Contributing to Next-Generation Mobility: Introducing Automotive Connectors

Next-generation mobility is attracting attention for its potential to reduce environmental impact and energy consumption, ultimately leading to a more sustainable society. The advancements in this field offer the benefits of being environmentally friendly, reducing the number of traffic accidents, and increasing transportation efficiency. Within this context, Yamaichi Electronics is contributing to the development of future mobility through its connector technology.

Yamaichi Electronics offers the following four types of automotive connectors.

1. Camera module connectors: Camera module connectors are used for in-vehicle cameras. They transmit image data from camera modules to devices like in-vehicle computers.
2. Interface connectors: Interface connectors are I/O connectors used for infotainment systems (e.g., navigation, voice recognition, audio, and video systems). These systems communicate with the onboard computer to provide information to the driver.
3. FPC/FFC connectors: FPC/FFC connectors connect FPC/FFC^*1 used for vehicles’ safety features and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). FPCs and FFCs enable miniaturized, high-density wiring and are suitable for connecting small devices, such as cameras and sensors. Yamaichi Electronics is the only manufacturer in the industry that handles connector products and FPCs (YFLEX®^*2 products), making it possible to offer products in sets.
4. Board-to-board connectors: Board-to-board connectors are used to connect multiple printed circuit boards inside in-vehicle electronics units. For example, they connect boards of different modules, such as in-vehicle computers and sensors.

Reference:

^*1 FPC: Flexible printed circuit; FFC: Flexible flat cable

^*2 YFLEX® (Flexible Wiring Board)

YFLEX is a flexible wiring board that uses low-loss liquid crystal polymer (LCP) as the insulating base material. It can also be used for 28- and 56-Gbps-class high-speed transmission and antenna substrate applications required in the 5G, telecommunications, and millimeter wave radar markets.

Introduction of YFLEX® (Flexible Wiring Board)

Yamaichi Electronics provides the above products to the automotive industry, focusing on connector technology.

In this article, we will introduce two of these products.

Y-MFC Series interface connectors are compact connectors used in automotive onboard communication and infotainment systems. These connectors are smaller and lighter than conventional connectors, making them easier to adapt to automotive development. They support high-speed transmission up to 15-GHz class, which is indispensable for information transmission in vehicles.

Below are some of the main applications of the Y-MFC series.

Main Applications

1. Camera connection: Transmission of video signals from rear-view cameras, side cameras, front cameras, etc.

2. GPS connection: Connecting the antenna used for the automotive GPS.

3. Sensor connection: Transmission of signals, such as those from automobile parking sensors and collision avoidance sensors.

4. Audio connection: Transmission of signals for speakers, amplifiers, etc., used in automotive audio systems.

Introduction of Y-MFC Series

The ZIF^*3 type FPC/FFC connector HF601 Series is used for the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and other applications to improve automobile safety. With this system, the vehicle accurately recognizes its surroundings and provides information to the driver. The HF601 series is reliable even at temperatures as high as 125°C and plays an important role in enhancing automotive safety. Connectors used in automotive applications must be compatible with a variety of environments. For example, electronic equipment units mounted in the engine compartment or under the vehicle body must withstand high temperatures, vibration, humidity, and dust. Generally, automotive connectors are required to operate in a temperature range from -40°C to approximately 105°C. However, the HF601 Series can withstand temperatures as high as 125°C.

Reference:

^*3 ZIF (Zero-Insertion-Force Socket)

A mechanism of connector and socket connections for electronic components in which insertion and removal are performed by raising or lowering a small lever on the side of the connector.

Introduction of HF601 Series