Author:
Reported by Cliff Keys, Editorial Director, Editor-in-Chief, Power Systems Design
Date
11/30/2010
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Providing more than just connectors, Molex delivers complete interconnect solutions for a number of markets including data communications, telecommunications, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, medical, military, lighting and solar. Molex Incorporated has announced the release of the Customer Convenience Port (CCP) modules, which provide the automotive and non-automotive transportation markets with access to the high-speed audio and video connections needed for computers, video displays, CD players, DVD players and video games. The CCP modules can be quickly and cost effectively designed and supplied with high-level custom options including full I/O integration, passive and active PCB routing and mechanical enclosure design. "Automotive manufacturers are looking for ways to differentiate their product offering from others on the market. As a result, customisation has become increasingly important," said Gary Manchester, director of marketing, Molex Incorporated. "Our expertise in meeting the design challenges of the connected vehicle has enabled us to create a flexible, technologically advanced solution tailored to meet an engineer's specific automotive requirements." Other unique features include: • Use of multiple connection types such as HSAutoLink™, USB, HDMI, IEEE 1394, Ethernet, SD memory cards, auxiliary jack inputs and more to meet end-system requirements.
Building on the success of its CMC connection system, Molex Incorporated introduces the second generation sealed, hybrid, high-density and modular connector system - the CMX family using a new CTX terminal system. The sophisticated design of the fully protected seal offers the ultimate in sealing performance, making the CMX connector system particularly well-suited for transportation powertrain applications, such as those found in engine control units, automatic gear boxes, suspension controllers and electrical parking brakes. "Based on our 10 years of experience with the CMC product line, the next-generation CMX connection system offers significant improvements in product performance while remaining cost competitive," says Selvan Wilhelm, global product manager, Molex. "The unique feature for all new CMX connectors is the sophisticated design of the interfacial seal protection, which ensures the connector remains protected before mating, and during mating and unmating operations." The first 2 circuit sizes of the CMX family, which meet the demands of the transportation market, is a compact 5-row 55-circuit CMX connector and a 5-row 65-circuit CMX connector. Further circuit sizes to extend the family are already in development. Both CMX connectors support low and medium current using .635mm (.025") and 1.50mm (.059") CTX terminals. The new matte seal is designed for the ultimate high performing sealing function of the CTX terminals and can be used with ISO and JASO wires. The CTX terminal system features a clean-body type design that performs well in harsh environments, while serving low, medium and high current applications. The use of high conductivity copper alloy allows excellent stress relaxation and current carrying properties. The rear seal cover, which can be moulded with breakable dummy plugs for the CTX terminal cavities, helps to reduce cycle time and applied costs for harness manufacturers. It also allows customers more flexibility for unused cavities. Future developments in the Molex CMX connector range will provide a more compact design with high current sizes. For more information about the new CMX connector system from Molex, including a datasheet, please visit: www.molex.com/link/cmx.html
Designed to meet the low-power needs of thin-screen LED TVs and other compact devices, Molex Incorporated introduces the IllumiMate™ wire-to-board connector system, which has a 2.00mm (.079") pitch, 4.05mm (.159") mated height and 6.35mm (.250") width. The LED lights for an LED TV can be located on a bus-bar across the middle of the screen or, as in some of the newest models, on the edge of the panel in order to avoid shadowing. When placed on the edge, space savings become more critical in order to achieve the thinnest screen. IllumiMate offers the narrowest width of any similar low-power connector system currently available on the market, along with significant cost and performance advantages. "Similar products available on the market have encountered problems with unmating," explains Steve Kim, global product manager, micro products, Molex. "A robust dual positive lock on the Molex IllumiMate connector provides secure latching and a window to confirm full insertion. The manufacturing techniques used to produce IllumiMate also provide significant cost advantages." IllumiMate connectors feature a robust dual-positive locking design, which includes locking windows for visual lock confirmation and a user-friendly latch, to ensure secure mating. Other key features of the Molex IllumiMate family include a dual-contact terminal design for secure electrical contact, wide solder tabs for assured PCB retention and polarising ribs between circuits in the header that facilitate mating and protect contacts. In addition, the IllumiMate connectors are halogen free to meet global environmental requirements. Initially, the IllumiMate family is available as a four-circuit connector system, with several additional circuit sizes to be introduced in the coming months. For more information about the IllumiMate connector system, including a datasheet, please visit: www.molex.com/link/illumimate.html www.molex.com
