Molex Interconnect System brings USB technology into the connected vehicle

HSAutoLink encompasses technologies incorporated from other Molex high volume products and industry standard applications besides the Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0), such as Low Voltage Differential Signalling (LVDS), 1394 Auto (FireWire™), FlexRay, eMOST and Ethernet (AVB).

Mike Gardner, technical marketing manager for comfort and infotainment at Molex, comments: ”We packaged an economical and widely deployed five-pin shielded interconnect system from the consumer market into a more rugged connector system to meet car manufacturers’ 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 standardisation 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 car manufacturers’ demand,” Gardner adds.

Cable assemblies employing the USB Standard A receptacle provide shrouded and latching capabilities for mounting in a vehicle, supplying a consumer interface for 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-analogue signal, enabling the use of devices such as MP3 players, flash drives, SD Cards and portable navigation systems.