In this special edition of TechTalk, we met up with Rudolf Engl, Senior Manager Electronics, and Johann Geier, Project Manager, at MD ELEKTRONIK. We talked about the development history of the multi-functional automotive connector system – C-KLIC – and how the system was way ahead of its time…
- 1 The challenge: USB-C technology – from the consumer segment to the automotive sector
- 2 The innovation: full USB-C performance in the car
- 3 Our approach: continuous further development with a focus on the future
- 4 Extensive range of functions: all of the connector’s 24 pins have a specific use
- 5 One step ahead: pioneer work requires staying power
The challenge: USB-C technology – from the consumer segment to the automotive sector
In 2014, we received a request for quote from a major OEM to offer a solution to connect its multimedia interface. They required Power Delivery and data transmission to take up as little installation space as possible. The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) had just introduced USB-C or USB version 3.1, and this new standard appeared to be the right solution to meet the customer’s requirements. The idea of C-KLIC was born. However, C-KLIC’s multi-functional approach was a little too early for the customer – and in 2014, they nominated a competitor instead.
Today, C-KLIC is delivering exactly what current application scenarios require: multi-functionality and high data performance with minimal space requirements. “At the time, a standard USB 2.0 connection supplemented with Power Delivery was all our customer wanted,” recalls Rudolf Engl. He was involved in the development of C-KLIC right from the start. “However, we worked on it internally for a long time so that the improved data transmission rates and greater power transmission capacities of the new USB 3.1 specification could be utilized for the automotive sector.”
The idea was to adapt this technology from the consumer segment to fit the current standards of the automotive industry, and make it mechanically robust and plug-proof, with an enclosed contact area and other specific features.
“USCAR30 had already defined 4-pin USB solutions with two data cables (D+ and D-) and two cables for the power supply (V_Bus and ground). However, the 2010s were all about being able to connect the mobile phone in the car and listen to music,” Johann Geier recalls. But we went further with our development. A lot further. “Our aim was to make USB-C suitable for the car.”
The innovation: full USB-C performance in the car
We wanted to implement a future-oriented, high-speed connection technology. But that wasn’t all. We wanted to be able to utilize USB-C’s full range of functions for the automotive sector, and offer better performance with fewer, and particularly compact, cables and connectors.
“Our solution was to create an automotive connector which could realize the full potential of USB-C.”
Rudolf Engl
“At the time, we could have also offered established technologies such as MQS+HSD connectors. But that would not have met the requirements for less space and would also have led to higher costs,” said Engl. “That was not the solution we had in mind.”
We wanted to move away from the idea of always needing more cables for more applications in the car. And towards a compact solution which would meet the requirements of technological trends and developments in the future, and save costs in the long term. And that’s precisely what MD has been working on ever since this idea was first conceived.
C-KLIC
High-speed automotive connector system with differential data pairs for data transmission and options such as charging and the transmission of additional control signals.
To the product pageOur approach: continuous further development with a focus on the future
Despite the fact that our approach initially came too early for the German automotive market, we saw and see a market for C-KLIC as a multi-functional application. Particularly on the Asian market, there is a growing need for multimedia and high-speed applications in the car. “We are absolutely convinced that with C-KLIC, we have developed a system which fully meets the requirements of future usage scenarios, particularly in the course of the development towards autonomous driving and new on-board network architectures,” says Johann Geier.
That’s why we have pushed the development of C-KLIC right through to mass production. We have succeeded in adapting a technology that originated from the consumer segment to all automotive standards such as LV214, and integrated it into the corresponding test and production processes.
“In the meantime, the tide has turned. High-speed data transmission of over 10 Gbit/s and charging powers of up to 100 W have become real-life use cases. C-KLIC offers the optimal technology for this.”
Rudolf Engl
Extensive range of functions: all of the connector’s 24 pins have a specific use
Quality paired with German engineering. This aspiration has given rise to another beneficial side effect that precisely meets the needs in today’s rapid technological development.
The mandatory coding and design of the C-KLIC connector system not only mean that plugging operations are performed correctly, they also ensure that, in contrast to the consumer segment, all 24 pins of the cable can be used on a proprietary basis. This enables, for example, high-speed data transmission of over 10 Gbit/s with four parallel, high-frequency, differential data pairs or the saving of up to five cables.
“In 2014, many applications, such as the use of 32″ 8K screens or VR glasses in the car, were still a pipe dream. However, in the meantime, the first versions of these infotainment applications have arrived, and with C-KLIC, we can offer particularly effective data transmission solutions for them.”
Rudolf Engl
One step ahead: pioneer work requires staying power
Thanks to the long-term focus of its corporate strategy and philosophy, MD has been able to bring this product into mass production despite the initial lack of demand. Today, it’s clear that future onboard network technologies will require maximum performance and minimum space requirements. “It’s exciting to see how demands are changing and how technology is further developing,” says Engl. “With C-KLIC, we are perfectly equipped to meet this challenge.”
Do you have questions about this topic, or would you like to learn more about our products? Contact MD now!
Contact
Rudolf Engl
After completing his electrical engineering studies with a focus on high-frequency technology, Rudolf Engl began his professional career as an electronics development engineer at Eurocopter (now known as Airbus Helicopters). After that, he was able to broaden his knowledge of electronics while working on various vehicle developments for the companies Webasto, Beissbarth and Atron, and in addition to his development activities, he was also responsible for project managing hardware components such as the AFR4 fare computer made by Atron electronic GmbH. With the move to MD ELEKTRONIK in 2013, he was entrusted with the development of various automotive USB electronic modules, and took over management of the Electronic Development department in 2018. At the same time, in addition to electronic development, various tasks in connector development projects were added to his area of responsibility. Since the start of 2020, he has been increasingly focusing his attention on the topic of optical data transmission in the vehicle.