Molex introduces the MX-DaSH data-Signal Hybrid connector that integrates high-speed data, signal and power connectivity

Molex continues to leverage its expertise in the automotive industry with the launch of the MX-DaSH series of data-signal hybrid connectors. This innovative connector combines power, signal and high-speed data transmission in one connector. The MX-DaSH series wire-to-wire and wire-to-board connectors are designed to support the automotive transition to a zonal architecture and meet the need for reliable data transmission in a variety of emerging applications. These applications include autonomous driving modules, camera systems, GPS and infotainment devices, liDAR, high-resolution displays, and connectivity between sensors and devices.

Greg Everly, business Director, New Products, Mobility Solutions at Molex, said: "Our complete MX-DaSH portfolio offers automotive designers the opportunity to reimagine automotive electronics by integrating power and high-speed data transmission into a single connector system. This not only greatly reduces the size of the equipment, but also saves equipment space, cost and labor. "The whole idea is to allow designers to mix and match different types of terminals to provide greater design freedom and flexibility to support partition architecture and simplify wiring harness layout."

Optimize innovative vehicle design

MX-DaSH connectors are available in sealed and unsealed versions to meet a variety of environmental and design requirements to optimize the next generation of automotive architecture. The connector supports a variety of configurations to accommodate different power and signal terminal sizes, including 0.50, 0.64, 1.20, 1.50, 2.80 or 4.80 mm sizes, as well as high-speed FAKRA Mini (HFM®) modules for high-speed data transfer.

For increased reliability, the MX-DaSH wire-to-wire connector features industry-leading, high-stability blade male contacts and individual auxiliary locks for robust and reliable terminal connections. In addition, MX-DaSH supports a variety of interfaces without changing form factors by providing modular segment structures or cartridge boxes in in-line pair connectors, enabling automotive engineers to adapt to a growing portfolio of devices and sensors to meet different network requirements.

Reduce cost and complexity

With the new MX-DaSH series, vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers can better meet the growing demand for more compact hybrid connections in their designs to support multiple automotive applications. For example, the Mx-DaSH can reduce the number of interwire and wire-to-board connectors for the dashboard and body control harness from eight to two, while removing up to six meters of copper wire depending on the model.

The various models in this connector system are suitable for a variety of wire-to-wire applications. For example, the 31+1 bit connector system combines 31 power and ground circuits and high-speed data circuits to reduce package size by up to 30%. Each MX-DaSH connector integrates more functions, simplifies wiring harness installation, and saves a lot of installation time. The reduction in the number of components also provides more opportunities to further simplify the BOM.

In addition, MX-DaSH connectors are designed for automated harness assembly to reduce harness installation cycles and improve the efficiency and quality of the overall manufacturing process.