Connectors need to be versatile, and sensor requirements will multiply

Molex expects the automotive industry to continue its current strong growth momentum in 2018, as will data communications and consumer goods. Molex also expects demand for sensors to rise in 2018.

In response to these opportunities, Molex has added three new terminals and Mini50 sealed connectors in 2017 - including TAK50 terminals, CTX50 non-sealed gold terminals and CTX50 sealed terminals. Whether for internal (unsealed) or external (sealed) applications, these terminals enable miniaturized interconnect systems, especially for space-constrained applications in automobiles.

In data communications, a forward-thinking strategy was adopted, with the 100G Lambda Multi-Source Protocol (MSA) group, of which Molex is a member, announcing in 2017 that it could solve the technical challenge of achieving optical interfaces with 100 Gbps per wavelength technology. This new class of applications targets the next generation of networking equipment to meet the industry's steady demand for higher bandwidth.

In 2017, Molex introduced the Pico-EZmate ultra-thin 1.2mm pitch wire-to-board connector, which is particularly suitable for consumer electronics use and is designed to provide reliable connection results in a compact structure while improving reliability and assembly speed. The vertical plug design improves assembly speed and reliability while eliminating the risk of poor connection orientation or improper insertion.

In 2017, sensors faced high demand in several sectors, and Molex expects the demand for sensors to rise in 2018 as well. The automotive industry in particular drove the demand for a large number of sensors in 2017, while driverless cars and ADAS(Advanced Driver assistance Systems) are increasingly demanding LiDAR(LiDAR) sensors. We can expect LiDAR to continue its high growth momentum in 2018 and beyond.

Molex's Soligie printed electronic components offer all the advantages of manufacturing a wide range of components, including sensors, on flexible substrates such as plastic, paper and metal foils. This can be a major advantage when it comes to the design of miniaturized products, as Soligie's manufacturing process can produce small, highly flexible integrated solutions at a lower total cost than conventional circuits.

China market strategy

One of Molex's key competitive advantages in China and in the global market is the breadth of our product portfolio, which we have greatly expanded through acquisitions to offer a wide range of electronic solutions for a wide range of applications, not just interconnect systems.

In 2018, we will continue to provide solutions for a wide range of industry sectors in China, including healthcare, data communications, transportation, industrial automation, mobile and wireless, and consumer goods, to fully support the design engineering sector in China.

For example, for the medical industry, which is currently a very dynamic industry, as evidenced by advances in high-tech solutions, miniaturization of electronic devices, and the rapid growth in the use of electronic sensors in multifunctional or "converged" forms, all of which now provide designers with more options and contribute to the development of "telemedicine", in this case, the development of "telemedicine". Cost and comfort are two powerful drivers for the use of remote monitoring and for patient diagnosis.

A notable example of Molex telemedicine solutions is the myBETAapp and BETACONNECT Navigator software offered by Phillips-Medisize, a Molex company. The software solution can be used in conjunction with the company's BETACONNECT electronic auto-injector. Patients with remitting multiple sclerosis can automatically inject bethalone with the syringe themselves. Patients can now connect their autoinjectors to the newly developed myBETAapp app installed on a mobile device or computer to share injection data with BETA's nurses and healthcare team. Viewing this data through BETACONNECT Navigator has the potential to give healthcare teams a deeper understanding of a patient's injection history.

This telemedicine solution is an example of how Molex is completely customer-centric. We also fully understand that each customer needs a unique solution that meets their own requirements, while ensuring cost and energy efficiency, highly reliable product quality and risk reduction to drive sustainable business growth.

Our expertise, combined with the collaborative approach we provide to each of our clients, can form the cornerstone of our China market strategy, which is our absolute commitment.