Molex Creates the HSAutoLink™ Interconnect System to Meet Automakers’ Mechanical Requirements

LISLE, Ill.--Molex Incorporated introduced today the HSAutoLink™ Interconnect System, an emerging high-speed data bus for vehicles, to meet the needs of the "Connected Vehicle” (Vehicle-to-Vehicle communications, Infotainment and Telematics).

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). The new, sturdy family of HSAutoLink connectors and cables will bring USB and other technologies into the information and entertainment systems in vehicles. Molex’s HSAutoLink solution is the critical link that enables the USB 2.0 for connecting passenger portable devices such as MP3 players, flash drives and portable navigation systems.

“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.”

Molex is working with all potential in-vehicle technology providers and industry standardization efforts to expand this newly introduced family of high speed connectors that meet the rigorous demands set by USCAR and leading OEMs on a global basis. The automotive industry-standard interface known as USCAR-30 supports USB 2.0 requirements for OEM system certification.

“The growing adoption of this new, sturdy family of HSAutoLink connectors and cables will provide potential for other media rich Telematic content to migrate into the vehicle and be distributed throughout for passenger convenience and enjoyment at a price the automakers’ demand,” Gardner adds.

Cable assemblies utilizing the USB Standard A receptacle provide shrouded and latching capabilities for mounting in a vehicle, providing a consumer interface for vehicle passenger use. Following similar design principles, 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.

The full-length cable shielding provides superior signal performance and reduced Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Three primary cable configurations, along with keyed right angle and vertical headers allow for various packaging options and offer integration engineers the opportunity to more easily design-in Molex's HSAutoLink connector system.