Hirose Electric Introduces AU1 Series USB 3.2 Compatible Wire-to-Board Connector for Automotive. Now Available to the Public. February 13, 2025
Hirose Electric Introduces AU1 Series USB 3.2 Compatible
Wire-to-Board Connector for Automotive. Now Available to the Public.
● Challenges Associated with the Evolution of In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems
In recent years, in-vehicle infotainment systems—providing drivers and passengers with essential information and entertainment—have become increasingly sophisticated. These systems process user inputs from switches, touch panels, or voice commands to display relevant content on screens, requiring a combination of diverse hardware components.
Displays, which play a major role in this process, are becoming larger and higher in resolution, driving the need for high-speed, high-capacity video signal and data transmission within vehicles. With the advancement of in-vehicle infotainment, USB transmission, widely used for video signals in consumer electronics, is now being increasingly adopted for automotive applications.
At the same time, demand for USB transmission in in-vehicle wiring is growing—particularly for USB Type-C connection ports in the cabin, which allow users to charge and communicate with external devices such as smartphones and portable gaming devices.
● Contributing to USB 3.2/ Display Port 1.4 Transmission in Automotive Applications
To address these evolving needs, Hirose Electric has developed and launched the AU1 Series.
The AU1 Series leverages the internal design of Hirose Electric’s CX Series, a USB Type-C connector widely used by manufacturers in Japan and globally, to enable high-speed signal transmission.
Additionally, its reinforced shell and housing provide enhanced durability and meet the mechanical and environmental requirements of USCAR-2 and USCAR-30, ensuring vibration and heat resistance.
The Connector Position Assurance (CPA) mechanism further enhances contact reliability, making the AU1 Series an ideal solution for internal signal transmission in automotive applications while also improving board design flexibility.
[Features]
- Utilizes HRS’s proven CX Series (USB Type-C connector) as the core component.
- Support various transmission standards.
- USB 3.2 Gen2, Display Port 1.4, HDMI, etc.
- Highly reliable connector meeting automotive requirements for vibration and heat resistance.
- Compliant with USCAR-2 and USCAR-30 standards.
- CPA (Connector position assurance) unit ensures secure mating.
- Supports Two Types of Key Code
- Standard and A key
● Future Product Development
The "AU1" series, now in production, will has plans to expand to include the following 24 pin count variations to accommodate various internal automotive connections.
・Mass Production: Straight Receptacle, Right Angle Receptacle and Straight Plug
・Planned for Development: Right Angle Plug
The AU1 meets automotive quality standards and is designed for industrial applications in harsh environments.