Aug/090
Molex HSAutoLink Connects Everything in Your Vehicle
Nowadays, the latest car models that arrive on the market are much more complex than any previous such products, incorporating a host of functions and features nobody would have thought possible a couple of years ago. However, such complex solutions require the right cabling in order to work, and that’s exactly what connectivity-expert Molex is offering with its new HSAutoLink, described as an emerging high-speed data bus for vehicles.
According to the company, the high speed data bus connector and cabling system encompasses technologies incorporated from other Molex high volume products and industry standard applications such as Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0), Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS), 1394 Auto (FireWire), FlexRay and Ethernet (AVB).
Furthermore, it’s important to mention the fact that the HSAutoLink cabling system is specified to allow for positive latching and connection to a media module within the vehicle. This connection links with the media module, allowing a digital-signal to convert to a vehicle’s more traditional-analog signal, enabling the use of devices such as MP3 players, flash drives, SD Cards, and portable navigation systems.
Additionally, the full-length cable shielding provides superior signal performance and reduced Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), while the fact that Molex is offering three primary cable configurations, along with keyed right angle and vertical headers, allows integration engineers to more easily incorporate the HSAutoLink connector system into the electrical design of new vehicles.
“HSAutoLink is Molex’s initial product offering that leverages its vast technology capabilities to support automakers as they enable the connected vehicle,” said Mike Gardner, technical marketing manager for comfort and infotainment, Molex Incorporated. “We packaged an economical and widely deployed five-pin shielded interconnect system from the consumer market into a more rugged connector system to meet automakers mechanical requirements and the electrical demands of these high speed links at price points needed to enable acceptance and wide deployment of Telematics and Infotainment systems.”
Of course, it remains to be seen just how soon this solution will actually be installed in future cars, but it’s very likely that this will happen over the next couple of years.