FOUR ESSENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORTATION CONNECTORS LUC KAN, GENERAL MANAGER AMPHENOL LTW TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD
Connectors play a crucial role in the automotive and transportation industry. These essential components ensure reliable and safe communication among the many electronic systems operating within a vehicle or transportation application. Connectors are essential to the function of engine management systems, electrical power distribution, lighting systems, sensors, safety systems, EV charging, and
in-car entertainment, as well as systems outside of the vehicle, including vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connected communications infrastructure. To ensure the safe and efficient operation of vehicles, connectors used in automotive and transportation applications are particularly subject to stringent testing and must meet industry certification standards for durability, ingress protection, high temperature tolerance, and EMI resistance. These four considerations must be part of the automotive specification process. DURABILITY One of the most critical requirements for connectors used in automotive and transportation applications is durability. Automotive connectors must be able to withstand the harsh operating conditions and mechanical stresses electronic systems experience during the lifetime of a vehicle or transportation application. Durability includes resistance to shock, vibration, and mechanical stress caused by thermal expansion and contraction. Materials and design both play a role in creating a connector that delivers durability in automotive roles. Materials must resist deterioration due to temperature fluctuations and corrosion. Locking mechanisms and connector
CONNECTORS AND CABLES WITH GOOD ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF MALFUNCTIONS
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