Automotive Connector Selection Primary Considerations
1. Environmental requirements
As the need for automotive connector selection, then the use of the environment, such as, also needs to be understood. After all, the use of the environment in terms of temperature, humidity, etc., can meet the corresponding requirements, but also directly affect the use of the connector. Not only that but also the sealing performance, is also very critical, only the sealing of the connector parts in the use of good to be more at ease.
2. Standard requirements
Each product in the production uses the relevant standards, so in the process of selection, should also like to understand whether the connector can achieve the applicable standards, whether customer standards or domestic international standards, must be achieved. It is best to conduct a performance test for the connector, including the system-level specifications, these are to be understood, only after passing the performance test to ensure that the connector can meet the requirements, in the process of using it afterward, it will be more relaxed, less worry.
3. Regional preferences
As the automotive connector, will be essential to automotive production, the selection, should also pay attention to the regional preference, this is also very important. As the North American region, it will be on the performance, design standards, and other concerns, Europe is more inclined to other aspects, this is also to pay attention to.
4. Performance factors
With the current connector, you can make the connection of the product easy and simple, mainly to make the work of the enterprise complete. So in the selection of this connector, but also should pay attention to the performance issues, whether there can be good performance, after the use of other issues do not need to worry, and then can be completed by the connector after the connection work.
Automotive Connector Selection Principles
1) Electrical factors
Current requirements: high current, low current, and signal level; which determine the
Wire diameter/insulation requirements: determines terminal type/contact section size/plating (0.64mm to 8.0mm pins and pins);
Wire diameter/insulation requirements: voltage drop and/or corrosion resistance; determines the center-to-center distance of the connector.
2) Location/Environment
Temperature: Engine compartment – sealed, ambient temperature 105°C, vibration, fluid compatibility.
Non-sealed: ambient temperature 85 ℃, mainly the size of the more important factors
Sealed: Possible high-pressure injection/splash; Possible submersion; Humidity.
Fluid type.
For device connectors, whether the device is sealed or not.
3) Standards
Standards: Customer Standards; Institutional Standards; National Standards; International Standards
Connector performance test requirements: Included in system-level specifications; and
For General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler, USCAR specifications are typically used; engine-related applications have higher vibration requirements;
Other OEMs typically have their standards (similar to USCAR).
Trend: Equipment-side suppliers are responsible for mating connector performance “Equipment accounts for half of the connector interface mounted on the board, and equipment suppliers are required to have good communication of information about the mating connector.
4) Customer preferences
Terminal type and design characteristics
Preferred product strategy: Purchasing driven – need to reduce the cost of connector system.
Determined by design competition.
Specific applications: Ford: competition for door connection design; Ford: preferred terminal design/supplier (focus on contact interface); General Motors: preferred terminal design (focus on connector holes); Chrysler: chosen terminal/plastic supplier approach.
5) Regional preferences
North America: USCAR drawings/performance/design standards for “tangle-free terminals, TPA’s, CPA regulations; in many cases, harness suppliers have significant influence
Europe: Terminal contact design very influential/developed with major OEMs; preference for two-piece terminals, although cost pressures and North American porting operations force OEMs to consider North American technology; acceptance of “tangled” terminals. “Cloning” is quite widespread; long-term partnerships between OEMs and suppliers.
Asia: Traditionally influenced by Toyota. Long-term relationship with YAZAKI and SUMITOMO; key to good quality and trusted relationship; very focused on assembly capability (ergonomics) which affects warranty; North American influence on China to change the status quo. Focus on low-cost solutions.
6) Physical factors
Size; number of circuits; location of mating pairs; harness docking or equipment connections
Mechanical network features: levers, bolts;
Manual mating capability;
Multiple connector types for high input/output applications.
Drawing Requirements
7) Assembly
Wire harnesses: Connector insertion force visible, audible, and tactile operator feedback ergonomics high-speed manual handling quality and performance reliably assured;
Implementation of in-line testing/after-hours process; TPA’s, CPA’s; and
Reduced number of loose parts (stage preference)
Automotive Connector Selection Considerations
1. Material
Automotive connectors are generally made of metal or plastic. Metal connectors have good electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, suitable for occasions involving higher voltage or high current. Plastic connectors are lightweight and inexpensive, suitable for the circuit environment does not require high occasions.
2. Structure
The structural design of automotive connectors should match with the connected cables, and take into account factors such as waterproofing and anti-vibration. The traditional automotive connector structure is mainly pin-type, but the structure is easy to contact, modern automotive connector structure more snap-type, can effectively avoid the problem of poor contact.
3. Function
Automotive connectors have a variety of functions, such as signal transmission, power supply, data communication, and so on. When choosing a connector, you need to decide which type of connector to use according to the required function.
Post time: Jun-04-2024