High-speed automotive connector systems – maximum efficiency for multi-functional applications

Smart, multi-functional solutions for fast and safe transmission of data are leading the way to the mobility of the future. C-KLIC, the innovative automotive connector system, is already making this future possible today.

An MD ELEKTRONIK development, C-KLIC is an all-rounder, based on USB-C technology. Differential data pairs for data transmission and options such as charging and transmitting additional control signals make C-KLIC the ideal system for versatile, application-specific use in the automotive sector.

Latest generation connectivity

With C-KLIC, high-frequency data can be transmitted securely at over 10 Gbit/s. At the same time, mobile devices in the vehicle can be charged with up to 100 W. All this is possible with just one cable and one interface for transmitting data and delivering power. The connector system is designed for efficiency and multi-functional applications – and is therefore ideal for your vehicle application!

C-KLIC

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Your advantages

Multi-functional applications

  • Backbone data communication (board-to-board)
  • Transmission of standard protocols such as PCIe, DisplayPort, HDMI etc.
  • USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbit/s / SuperSpeed+)
  • Alternative high-speed data protocols >10 Gbit/s
  • Direct delivery of power to connected devices, or
  • Charging of up to 100 W @ 5 A (Power Delivery mode)

Replaces up to 6 cables 

  • Multi-functionality through the possibility of specifically (proprietarily) using all 24 connector pins
  • Cost and weight savings due to less material
  • Dramatically reduces the work involved in routing, connecting and testing
  • Up to 60% space savings with PCB connectors on the control unit

Own development and manufacture

  • Engineered and manufactured from a single source
  • Individually adapted lengths and codings for your application in the vehicle
  • Qualified in our own accredited test laboratory – quickly and independently

Reliable delivery

  • Decentralized, global production and logistics network
  • Independent foundation company
  • Automated, modular production for maximum flexibility

C-KLIC – more than just a USB interface

The multi-functional C-KLIC automotive connector system supports the widest variety of communication standards and communication modes. The universal, automotive-capable data transmission system seamlessly transmits high data frequencies and data rates from the widest variety of devices for varied applications: 

USB protocols HDMI protocols PCI Express protocols Ethernet protocols DisplayPort Alternative data protocols

Applications

C-KLIC supports varied applications in the automotive sector. The most frequent applications include:

• Display/Infotainment
• Control unit to control unit
• User interface for passengers (e.g.: Apple Car Play, Android Auto)
• And many more

Power Charging USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/s) USB Power Delivery bis 100 W (@ 5 A) USB 3.2 Gen1 (5 Gbit/s / SuperSpeed) USB 3.2 Gen2 (10 Gbit/s / SuperSpeed+) high-speed data transmission > 10 Gbit/s transmission of standard protocols such as PCIe, DisplayPort, HDMI etc. Board-to-Board

Application examples

Focus: USB charging
with data transmission

Data transmission
USB 2.0 High-Speed (480 Mbps)

Vbus
Power Delivery Specification (5 V – 20 V / max. 5 A)

Transmission length
80 mV ground drop at 5 A with 1 meter cable
(comparable to HSD application with 1.5 A per one meter cable)

Additional functions
e.g. lighting, temperature monitoring, real time detection Vdrop, etc.

Focus:
USB data

Data transmission
USB 2.0 High-Speed (480 Mbps)
USB 3.2 SuperSpeed (Gen1 / 5 Gbps)

Transmission length
max. 7 meters (depends on chipset)

Additional functions
power supply, USB alternate modes

High-speed data
transmission

Option 1:
Data transmission
parallel via 4 differential pairs

Transmission length
3 meters (depends on transmission protocol)

Additional functions
power supply (max. 1 A), 2 additional unshielded control lines

C-KLIC user interface – better cooling and greater security

• Decentralized charging electronics – enabled by a ground drop of only 80 mV/m
○ Effective cooling: up to 90% less heat loss in the dashboard
○ Increased safety: long shelf life of electronics

• Up to 100 W charging power with only 10 K heating at the dashboard customer interface

• Optional: interface lighting, temperature monitoring, real-time detection

Tech highlights

Greater efficiency via zonal architecture

High-performance computers (HPC) communicate with decentralized zone controllers. These are networked via Ethernet and communicate via high-frequency backbone connections. The result: simplified design, reduced number of cables in the cable harness, improved energy efficiency and more efficient data communication.

Higher data performance thanks to 4 differential data pairs

Data is transmitted in one cable with 4 parallel, high-frequency-suitable, differential data pairs (> 10 Gbit/s). The result: entirely new possibilities for networking modern vehicle architectures.

Maximum cost efficiency through less material and installation time

With C-KLIC, only one high-speed connection for multi-functional applications is required. The result: the costs of materials, installation, installation time and electrical testing are reduced. Possible sources of error are reduced in equal proportion.

The mega trend for vehicles – minimalistic design and technology

Minimalism and reduction define the aesthetics of the vehicle cockpit of the future. More than just the pleasure of the self-driving experience, visual and haptic experiences and increasing infotainment options are becoming the center of attention. Reliable and safe networking in the vehicle make this possible.

C-KLIC is one step ahead of the minimalist mega trend in cars. Reduced to just one interface, the universal solution safely and reliably transmits high-speed data from chip to chip – at the same time creating space and design freedom for enhanced comfort, a better design and more style and class in the vehicle.

FAQ

The C-KLIC automotive connector system has been designed and optimized for the USB 3.2 Gen2 standard. This enables data rates of 10 Gbit/s and more. The transmission of protocols such as PCIe or DisplayPort is also possible as well as alternative data protocols.

No, in principle most standard protocols up to 10 Gbps and higher, such as PCIe or Display Port, can be considered. Automotive Ethernet can be realized under certain conditions.

Yes. All common codings according to automotive standards can be implemented in the prescribed colors as required. The plug-in connectors for multi-functional applications can be clearly assigned at any time.

No, due to the coded, automotive-capable housing, this function is omitted. Connectors can only be plugged into the multi-functional automotive connector system on one side. However, this means that all of the connector’s 24 pins can be assigned individually and used specifically (proprietarily).

Christoph is your expert for C-KLICK at MD

 „Mit C-KLIC ist uns ein Meilenstein in der Entwicklung eigener Steckbauteile gelungen: Bis zu 6 Leitungen in nur einer zu kombinieren, bietet enormes Potential zur Optimierung der Bordnetze“

Email: christoph.zauner@md-elektronik.de
Tel.: +49 8638 / 604 – 480

About Christoph Zauner

Christoph Zauner is Manager in the area of Technical Product Management at MD. His focus is on the area of C-KLIC products, automotive PCB plug-in connectors and electronic components. His extensive professional experience in electronics development sets him apart in this area of activity. What inspires him most about his job: “being able to design new products right from the start is a special privilege. Close contact with customers working together in an international team and the resulting intercultural experiences make my job particularly interesting.

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