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This section provides an overview for automotive connectors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 22 automotive connector manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked automotive connector companies as of December, 2024: 1.SOS Mfg., Inc., 2.Pepperl+Fuchs Inc., 3.Kooks Industries.
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Categories Related to Automotive Connectors
Automotive connectors are components used exclusively in automobiles to connect automotive wiring.
As automobiles become more sophisticated with advanced communication functions and higher performance, the number of electronic circuits and components increases, and many types of in-vehicle connectors are being developed. In addition, electric vehicles are now being sold, and special connectors are being used for charging and discharging.
There are many types of in-vehicle connectors that can be adapted to the sensors and environments of humidity, temperature, vibration, and water installed in automobiles. There is a lineup from minute signals in the wiring to be connected to high power applications.
Since connectors used for wiring in automobiles in general are called automotive connectors, there are many types of connectors, including harness connectors, FPC connectors, board-to-board connectors, and coaxial connectors. The intended use differs depending on the type.
Since automotive connectors serve to connect wires together, their structure is basically the same as that of general connectors. Connectors are divided into two main parts. The contacts, which electrically connect the wires to each other, and the housing, which is an insulator that incorporates the contacts.
In the case of automotive connectors, many connectors are equipped with a mechanical lock to prevent poor contact or disconnection due to vibration. When the plug is pushed in, a clicking sound is heard, and the connector is securely locked. Other connectors have a structure that allows secondary engagement with a housing lance and retainer to prevent the contact part from falling out.
In addition, products with materials and structures suitable for the environment of the location where in-vehicle connectors are used are used. For example, connectors for charging and discharging electric vehicles are designed to provide adequate waterproof protection, and the outer plastic of such connectors is made of a weather-resistant and strong enough plastic to prevent deterioration and impact damage.
1. Automotive Waterproof Connectors
Waterproof connectors are used in places where waterproofing or dustproofing is required. Specifically, they are used around the engine compartment where water and oil are generated, around floor mats where water from wet shoes can seep in, and in places where water may enter during rainy weather. Compared to ordinary connectors, the structure is significantly different, and waterproofing measures range from external measures as water-repellent treatment of the case to a single terminal inside the connector.
A seal ring is used on the terminal inside the connector to fill the gap that occurs during mating, preventing water, oil, and dust from entering from the outside. In addition, the part where the wire connects to the terminal is fitted with a rubber plug that is tightened to provide environmental resistance as well as resistance to external forces, such as pulling.
Connectors used around engines have a structure that can withstand high temperatures and vibration in addition to waterproofing. Due to their complex structure and high environmental resistance, automotive waterproof connectors are much more expensive to produce than normal automotive connectors, with a difference of several, to dozens of times the cost.
2. Automotive Connectors for Safety Components
Automotive connectors are sometimes used for components that require strict management from a safety standpoint, such as airbags, collision detection sensors, and ECUs (electronic control units). Since airbags directly affect human lives, high reliability is required, and in addition to waterproofing, measures are taken to prevent under-insertion and un-mating when mating connectors.
A double mating structure with two parts, a retainer and a front cap, prevents unmating. The retainer and front cap cannot be installed unless the connector is securely mated. This prevents insufficient insertion during mating.
In addition, measures are also taken to prevent incorrect mating by the operator during the assembly process. The shape and color of the connector are significantly different from those of standard connectors, making it possible to identify errors at a glance. The color of connectors used for airbags, an important safety component, tends to be yellow.
3. Onboard Connectors Used for High-Voltage Components
Connectors such as those used for charging and discharging electric vehicles require high voltages to shorten the time required for charging and discharging. When used for high-voltage components, they require higher safety performance than ordinary connectors, including measures to prevent electric shock and ignition due to a rise in the generated temperature.
In addition, since it is assumed that consumers will be able to charge the batteries themselves, robustness and light weight are required. Standards have been established to ensure that these safety features do not vary, and by complying with the standards, connectors from any manufacturer can be used, as long as they are compatible across manufacturers as long as they comply with the same standards.
4. In-Vehicle Connectors for Use in Advanced Driving Systems
In-vehicle connectors used for advanced driving systems need to be able to monitor the location of surrounding vehicles, people, motorcycles, and other objects while moving, so they must have high-speed communication performance to prevent communication loss.
In addition, many types of communication can take place in a car, such as smart phone signals, TV reception, etc. Therefore, noise immunity performance is required to prevent malfunctions caused by these communications and to prevent malfunctions in the surrounding communications. To improve high-speed communication performance and noise immunity, shielded components are indispensable to protect signal lines.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Douglas Electrical Components, established in 1944 and based in Randolph, New Jersey, United States, is a manufacturer of hermetic connectors, wires, feedthroughs, and pin headers. The company also provides customers worldwide with fiber optic, signal, and power interconnect solutions. All of the company's products, including hermetic connectors and others, find use in both mechanical and electrical assemblies, addressing seal requirements and reducing the need for tools and extra components. Additionally, the company's glass-to-metal seals and HTCC seals are integral in RC and microwave packages, power discrete packages, and optoelectronic packages.
NMB Technologies Corporation, founded in 1951 with facilities in the USA, is a MinebeaMitsumi Group company and a manufacturer of electromechanical and semiconductor components such as small motors, backlights, sensors, and wireless technology. The company's products include cooling fans, precision small motors, mechanical bearing assemblies, battery protection components, and programmable drivers. NMB Technologies Corporation also offers custom design, engineering, and manufacturing to its customers in the automotive, robotics, medical, consumer technology, and industrial markets.
The D.R. Templeman Co. (DRT) is a Plainville, Connecticut-based manufacturer of custom springs and wire forms at sizes ranging from 0.004” to 0.080”. Founded in 1938, the company serves various multinational OEMs including Boston Scientific, Rubbermaid, ITW, and Tyco. The company produces a range of springs, such as torsion and compression models utilized in medical and electronic devices, as well as functional components like custom rings for sealing or connecting, and wire forms for fastening or guiding. DRT also offers various stock springs, along with quality control, testing, packaging and shipping services.
SOS Mfg., Inc., established in Wisconsin, is a manufacturer of custom wire harnesses and cable assemblies. Their product portfolio includes over molded cable assemblies that offer enhanced protection against environmental factors and custom cable assemblies used for delivering reliable connections and signal transmission. Their products are used in industries such as Automotive and Transportation, Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation. The company provides Quality Assurance, Technical Support, national distribution, customized services and customer support.
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
Governors America Corp, also known as GAC, was founded in 1986 and based in Agawam, Massachusetts. GAC is a vertically integrated global distributor of engine control products. GAC serves industries including power generation, mining, transportation, heavy equipment, and marine industries and is AS9100:D and ISO 9001:2015 certified. GAC products are in categories such as actuators, speed controllers, gaseous fuel and ignition management systems, generators, and accessories. GAC’s product design capabilities include software design, electronic component design, as well as mechanical design.
JST Group, founded in 1957, is an international manufacturing company specializing in the development of all types of systems for connecting electric power and electronic devices. It obtained ISO9002 approval in 1993, and it has gone on to open offices and affiliated companies in Europe, America and other parts of Asia. JST uses modern advances like ultraprecision technology, gold plating processes, CNC copy grinder, to ensure quality and improved performance of every appliance it manufactures. JST products can be used in televisions, laptops, trains, medical equipments and even kitchen appliances.
KINSUN Industries Inc, established in Taoyuan City, Taiwan in 1997 is a manufacturer engaged in electronic components and connectors for telecom networks. Their product range include telecommunication network connector, waterproof connector, RF antenna, medical component, automotive component, and stamping parts. Company has two factories in China in Guangzhou and Suzhou as well as the main factory in Taiwan with 300 employees. Their product has certificate of ISO9001 ISO 14001, and IATF 16949.
DDK Ltd., founded in 1963 and currently a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd., is a Japanese manufacturer and supplier headquartered in Koto-ku, Tokyo, specializing in electronical connectors. The company’s product range includes automotive, board-to-board, circular and rectangular, coaxial, as well as flexible flat cable (FFC)/flexible printed circuit (FPC) connectors. These connectors are utilized across industries such as automotive, applied in automotive navigation systems, electronic toll collections, and vehicle audio devices; base stations of wireless computer networking; factory automation, applied in control equipment, industrial robots, servomotors, and welding machines; and information technology, applied in digital cameras and video cameras, mobile devices, and measuring instruments.
Panasonic Industry Europe is the European branch of Panasonic, a global manufacturer of electronics and houseware, originally founded in 1918. Panasonic Industry Europe manufactures in 4 categories: components, devices, energy & building, and automation devices & solutions. Components include relays, capacitors, resistors, sensors, switches, connectors, couplers. Devices include wireless connectivity, e-bike systems, motors, compressors, thermal solutions, GPS antennas, as well as electronic materials. Energy & building includes batteries, fuel cells, solar sells, power tools, and home IoT. Automation devices & solutions include sensors for factory automation, industrial motors, laser welding, and more.
Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd was founded in 1956 and is a manufacturer of test solution and connector solution products based in Ota, Tokyo, Japan. The company manufactures various products such as open top burn-in sockets, cantilever test sockets, camera module connectore, high speed transmission wiring board, and card edge sockets. The products are used in various applications such as automobiles, production sites, communications infrastructure, smartphones, and servers. The company has certified with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards certifications.
HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTD. (HRS) is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in electronic and electrical connectors. Founded in Tokyo in 1937, the company now has eight factories located in Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with several sales and service locations throughout the US, Europe, and Singapore. The company carries a selection of over 50,000 products, including fiber optic connectors, sealed connectors, and card edge connectors. HRS also offers advanced engineering services to cater to specific customer demands, and after-sales support to clients in the consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications industries.
Stäubli began in Horgen, Switzerland in 1892. Stäubli designs, produces, distributes, and provides support for products for numerous industries including aerospace, alternative fuels, medical devices, packaging, photovoltaics, and semiconductors. Stäubli has 4 primary product lines including electrical connectors, fluid connectors, robotics, and textile. Electrical connector products include cable couplers, modular connectors, and test and measurement connectors. Fluid connectors include mold clamping systems, quick and dry disconnect couplings, and safety breakaway couplings. Robotics include industrial robots, collaborative robots, and mobile robots. Textile includes weaving preparation and frame weaving.
MinebeaMitsumi Inc. was incorporated in 1951in Japan and manufactures and supplies machined components, and electronic devices and components globally. It operates through four segments: machined components, electronic devices and components, MITSUMI Business, and the U-Shin business segment. MinebeaMitsumi specializes in bearing products including spherical, roller, rod end, and ball bearings for aerospace. MinebeaMitsumi also produces products including precision mechanical assemblies, fasteners, other special components including clutches and brakes, motors, blowers, sensors and lighting devices. Additionally, MinebeaMitsumi offers its products for use in PCs and peripheral equipment, information and telecommunications equipment, household electrical appliances, automobiles, and aerospace.
Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Ltd, commonly known as JAE, was established in 1953 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is a designer and manufacturer of connectors, user interface solutions, and electronics for the aerospace, agriculture, semiconductor, and camera stabilization sectors. THe company’s product segments include IO connectors, board to board connects, cable to cable connectors, and more. The company’s motion sensing and control segment includes accelerometers, inertial measurement units, and directional modules.
Established in 1996 by a team of technicians, AIMMET Industrial Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of RF coaxial and Automotive Fakra HSD connectors in Taiwan. Certified by various quality and environment management systems, they design, manufacture, and assemble advanced high-tech connectors. These connectors have applications in various fields such as Automotive data communications, WIFI wireless, GPS Navigation, and more. AIMMET is the first company in Asia to have successfully developed LVDS (low voltage differential digital signals) high-speed data HSD connector.
Aptiv, established in 1994, and based in Dublin, Ireland, is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive parts. The product portfolio of the company includes connection systems, connectivity, security, electrical distribution system, middleware, devops, automotive solutions, and smart vehicle architecture. The company offers end-to-end solutions to solve mobility toughest challenges with latest & advanced technology, superior quality, and utmost safety for safer and greener environment. The products are used mainly in the automotive industry.
SMK Corporation, with its roots dating back to 1925 in Tokyo, Japan, has established itself as a manufacturer specializing in connectors, remote control systems, and electronic components. It boasts a diverse product portfolio that includes connectors, plugs, switches, remote control units, and touch panels. These quality components play pivotal roles in an array of applications and an assortment of industries, ranging from home electronics for the operation of devices like air conditioners, to the automotive sector in the rear-view mirrors. Furthermore, its solutions extend to the realm of mobile devices, wearable technology, such as smart glasses, and healthcare equipment.
Iriso Electronics was founded in 1976 in Shimonumabe, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan is a manufacturer of Connectors. The company offers a wide array of connectors including board-to-board, pin header, socket connectors, compression terminal, and ESD protector chip among others. These connectors play an indispensable role in a wide spectrum of application solutions, spanning diverse industries that include automation, automotive, high-speed transmission solutions, onboard coaxial camera solutions, and industrial devices. Additionally, the connectors come fortified with a multitude of advantages that set them apart in the Z-Move structure, 2-Point contact structure, auto I-Lock structure, and floating connectors.
Murphy & Read Spring Mfg. Co., Inc. (MRS) is an American ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of various springs that was established in 1917. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company produces custom and standard springs including compression, extension, torsion, and military specification (MILSPEC) models. They also offer limited metal fabrication capabilities such as stamping, machining, and turning for related small assemblies. MRS primarily serves clients in the aerospace, general manufacturing, transportation, and energy sectors. They maintain a network of sales offices and partner distributors across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SOS Mfg., Inc. |
11.3%
|
| 2 | KINSUN Industries Inc |
6.3%
|
| 3 | Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. |
6.1%
|
| 4 | Kooks Industries |
5.4%
|
| 5 | Stäubli International AG. |
5.3%
|
| 6 | HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTD. |
5.0%
|
| 7 | Douglas Electrical Components |
4.9%
|
| 8 | DDK Ltd. |
4.9%
|
| 9 | Governors America Corp. (GAC) |
4.6%
|
| 10 | AIMMET INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. |
4.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the automotive connector page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
Japan
|
8 | 40.0% |
|
United States of America
|
7 | 35.0% |
|
Taiwan
|
2 | 10.0% |
|
Germany
|
1 | 5.0% |
|
Switzerland
|
1 | 5.0% |
|
Ireland
|
1 | 5.0% |
135 products found - Page 2
135 products - Page 2
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