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POWERTRAIN SOLUTIONS
MX150
AUTOMOTIVE CONNECTORS
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battery electric vehicles (BEV) continue to drive this trend with
complex battery management systems with massive amounts
of connections and wiring packaged in a small space. This
challenge creates the need for solutions that are not traditional
to automotive applications, such as micro-sized connectors,
very small wire gages, and flexible flat cables (FFCs).
Also, the HEV and BEV markets increase vehicle lifespans from a
traditional 320,000km (200,000 miles) to 1.6 million km (1 million
miles). This creates the challenge of connection systems and
terminal contact interfaces that can withstand temperature and
vibration over this extended period of time. Molex is a leader in
meeting this challenge with ongoing work on contact physics and
two-piece terminal designs. This approach provides the robust
systems needed electrically and, combined with Molex's exclusive
two-piece terminal design and manufacturing capabilities, is
providing the robust systems mechanically, as well.
Regardless of engine type, whether traditional internal
combustion engine, HEV, or BEV, the need for more I/Os near
the engine and in harsh environments is increasing. Engine
controllers have evolved to become sophisticated computers
that are sending and receiving data throughout many systems in
the vehicles. Additionally, the transition to smaller systems is also
happening with engine controllers as requirements for circuit
counts reach more than 300 in such systems.
Smaller wires and terminal systems create challenges in
operating in environments with higher temperatures and
vibration. Besides benefiting vehicle lifespan, Molex's terminal
designs and work on plating and contact physics have brought
about small terminal systems that can operate in these harsh
environments. (Figure 3)
Figure 3: With the increasing popularity of electric
cars, design requirements for control units and their
management are evolving. (Source: Molex)
