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Plugged In

Delphi Data Connectivity Systems are keeping drivers and passengers connected with their favorite electronic devices like never before.

Audio and video players. Game systems. Navigation systems. The influx of in-vehicle infotainment devices is growing significantly. And there is no end in sight as vehicle manufacturers face increasing demand from consumers for faster and easier entertainment and data exchange systems.

These manufacturers can turn to Delphi, which is committed to helping them meet the demand efficiently and cost-effectively with an extensive portfolio of data connectivity systems.

"Data connectivity systems from Delphi are designed to open virtually unlimited options for vehicle manufacturers," said John Yurtin, connection systems component specialist, Delphi Electrical/Electronic Architecture. "The number of connections, their locations, and their abilities to interface with myriad consumer interfaces can all be determined by the vehicle designer. Then our Electrical/Electronic Architecture engineers—our 'master architects'—work with them to ensure their reliability and viability in a vehicle environment. The result is exceptional connectivity for drivers and passengers everywhere."

Variety—the spice of data connectivity

	The above configuration shows a typical complete Delphi Data Connectivity System.

When it comes to making an in-vehicle connection, it's all about convenience for the driver and passengers. Ideal locations for data connectivity interfaces are the dashboard, inside the glove box, on the console, or in the rear-seat passenger compartment. Delphi has developed connectivity systems that can be located throughout the vehicle, providing users the access they crave to play streaming audio, play video games, watch video programs, view photos, connect to the Internet, and more.

Delphi has already supplied European manufacturers with the first in-vehicle USB ports and cables in a program that began in 2006. Delphi is leveraging that experience and its overall automotive Electrical/Electronic Architecture expertise to develop an extensive portfolio that includes consumer ports, USCAR Mini-B headers, automotive-grade hub, cables and connections, and other connectivity technologies.

Consumer ports. A wide array of consumer ports are available to satisfy virtually any consumer need, including 3.5 mm audio and video jacks, SD card slots, USB ports, RCA jacks, and other industry standard inputs.

USCAR Mini-B headers. Delphi USCAR Mini-B headers conform to USCAR standards and enable the connection of devices using a USB standard Mini-B connector.

Automotive-grade hub. The innovative Delphi hub can accommodate multiple consumer interfaces, which makes it an ideal choice to meet the unique needs and demands of multiple vehicle passengers. The hub approach is designed to offer a low-cost option specifically for use in a vehicle, while enabling easy installation during assembly.

Cables and connections. Delphi's data cable strategy makes use of off-the-shelf USB cables, modifying them with mold-ons and metal lock features to produce a connection that can be adapted to various connection types.

Other connectivity technologies. Delphi also offers shielded RF cable assemblies compatible with DIN 72594-1 (FAKRA) and SAE/USCAR-18 standards. Also in the Delphi portfolio are High Speed Digital Data (HSDD) shielded 0.64 connection systems designed for multiple data protocols.

"Each of our data connectivity systems demonstrates our expertise in electrical and electronic integration," noted Yurtin. "By using standard automotive electrical system components and standard USB connectors, as well as off-the-shelf USB cables, we can offer a cost-effective, easily serviceable system that can meet a range of styling and capability requirements."

Delphi data connectivity systems are all designed for USB 2.0 protocols and meet USCAR-30 and USB specifications.

Thinking big

In-vehicle electronic technology is big business—an $11.2 billion industry, according to data from the Consumer Electronics Association. And some estimates indicate that could grow to $12.6 billion in 2008.

This unprecedented growth is driven by consumers expressing a desire to stay as connected in their vehicles as they are in their homes and offices. And they are letting that desire help guide their vehicle purchasing decisions.

"Delphi's customers—vehicle manufacturers around the world—are being challenged like never before to provide interfaces that can accommodate audio/video infotainment systems, as well as telematics and global positioning systems," said Majdi Abulaban, product business unit director, Delphi Connection Systems. "Delphi strives to bring new technologies to market as quickly as possible in order to help vehicle manufacturers differentiate their products in a highly competitive marketplace."