The switch is one of the most common devices in a vehicle, and it controls a variety
of functions, such as exterior rearview mirrors, start-stop engine systems, airconditioning controls, drive select functions, power windows and more. A typical
vehicle model may use around 20 switches, whereas a high-configuration model
would use as many as 30 switches or more.
The switch can be divided into two categories — onload and offload —
based on whether the switch powers up an appliance. In this regard, most
of the switches used within a vehicle belong to the offload category. Typical
offload switches include an instrument-combined switch, steering-wheel
multi-function switch and so on, which require only a small electric current,
generally no more than 50mA. The consistency of current creates favorable
conditions for platform-based switch connector products.
The development of switching modules requires a combination of functional
keys by vehicle model and configuration. Alternatively, the number of pins on
a switch may vary according to the control strategy. Platform-based switch
connectors, therefore, should offer a range of pin counts. It is our opinion that,
in general, the number of switch pins should be between 2 and 20. On the
other hand, in order to meet pin requirements for large, combined switches,
the connector will need to support more than 30 pins.
![Molex Automotive Switch Connectors Molex Automotive Switch Connectors]()
![Molex Automotive Switch Connectors Molex Automotive Switch Connectors]()
Control over an offload switch is achieved via switching of a lowvoltage electrical level, with these typical electric currents:
• LIN line control < 50mA
• Low-voltage switching < 30mA
![Molex Automotive Switch Connectors Molex Automotive Switch Connectors]()
Small-Current Connector
Small-terminal, small-current features help off-load connectors
reduce performance waste.
• Mini50 Connectors, 4.0A current-carrying capability
• ConnTAK50 Connectors, 5.5A current-carrying capability
• DuraClik Connectors, 3.0A current-carrying capability
![Molex Automotive Switch Connectors Molex Automotive Switch Connectors]()
![Molex Automotive Switch Connectors Molex Automotive Switch Connectors]()
One of the Smallest Terminal Systems in the Industry
• The 0.50mm series represents one of the smallest terminal systems in the automotive
industry, which is 50% smaller in footprint than the traditional 0.64mm product.
• The 0.13 to 0.35mm2 range of conductor crimping; small-diameter conductor
provides a lightweight harness, and the 0.13mm2 conductor is 50% lighter than the
0.35mm2 conductor.
![Molex Automotive Switch Connectors Molex Automotive Switch Connectors]()
![Molex Automotive Switch Connectors Molex Automotive Switch Connectors]()
![Molex Automotive Switch Connectors Molex Automotive Switch Connectors]()
![Molex Automotive Switch Connectors Molex Automotive Switch Connectors]()