With a reduced package size for 50% space savings, the Mini50 Connectors are ideal for low-current electrical circuits found in unsealed transportation vehicle environments.

Molex Incorporated announced today its Mini50™ Unsealed Connector System, an innovative miniaturised unsealed, wire-to-board system. The Mini50 Connector System is the smallest automotive-grade unsealed system in the industry, and the only USCAR approved interface for use in unsealed transportation vehicle environments. 

USCAR (the US Council for Automotive Research) supports cooperative research and development to advance automotive technologies. The Mini50 USCAR 050 approved interface delivers 50% space savings over traditional USCAR 0.64mm connectors, with smaller terminals to fit more low-current electrical circuits in interior, unsealed transportation-vehicle environments. The compact connectors are ideal for use in applications where space is limited, such as lighting, radios, navigation systems, HVAC systems, mirrors and cameras. They provide reduced overall harness weight savings by allowing wire-harness customers to crimp and process smaller wire gauges versus traditional 0.64mm terminal systems.

“The tremendous growth in automotive infotainment and safety options is the catalyst for vehicle manufacturers demanding smaller interconnects from suppliers,” said Jeremy Stout, product manager, Molex. “Design engineers need to fit more electronics in the same space. The Mini50 unsealed wire-to-board system allows device manufacturers to package circuits in tighter spaces by utilising smaller pin and terminal sizes, while reducing costs and maintaining performance, safety and reliability.”

The Mini50 connection system features an independent secondary lock that is part of the housing, reducing the number of components.  In addition, PCB headers are released in both vertical or right angle orientations to provide wire-routing and module design flexibility.  They are also constructed with a high-temperature thermoplastic housing that can withstand infrared (IR) and wave lead-free solder processing at a maximum temperature of +260ºC.

Current configurations are available in single-row, 4- and 8-circuit versions and a dual-row, 12-circuit version. The Molex Mini50 4/8/12 circuit interface was chosen by USCAR as the standard 050 interface.  The Mini50 4, 8 and 12 circuit connectors are available in through-hole and SMT versions and meet USCAR standards.

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