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Zonal Architecture

The Zonal Control Unit: Enabling Next-Generation Vehicle Architecture

When designing Zonal Control Units (ZCUs), design engineers face a broad range of requirements for multiple functions within the vehicles. To help meet these needs, Molex connectors provide robust versatility to help integrate complex electronic systems, maintain design adaptability, ensure rugged and reliable performance, and meet standardization and compliance requirements, all while balancing cost and efficiency.

Designing Zonal Control Units

Designers of ZCUs face a multitude of challenges. More functionality must be incorporated in less space without adding weight or compromising performance. Compact connectors designed for automotive applications and zonal architecture help enhance design flexibility and improve overall efficiency.

High-speed communication is crucial in today’s vehicles given the increasing number and capabilities of advanced electronic systems. To enable multiple electronic systems and components to work together seamlessly, Molex offers automotive-grade connectors with power, signal and data circuits that support ZCU connections to a variety of devices including cameras, sensors and high-definition displays.

Reliable and durable connectivity solutions are particularly important in harsh environments. Molex connectors undergo stringent testing to meet or exceed automotive industry standards for ruggedness and reliability in applications subject to extreme temperatures, vibration and environmental ingress.

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Inside the Zonal Control Unit Connectors

ZCU designers need to seamlessly integrate a variety of functions while optimizing space, ensuring thermal management, delivering high-speed data and providing reliable operation in harsh automotive environments. Molex connectors for inside the ZCU help achieve these goals and are available with a range of circuit count and connection style options.

  Stack Height Circuits Wire-to-Board Board-to-Board
FFC/FPC Connectors   2 to 120 X  
Mirror Mezz Connectors 5.00, 8.00, 11.00mm Up to 270   X
SlimStack Connectors 0.60 to 16.00mm 6 to 240   X

Flexible Printed Circuits

With their compact design, Flexible Printed Circuits (FPCs) provide the space optimization required to maximize ZCU performance. Their ability to withstand harsh environments helps deliver the durability that is critical for automotive manufacturers.  

Explore Flexible Printed Circuits

Outside the Zonal Control Unit Connectors

Outside the ZCU, sealed and unsealed automotive-grade connectors support the integration of critical automotive applications such as sensors, lighting and powertrain components. These connectors are designed and tested for rugged operation in high-conductivity applications subject to harsh environmental effects while minimizing package size to save space.

  Terminal Size Circuits Sealed Wire-to-Board Wire-to-Wire
CMC / CMX Connectors 0.64, 1.50, 2.80mm 22 to 154 X  X  
Compactus Connectors 0.50, 1.00, 2.80mm 48 to 186 X X  
ConnTAK50 Connectors 0.50mm 2 to 22    X  
DuraClik Connectors 2.00mm 2 to 15   X  
Mini50 Connectors 0.50, 1.20mm 2 to 38 X X X
MX-DaSH Connectors 0.50, 1.20, 1.50, 2.80, 4.80mm Multiple, modular, hybrid  X X X
stAK50h Connectors 0.50, 1.20, 2.80, 6.30mm 12 to 56   X  

High-Speed Zonal Control Unit Connectors

Modern vehicles require high-speed connectors with high bandwidth and high data rates to support radar, cameras and sensor systems that are integral to vehicle safety. The robust design and capabilities of High-Speed FAKRA Mini (HFM) Connectors make them ideal for connectivity to exterior vehicle applications.

  Cable Ports Sealed Wire-to-Board Wire-to-Wire
High-Speed FAKRA Mini (HFM) Coaxial Cable Coaxial Single, dual, quad, custom X X X