, connectors are among the few products that are exposed to the elements or that are handled by users.
New devices can succeed or fail on the perception of their reliability. Using a mature connector with a proven track record promotes confidence in the performance of the whole system. Customers appreciate the value of a connector that is familiar and trusted.
Molex Legacy Connectors
Molex is a manufacturer that understands the need for both the new and the familiar. At the cutting edge of connector technology, Molex is involved in everything from single-pair Ethernet — the new connector standard for the smart factory — to products for the latest high-speed data centers.
However, the Molex product range includes established and mature products that are suitable for almost all industries. Here is just a small selection from the range of field-proven Molex connectors.
MX150 System
The MX150 is a field-proven family of sealed and unsealed connectors that are ideally suited for the automotive industry. Offering a USCAR interface and capable of operating in temperatures of up to 150°C, the MX150 has long been a go-to choice for engineers working in automotive and commercial vehicle markets.
Despite offering up to 37% space savings over traditional 1.50mm-pitch USCAR connectors, the blade-type contact design delivers current ratings of up to 22 amps per circuit.
Mini50 Connection Systems
For customers requiring a solution with a lower profile than the MX150 connector system, Mini50 connectors feature a design that is up to 50% smaller than traditional 0.64mm USCAR interfaces. In fact, it currently is approved as the industry’s only connector that meets the USCAR standards for 0.50 interfaces.
The Mini50 connector is ideally designed for the growing area of in-car entertainment and safety equipment. However, Mini50’s features mean this is a connector system that is not limited to use on vehicles. Available in sealed and unsealed versions, this wire-to-board connector system brings the reliability and maturity of an automotive solution to almost any industrial application.
SlimStack
Moving away from wire-to-board applications, the SlimStack connector family features a range of board-to-board solutions. SlimStack connectors are available with contact pitches between 0.80 and 0.35mm and a selection of board stacking heights that gives the engineer excellent flexibility for their design.
Once again, this is a connector family designed for automotive applications but that can be found in industries as diverse as medical and mobile telecommunications. Despite the fine pitch of SlimStack connectors, their housings feature wide alignment guides to make mating easier. They also provide an audible click to give operators feedback and the assurance of secure mating.
Legacy Connectors
There will always be the need for new and creative solutions across industries, and Molex continues to innovate in all aspects of interconnect design. Discover an immense portfolio with options to maximize your investment in tooling and equipment.
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