Molex launches contactless 60GHz mmWave connector to replace mechanical links
Molex has launched a wireless connector that combines a 60GHz millimetre wave RF transceiver and antenna in a single package.
The MX60 is based on the mmWave connector chip-to-chip technology and more than 350 filed patent applications Molex acquired in 2021 with the purchase of core technology and intellectual property from Keyssa. It is aimed at video displays, self-driving vehicles, industrial robots, consumer electronics and medical devices, especially in harsh environments
The connector operates at data rates from 1-to-5.4 Gbit/s on the 60 GHz band with no Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth interference. A version for USB2 and other low-speed interfaces is currently in development.
- Molex buys mmWave contactless connector tech
- Keyssa launches 60GHz contactless connector
- ST, Rosenberger team for 60GHz connector replacement
The first models in the MX60 series replace traditional DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet and USB SuperSpeed connectors to reduce development time, cost and risk. An integrated retimer optimizes signal integrity at higher data rates.
The MX60 series also improves the durability of products exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as dust, moisture and corrosion. The ability to remove diagnostic ports on wirelessly charged devices also can reduce development and production costs while boosting overall product reliability.
“The distinct product design and development advantages enabled by our MX60 contactless connectivity solutions will set the standard for point-to-point wireless communications in the future,” said Stephen Drinan, director of Wireless Connectivity at Molex.
“Our MX60 series extends Molex’s best-in-class connectivity solutions while leveraging our longstanding expertise in mmWave antenna design, signal integrity and volume manufacturing to ignite a new era of connectivity innovations.”
“Every piece of real estate counts when designing smartphones, AR/VR glasses, smartwatches and other consumer devices,” said Walter Rivera, senior manager, Wireless Connectivity Product Manager for the Micro Solutions Business Unit at Molex. “By combining USB2 and other low-speed interfaces in one contactless solution, we will offer product developers a critical head-start as they won’t have to worry about fitting extra components into ever-shrinking form factors.”
Production samples are available for the MX60 USB SuperSpeed for high-vibration and harsh environments, including mobile devices and networking applications as well as the MX60 Gigabit Ethernet for wireless infrastructure, industrial automation, medtech and networking applications.
The MX60 DisplayPort Main and Auxiliary is a high-speed replacement for conventional DisplayPort connectors. DisplayPort Auxiliary works in conjunction with other products in the MX60 family to provide a return channel to the DisplayPort interface; can also function as a low-speed link for less demanding applications.
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