Basic knowledge and various applications of automotive connectors

Automotive connectors play a crucial role as electronic components that connect wires, cables, or printed circuit boards (PCBs) in automotive circuits. They ensure smooth signal transmission and stable power flow between various parts of the automotive electrical system, and are an indispensable part of the automotive circuit.
Automotive connectors play a crucial role in circuits, as they not only facilitate smooth connections but also ensure accurate transmission of digital and analog signals. At the same time, it greatly simplifies the assembly process of electrical components, bringing great convenience to the maintenance and replacement work of technicians. The basic structure of automotive connectors consists of three key parts: contacts, insulators, and Housings.

Contact components:
Male and female ends: The male end is usually equipped with pins, while the female end is equipped with sockets, and the two work together to achieve electrical connection.
Materials and forms: Contact parts are often made of materials with superior conductivity, such as copper alloys, with various forms aimed at increasing contact area and elasticity. Common forms include cylindrical and sheet shapes.
Insulator:
Duties: Insulators are mainly used to fix the position of contacts, ensuring insulation between contacts and between contacts and the housing, thereby preventing current short circuits.
Materials: Plastics such as nylon and PBT are often used, which not only have good insulation properties, but also have high temperature resistance and mechanical strength to adapt to the complex environment inside cars.
Shell:
Function: The shell is designed to protect the interior of the connector from external environmental influences, while also resisting interference from external electromagnetic waves on internal signal transmission.

Classification of automotive connectors:
According to the connection method, it can be divided into plug-in, crimping, and soldering connectors. Plug in connectors are widely used for connecting and disconnecting electronic devices inside automobiles due to their convenient connection and disconnection characteristics; The crimping connector is connected by crimping the wire conductor with the contact piece; Welded connectors use welding technology to connect wires or electronic components to the connector.
By application field: Power system connectors are mainly used for connecting power system circuits such as engines and transmissions, and must withstand harsh environments such as high temperatures and high vibrations; The body system connector is used for body electronic devices, such as door control modules, window lift motors, etc., and needs to be waterproof and dustproof; The safety system connector involves the connection of safety circuits such as car airbags and anti lock braking systems, and its reliability is crucial; The information entertainment system connector is used for connecting entertainment devices such as audio and navigation.