THE MOLEX STORYBOARD FOR DISTRIBUTION 2023
Leveraging our competitive advantage to drive growth Distribution provides the opportunity to amplify the Molex brand through new markets, with enviable customer reach and marketing resources. In addition to expanding the reach of our messaging and focus market opportunities, our distribution network is central to the launch of new products into the market. The recent improvements to the NPI (New Product Introduction) Program to introduce categorization and improved communication of new products remain critical to our joint success in the coming year.
The Storyboard provides insight into the focuses for the coming year, where there are opportunities to partner with our distributors to promote our market-leading legacy product families, and highlights our best-in-class NPI program. This insight combined with Molex solutions of complementary products and strategic acquisitions delivered through relevant, targeted applications and markets will deliver our growth ambitions.
Focus Markets
In this storyboard you will find details of the market trends and design enablers that provide the greatest opportunity for our collaborative efforts in 2023. Furthermore, we’ve identified various tools and resources available to our distribution network to support projects and programs in the coming year.
CORE PRODUCTS
Leverage Molex market dominance in our legacy product families
NEW PRODUCTS
Evolving best-in-class NPI program that introduces new and extended product ranges
SOLUTIONS
Focusing on the complementary development of connectivity solutions to overcome industry challenges
ACQUISITIONS
Timely access to appropriate acquisitions from our portfolio
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES & VALUE PROPOSITION
FOCUS MARKETS
Target the markets identified as offering superior mutual longterm profitable growth opportunities
Together with our distributors, Molex delivers customer-first relationships supported by exceptional engineering expertise, knowledge and quality – Creating Connections for Life.
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MOLEX STORYBOARD FOR DISTRIBUTION
2023
Resources And Supporting Materials Available To Distribution
Miniaturization Connectivity Power Reliability
to our
Insights blog to discover the latest trends, research and insights. Transportation Industrial 5G & Data Center Industry brochures and product datasheets Interactive digital tools Blogs, articles and product spotlight videos Subject matter experts Learning Locker and sales tools Acquisitions Healthcare Consumer Quarter Topic Assignments TBD
Molex Thought Leadership 2023 Thought Leadership remains at the heart of Molex’s Marketing Strategy and in 2023 will be brought to life through content and programs supporting the following themes:
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Key Market Trends
Zonal Architecture – The advantages offered by zonal architecture will change automotive design completely. At its heart, the zonal approach reduces the complexity required of the cable harnesses within the vehicle, both in terms of the number of wires and the distances they are required to travel. Connectors will be critical to these designs, and Molex is already collaborating across markets while leveraging its world-class capabilities to deliver both high-power and high-speed solutions in this new automotive environment.
Autonomous Driving – Interest in advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) or autonomous driving (AD) applications is growing, placing greater emphasis on intelligent in-vehicle connectivity. With a growing portfolio of advanced interconnects, Molex is working to support customers in the development of ADAS car cameras, radar, and LiDAR, creating safe, self-driving electronic mobility solutions.
Electrification – The move to electrification is so much more complex than a transition to electric engines — it’s the catalyst for today’s exciting paradigm shift in vehicle architecture and driver experience. Collaboration is key in developing future-facing electric vehicle (EV) architecture that meets ever-evolving consumer demands. Molex has developed innovative interconnect solutions by applying design and manufacturing capabilities along with decades of experience across industries.
Design Enablers
NPI Highlight
Road Noise Cancellation (RNC) Sensors
Employing A2B technology, they convert vehicle chassis vibration into a signal that generates a cancellation soundwave, increasing comfort and improving the driver/passenger experience.
Watch this short video to learn more about this sensor solution.
Products & Solutions
• DuraClik Wire-to-Board Connection System
• MX150 Sealed / Unsealed Connector Systems
• Mini50 Connection Systems
• CMC / CMX Connector System
• Mizu Sealed Connectors
• MX123 Sealed Connection System
• Stac64 Single, Multi-Pocket and Hybrid Header System
• stAK50h Connection System
• MXP120 Sealed Connector System
• MX64 USCAR Compliant Connectors
• ConnTAK50 Connector System
• HSAutoLink Interconnect Systems
• Mirror Mezz Connectors
• EdgeLine High-Speed Connectors
• SEARAY and SEARAY Slim Mezzanine Family
• Off-the-Shelf Cable Assemblies
• HD Mezz Mezzanine Connector System
• SlimStack Board-to-Board Connectors
• Easy-On FFC/FPC Connectors
• Camera Backshell Assemblies
• PowerPlane Busbar Connectors
• Antenna Solutions
• Pico-Clasp Wire-to-Board Connectors
• Micro-Lock Plus Wire-to-Board Connector System
• CLIK-Mate Wire-to-Board Connectors
• Fit Family Power Connectors
• Squba Sealed Power Connectors
• Pico-Lock Connector System
• Sentrality Pin and Socket Interconnect System
• Pico-EZmate and Pico-EZmate Plus Wire-to-Board Connector Systems
Tools and Resources Thought Leadership
• What’s Next In The Automotive Industry? | Experience Molex
• The Time is Right to Accelerate Vehicle Electrification | Molex
Blogs & Articles
• What it Takes to ‘Win’ the Unstoppable Electrification Race | Experience Molex
• Global Cross-Industry Collaboration Accelerates Electrification Success | Experience Molex
• On the Road to an Electrified Vehicle Future | Experience Molex
• Removing Roadblocks to Vehicle Electrification | Experience Molex
• Small Sensors Drive Big Auto Safety Improvements | Experience Molex
• Automotive Innovations Paving the Way to a Unique Driving Experience | Experience Molex
• Zonal Architecture: Five Revolutions in Vehicle Design | Experience Molex
• Vehicle Architecture: The Innovation Turning Point | Experience Molex
• The Data Center on Wheels Speeds into View: Envisioning the Future of Automotive | Experience Molex
• Driving the Future | Molex Insights Videos
& Training
• Data Center on Wheels Survey - YouTube
• Molex - High-Speed FAKRA Mini (HFM)YouTube
• Innovation in Automotive Electrification Survey - YouTube
• Car of the Future - YouTube
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• V2X • Ethernet • 5G • ADAS • High-Speed • Miniaturization • Battery Management • Zonal Architecture • Sustainability
Noise & Vibration
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TRANSPORTATION
Tools and Resources
Thought Leadership
• Industry 4.0 | Experience Molex
Key Market Trends
Industrial Internet of Things – The industrial world has been quick to take advantage of new technology introduced by the Internet of Things (IoT). With the birth of the smart factory comes a wealth of new benefits presented by machineto-machine communication and an increased flow of raw data. As a leader in connectivity, Molex is ensuring that our customers are at the forefront of this industrial revolution.
Industrial Connectivity – The increased flow of data and information is at the centre of the advancements seen in the industrial market. Reliable communications are critical and since most communication failures occur at the point of connection, secure and easy-to-use connections are key to ensuring dependable connectivity across intelligent sensing and functional safety. Molex provides rugged and reliable connectivity solutions for applications spanning the industrial landscape.
Smart Machines & Robotics – Robots have the capacity to make a tremendous impact on the factory floor, with manufacturing environments seeing huge potential in terms of reliability and efficiency. But the realization of machine learning and robotics requires connections to keep pace. Molex is enabling the advancement of smart machinery across the industrial environment, with connectors, cables, busbars and cordsets that offer peace of mind when it comes to robotics design.
Product Highlight
Brad Connectivity
Since the invention of the Mini-Change connector in 1968, Brad products have been the standard for harsh duty connectivity systems in the industry and the Brad name is synonymous with the industry-standard M12 connector. Ideal for a range of industrial automation applications such as automated assembly equipment, conveyor systems, material handling, and pick-and-place robotics, the Brad portfolio includes:
• Brad Mini-Change Connectors
• Brad Micro-Change M12 Connectors
• Brad Nano-Change M8 Connectors
Products & Solutions
• Brad Mini-Change Connectors
• Brad Micro-Change M12 Connectors
• Brad Nano-Change M8 Connectors
• Brad M23 Power and Signal Connectors
• Brad Passive Signal and Safety MPIS IO Boxes
• IP67-Rated Harsh IO Modules
• Compact Robotic Connectors (CRC)
• Heavy Duty Connectors
• DIN Valve Connectors
• USB Solutions
• High-Speed I/O Connectors
• Single Pair Ethernet
• Antenna Solutions
• Backplane Connector Products
• Easy-On FFC/FPC Connectors
• Brad M23 Power and Signal Connectors
• Brad Passive Signal and Safety
MPIS IO Boxes
• IP67-Rated Harsh IO Modules
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• Fit Family Power Connectors
• PowerPlane Busbar Power Connectors
• FAKRA Sealed Connection Systems
• SlimStack Board-to-Board Connectors
• Squba Sealed Wire-to-Wire Connectors
• Contrinex Inductive and Photoelectric Sensors
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• Premo-Flex Cable Jumpers
• Terminal Blocks
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Blogs & Articles
• Industry 4.0: Ushering in the Era of Smart Machines and Robotics |Experience Molex
• The next frontier for automotive manufacturing cost leadership – Industry 4.0 | Experience Molex
• Industry 4.0: Where the Rubber Meets the Road | Experience Molex
• Calling All Designers of Ethernet for Industrial Applications (molex.com)
• How to Bring Industrial Ethernet to the Food and Beverage Plant Floor | Experience Molex
• The Industrial Internet of Things: The Opportunities Connected Components Can Create | Experience Molex
• The Power of Automation: Bringing New Products to Market with Speed and Quality | Experience Molex
• Design and Manufacturing | Experience Molex Videos & Training
• Bring your robotics designs to life with Molex products - YouTube
• Molex - Product Spotlight - Brad M12 Ultra-Lock Connection System - YouTube
• Molex Standard and Custom Flamar Cables for Industrial AutomationYouTube
• Brad Learning Locker Module
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CP Wire-to-Wire and Wire-to-Board Connectors
Off-the-Shelf Cable Assemblies
Enablers
Safety Controllers
Functional Safety
Configurable Logic
Industrial Protocol Support
GFCI
Proactive Maintenance
Single Pair Ethernet
Intelligent Sensors
Scalable Solutions INDUSTRIAL
Zero-Hachi 0.80mm-Pitch Wire-to-Board Connector System Design
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5G & DATA CENTER
Thought Leadership
• Advancing Innovation | Experience Molex
• Data Centers | Experience Molex
• Telecommunications Insights | Experience Molex
Key Market Trends
5G & Wireless – 5G is at the epicentre of innovation in technology – a force that is behind almost every aspect of daily life. With exponential growth in demand for connectivity and expectations for speed and performance continuing to accelerate, Molex delivers innovative and advanced solutions that power the 5G ecosystem around the globe.
Data Center Solutions – The global data center market is experiencing unprecedented growth. Data center leaders are navigating complex issues, facing accelerated design cycles and speed to market expectations. Molex enables data center and cloud-based transformation by delivering state of the art server, networking, and storage solutions for the most daunting development challenges.
Telecommunications – Telecommunications is rapidly transforming the way we live, work and play. The migration to 5G, growing use of evolving technologies such as IoT, and increasing demand for improved connectivity are driving innovation. Molex develops game-changing, disruptive solutions that drive the industry forward. With proven technology including optical, mmWave, RF, power and wireless components, Molex enables high-speed, high-density performance to meet customer needs.
Products
• The Hidden Challenges of 5G RF Design | Experience Molex
• High-Speed Interconnect Solutions to Meet Next-Generation Hyperscale and Enterprise Data Center Demands | Experience Molex
• Data Center Challenges: Top 3 Design Considerations | Experience Molex
• The 5G Party Kicks Off | Experience Molex
• 10 Tech Enablers That Are Turning 5G Into Reality | Experience Molex
• Design Engineer Tell-All: Engineering Innovation Revelations and Realities | Experience Molex
• The Next Server/Storage Evolution: Processing Data in New Environments | Experience Molex
• Going Modular: Empowering Data Center Transformation | Experience Molex
• Active Electrical Cables: Next Generation Plug-and-Play Connectivity - YouTube
• Maximizing Cable Rack ArchitectureYouTube
• Server and Storage Trends - YouTube
• The Continuing Evolution of Faster Data Rates in Data Centers - YouTube
• Molex - The State of 5G - YouTube
• A Must Have for 5G Connectivity: Robust Deployment - YouTube
• Molex Design and Manufacturing capabilities for next-generation highspeed solutions - YouTube
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Videos & Training
Blogs & Articles
NearStack High-Speed Cable Assembly Solutions NearStack High-Speed Cable Assembly Solutions deliver superior performance with twinax wire advantages by implementing an optimized direct-to-cable connector system that that maximizes system performance. Design Enablers • High-Speed Performance • Increased Bandwidth • Open Compute Standards • Miniaturization • User Interface Applications • Modularity • Increased Bandwidth Capability
and Resources Product Highlight
& Solutions
Antenna Solutions • USB Solutions • Easy-On FFC/FPC Connectors • Premo-Flex Cable Jumpers • SlimStack Board-to-Board Connectors • RF Connectors • EXTreme Power Products • 5G mmWave Connectors • Mirror Mezz Connectors • QSFP-DD Interconnect System and Cable Assemblies • BiPass I/O High-Speed Solution • NearStack Connector System and Cable Assemblies • Impel and Impel Plus Connector Systems • Active Optical Cables (AOC) • PowerPlane Busbar Power Connectors • L1NK Connector System • Pico-Lock Connector System • HDMI Connectors • Sentrality Pin and Socket Interconnect System • Fit Family Power Connectors • zQSFP+ Integrated Product Solutions
Nano-Pitch I/O Interconnect System
Active Electrical Cable 112 Gbps PAM4 Solutions
Sliver Edge Card Connector and Cable Assemblies
EdgeLine High-Speed Connectors
Backplane Solutions
Modular Jacks
OptoHD and OptoUSB Assemblies
LC Connectors, Adapters and Cable Assemblies
MTP/MPO Data Center Cable Solutions
OneBlade 1.00mm-Pitch Wire-to-Board Connector System
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Tools and Resources
HEALTHCARE
Key Market Trends Design
Medical Wearables – The link between mobile devices and wearable medical technology is building a growing market of on-body IoT medical devices. These devices must be comfortable to wear on the go, necessitating lightweight, compact, and wireless components. Molex collaborates closely with innovative customers to deliver breakthrough healthcare solutions and services that transform patient experiences to improve lives.
Remote Patient Monitoring – In the era of digital health technology, enhancements in remote patient monitoring are enabling a shift from hospital to home. To support this medical technology, manufacturers need to develop user friendly devices for at-home healthcare. Molex is helping to bring next-generation devices to market faster with high-performance interconnect solutions.
Product Highlight
SlimStack Board-to-Board Connectors
With the growing demand for smaller and more reliable devices, Molex’s SlimStack Board-to-Board and Board-to-FPC connectors provide robust, high-speed data transmission with various design configurations to provide design flexibility, making this an ideal solution for a wide range of solutions throughout various industries.
Products & Solutions
• Antenna Solutions
• USB Solutions
Internet of Medical Things – IoT is having a huge impact across industries, and the medical space is no exception. The growth of medical IoT, known as IoMT, is being propelled by advancements such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Molex is providing the solutions that enable medical devices to become more connected, allowing healthcare professionals to reach conclusions about patient diagnostics reliably and quickly.
• SlimStack Board-to-Board Connectors
• Easy-On FFC/FPC Connectors
• Premo-Flex Cable Jumpers
• 5G mmWave Flex-to-Board Connectors
• Quad-Row Board-to-Board Connectors
• Battery Connectors
• Off-the-Shelf Cable Assemblies
• I/O Connectors
• RF Connectors
• CLIK-Mate Wire-to-Board Connectors
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• NTC Probe Thermistors
• Fit Family Power Connectors
• L1NK Connector System
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Thought Leadership
• Improving Lives | Experience Molex
• Pharmaceutical Insights | Experience Molex
Blogs & Articles
• Design Engineers Weigh in On the Future of Diagnostic Wearables | Experience Molex
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• Designing Portable & Wearable Medical Technology | Experience Molex
• Left to Our Own Devices: Making Medical Technology Work is the Real Design Challenge | Experience Molex
• Flexible Circuitry for Medical Wearables | Experience Molex
• Medical Wearables: Designing for Daily Life | Experience Molex
• Significant Challenges In The Miniaturization Of Medical Devices (molex.com)
• Will Wearables Redefine the Mobile Landscape? | Experience Molex
• Rethinking the Patient Journey, Part 1: Diagnostics | Experience Molex
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• Rethinking the Patient Journey, Part 2: The Therapies and Investments Revolutionizing Health Care | Experience Molex
• The Patient Journey, Part 3: Medical Monitoring | Experience Molex
Videos & Training
• Healthcare Cabling Solutions - YouTube
• Digital Drug Delivery and the Future of Pharma - YouTube
• Designing Medical Wearables for Real-LifeYouTube
• Healthcare Capabilities Solutions - YouTube
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Enablers • Miniaturization • Biocompatibility • Power Consumption • Battery Management • High-Speed • Signal Quality • 5G • Sustainability
FCT
D-Sub Connectors
PicoBlade Connector System
SFP+
and QSFP+ Interconnect Systems
Pico-Lock Connector System
C-Grid Products
ExpressLink Data Cables
OptoHD
and OptoUSB Assemblies
Squba Sealed Connectors
DuraClik Wire-to-Board Connection System
Zero-Hachi 0.80mm-Pitch Wire-to-Board Connector System
Security, Usability & Sustainability: Navigating Responsible Design Principles for Medical Devices | Experience Molex
Innovating to Help Millions Maintain Eyesight | Experience Molex
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CONSUMER
The pace of life is speeding up – applications and their connections need to keep stride!
Market leaders are beginning to recognize the need for consumers to be at the forefront of design. Many of today’s fast-changing trends are now prioritizing consumer needs, with newfound focus areas such as in-vehicle driving experience, home healthcare and 5G-enabled mobile devices pushing designs to become more consumer-centric.
At the same time, the drive towards consumerization is fusing the future of technology, opening new doors for collaboration across industries. This cooperation across markets is changing our approach to smart, connected designs, and introducing new opportunities for world-class technologies to be applied in new and exciting applications.
As applications continue to focus on all things connected, with consumer at the core, Molex is committed to developing industry-leading technologies for tomorrow’s innovations.
NPI Highlight
Quad-Row Board-to-Board Connectors
Molex has set a new standard in space-saving connections with the ground-breaking Quad-Row Board-to-Board Connectors, presenting the first-ever, staggered circuit layout connector, which positions pins across four rows at a signal contact pitch of 0.175mm. The result offers 30% space savings over conventional connector designs, while enabling high-density circuit connectivity.
Watch a short video to discover this innovative new product from Molex.
Products & Solutions
• Antenna Solutions
• Easy-On FFC/FPC Connectors
• SlimStack Board-to-Board Connectors
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• USB Solutions
• Memory Card Connectors
• Pico-Lock Connector System
• Pico-EZmate and Pico-EZmate Plus Wire-to-Board Connector Systems
• CLIK-Mate Wire-to-Board Connectors
ONE MOLEX
Leveraging our competitive advantage to drive growth
Molex enjoys market dominance in our legacy product families supported by a best-in-class NPI Program. The versatility of our core product range equips us to meet the changing demands of evolving markets as One Molex, and will continue to play
an integral role in our focus industries. Whether your customers need components for a space saving design, or a product to accommodate faster and faster speeds, Molex has a solution for your connectivity needs.
New Product Introduction: Program Categorization
Over the last decade, Molex has launched and nurtured a New Product Introduction program that is now considered best-in-class by those it was created for – our distribution partners.
Each year we have released an average of 50 NPIs to the channel. From innovative launches that the market had never seen, to continuing to strengthen our core ranges through necessary expansions, our commitment to developing a pipeline of new and exciting products has never faltered.
After reflecting on our success so far and taking on valuable feedback from our network, Molex is now launching an enhanced version of our historic program with the aim of better communicating each product launch to our distributors.
Introducing our new categories
The categorization of our NPIs is an opportunity to strengthen our existing program and provide further value to our distributors. At Molex, we feel that this improvement to our program will better equip our distributors to understand, onboard, and sell our new products – with the aim of driving profitable growth for all.
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• Zero-Hachi 0.80mm-Pitch Wire-to-Board Connector System
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• Complete data sets including UoM, packaging specifications and product dimensions View our new video from Fred Bell, VP Global Distribution, to learn more about the categorization of our New Product Introductions.
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INNOVATION New to Molex, or new to market ENHANCEMENT New variations of an existing product range EXTENSION Additions to complete an existing range What
you expect?
Detailed explanation on the type of NPI being launched
Product presentations for each ‘innovation’ release
5G mmWave Flex-to-Board Connectors
Sentrality Pin and Socket Interconnect System
Squba Sealed Connector System
Fit Family Power Connectors
Micro-One Wire-to-Board Connector
PowerPlane Busbar Solutions
EXTreme Power Connector System
OneBlade 1.00mm-Pitch Wire-to-Board Connector System
Keep Clued into the Connectivity Curve
Our distribution communications program supports the focus areas highlighted in the Distribution Storyboard, provides useful tools, resources and NPI releases. Sign up for a Learning Locker to receive regular news and updates from the Molex Distribution team.
Distribution Connection Newsletter
Monthly newsletter that includes the latest industry news, articles, events and sales tools from Molex.
New Product Introductions
Receive all the information you need to stock and promote our latest new product packages.
Team Distribution Webcast
Quarterly webcasts provide valuable insight into market trends, sales performance, key product ranges and NPIs.
NPI Overview
An interactive overview of the latest NPI packages - released quarterly and annually.
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