Molex introduces smaller connector for electronics

Molex Inc. announced Tuesday that it has introduced a smaller connector to meet the digital interface requirements of consumer electronic products.

The next generation HDMI Type D connector is the industry's first miniaturized connector solution for delivering high definition video and images from mobile devices to flat panel screens. The connector, which meets all the electrical and mechanical specifications of the just released HDMI Specification 1.4, will provide benefits to the digital still camera and mobile device markets.

Lisle-based Molex was responsible for proposing the connector design and connector specification.

The new Type D connector is about half the size of the current connector on the market today. Despite its smaller size, the new Type D version delivers equivalent mechanical strength and electrical characteristics. Mobile phone and consumer customers have expressed strong interest in this new technology that will enable users to display higher definition video, photos and other content from their mobile devices onto full-size flat panel TV screens.

"The new HDMI Type D Micro Connector is designed to meet the needs of portable devices by providing these products with a fully functioning, smaller 19-pin connector. We are pleased to see companies like Molex leading the way by providing the market with these new, innovative HDMI solutions," says Steve Venuti, president of HDMI Licensing, LLC.

Molex's new receptacle connectors, cable plug kits and complete cable assemblies will be available this summer.

Molex is a 70-year-old global manufacturer of electronic, electrical and fiber optic interconnection systems. Based in Lisle, the company operates 45 manufacturing locations in 17 countries.

• Daily Herald business writer Kim Mikus contributed to this report.