Optimizing Automotive Zonal Architecture with the MX-DaSH Connector System

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Published January 14, 2025

The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in vehicle design and technology that are swiftly transforming the market. One of the most significant advancements is the adoption of zonal architecture in automotive design. This shift necessitates efficient and reliable connector systems to manage the increasing demands for data, signal, and power transmission within vehicles.

This week’s New Tech Tuesday looks at the emergence of the MX-DaSH Connector System from Molex, as a solution that combines high-speed data, signal, and power into a single connector, effectively replacing the need for multiple traditional connectors.

Zonal architecture refers to the organization of vehicle electronics into distinct zones, each managed by a central controller. This architecture enhances the modularity and scalability of vehicle systems, allowing for easier integration of diverse features and technologies. However, it also requires robust connectivity solutions to handle the complex data, signal, and power needs.

Traditional connectors often involve multiple components to handle data, signal, and power separately. This intricacy can lead to increased packaging sizes, added weight, and higher costs. Additionally, the assembly process becomes more complicated, leading to potential reliability issues.

The Molex MX-DaSH connector system is designed to optimize automotive zonal architecture by integrating high-speed data, signal, and power into one unified connector (Figure 1). This capability ensures that vehicles can handle the growing volume of data required for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment, GPS navigation, lidar, camera systems, sensors, and other high-tech features. Moreover, by integrating signal and power transmission into the same connector, the MX-DaSH system reduces the need for multiple connectors, simplifying the design and assembly process and making it easier to manage complex wiring systems, such as those found in electric vehicles (EVs).

Figure 1: The Molex MX-DaSH connectors are available in sealed or unsealed wire-to-wire and wire-to-board designs and terminal sizes of 0.50mm, 0.64mm, 1.20mm, 1.50mm, 2.80mm, and 4.80mm. (Source: Mouser Electronics)

One key benefit of the MX-DaSH Connector System is its ability to optimize packaging. By consolidating multiple connectors into one, the system reduces the overall space required for wiring and connectors (Table 1). This optimization is crucial in modern vehicle designs, where space is often at a premium.

Table 1: The Molex MX-DaSH Connector System vs. traditional connector systems. (Source: Molex)

Consolidating connectors also reduces the size and weight of the vehicle’s electronic systems. This reduction is beneficial for improving fuel efficiency in internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid electric (HEV) vehicles, increasing range in EVs, and enhancing the overall performance of any vehicle.

Additionally, the MX-DaSH Connector System helps lower overall system costs by reducing the number of components needed. Fewer connectors mean lower material costs and less complexity in the assembly process, which can significantly cut down production expenses. And with fewer connection points, the system is more reliable and can better withstand the rigors of automotive environments.

The adoption of advanced connectivity solutions, such as the Molex MX-DaSH Connector System, is essential for the evolution of automotive design, especially as zonal architecture becomes more prevalent. This technology enhances manufacturing efficiency and reinforces vehicle performance and reliability by integrating multiple functionalities into a single connector. As the automotive industry progresses towards increasingly intricate and interconnected systems, these innovations will be instrumental in advancing efficiency and fostering modernization.