Skip to main content

The Transmission Control Unit: Accelerating Drivetrain Capabilities

Designing transmission control units (TCUs) for vehicles requires managing increasingly complex software and data-processing requirements, integrating the TCU seamlessly with a range of vehicle dynamics and autonomous systems, and ensuring effective thermal management and long-term durability. Versatile interconnects from Molex deliver reliable high-speed and high-current connections in compact and modular form factors to support advanced automotive applications and enhance TCU performance.

Designing Transmission Control Units

As hybrid drivetrains, continuously variable transmissions and advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) become more popular, transmission control modules and TCUs must integrate input from a wider variety of vehicle dynamics and autonomous systems. Managing this complexity in real time, all while ensuring optimal thermal management, electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection and reliability under high-stress conditions, requires rugged, high-speed interconnects that are miniaturized to fit more functionality into limited space.

By utilizing advanced connectivity solutions to ensure the TCU can interact effectively with external data sources, manufacturers can create a unified control system that facilitates advanced sensor integration, collaborates with vehicle dynamics systems and helps ensure smooth and efficient system operation to improve fuel efficiency and enhance the driving experience. Rugged and reliable TCU connectors also help enable better thermal management, reduce maintenance costs and improve vehicle reliability.

Enabling the expanded functionality of modern TCUs, Molex transmission control module connectors deliver versatility, high performance and rugged reliability. Hybrid interconnects provide combined power and signal connectivity in a modular form factor. High-voltage power connectors minimize EMI and efficiently dissipate heat. Miniaturized high-speed data connectors ensure secure, reliable and instantaneous communication for critical safety and sensor systems while supporting extensive vehicle communication.

dfgh

Featured Products

Connecting the TCU to Actuators, Sensors and Switches

Integrating an ever-growing number of sensors and devices with the TCU requires optimizing the limited available space while ensuring diverse signal, power and data functions are incorporated into a unified system. Molex provides multi-function, rugged and miniaturized connectors that offer versatile and high-performance configurations to help optimize the integration of complex connections into the TCU.

  Terminal Size Pitch  Circuits  Current Wire Gauge Sealed
CMC/CMX Connectors 0.64, 1.50, 2.80mm 2.54, 3.70mm 22 to 154 2.5 to 21.0A 20 to 10 AWG X
Compactus Connectors 0.50, 1.00, 2.80mm 2.40, 3.00, 5.00mm 48 to 186 Up to 15A 24 to 16 AWG X
MX64 Connectors 0.64mm 2.54mm 2 to 8 Up to 10A (with Molex terminals) 22 to 18 AWG X
MX123 Connectors 0.64, 2.80mm 2.54mm 49 to 80 11, 25A 22 to 18 AWG X
MX150 Connectors 1.50mm 3.50mm 2 to 20 22A 22 to 14 AWG X
MXP120 Connectors 1.20mm 4.00mm 2 to 6 Up to 13A 22 to 17 AWG X

Flexible Printed Circuits

Flexible Printed Circuits(FPCs) offer a compact design that is ideal for the limited available space within the TCU. Their resilience in demanding conditions makes them capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the automotive environment.

Explore Flexible Printed Circuits

High-Speed Data Transmission

For optimal performance, real-time transmission of large volumes of data between the TCU and a variety of devices and control units in the vehicle is crucial. The proliferation of ADAS and hybrid vehicles increases the complexity of these data links. Molex high-speed data connectors provide a robust solution that helps ensure reliable, high-speed and secure communication between the TCU and other system components.

  Cable Ports Frequency Range Current Wire Gauge Sealed
High-Speed FAKRA Mini (HFM) Interconnect System Coaxial Single, dual, quad, custom Up to 20GHz 1.5A 26 AWG X

Power and Signal Distribution

Enhancing signal integrity and maintaining consistent power connections while minimizing EMI and improving signal integrity (SI) helps ensure reliable TCU performance. With a wide range of customizable high-current connectors designed to minimize EMI and reduce crosstalk, Molex delivers solutions that help optimize component layouts to shorten signal paths and isolate high-frequency signals, producing better SI and more consistent operation.

  Current Voltage Plating Operating Temperature Termination Styles
PowerPlane Busbar Connectors Up to 300A Up to 1,000V

Silver  

 -40 to +125°C  Solder tail, screw mount