Due to advancements in sensor technology and the E/E architecture described, the data volumes being transmitted are increasingly moving toward high-speed transmission, which depends primarily on controlling the connector’s impedance. If this impedance fluctuates, resonance occurs, which in turn results in signal transmission losses. Due to its geometry, a connector always poses a potential risk of impedance fluctuations, which are caused, among other things, by changes in material or geometry.

This is because impedance is determined by inductive and capacitive properties, which depend on the size, arrangement, and design of the pins. Changes in cross-section, in particular, have a negative effect, which is why they must be minimized as much as possible. Furthermore, dielectrics (substances with low or no electrical conductivity) near the signal path can also have negative effects, which is why selecting the right insulating material is equally important. In addition, coupling losses at the contact interface between the blade and the spring further contribute to signal degradation. Finally, impedance fluctuations can be induced by protruding conductor elements that act as antennas. Collectively, these effects are categorized as insertion loss—defined as the ratio of the outgoing to the incoming signal—also referred to as insertion attenuation. In addition, there is return loss, which describes the ratio of the reflected signal to the signal to be transmitted.With regard to the ongoing miniaturization of assemblies, EMC protection plays a particularly important role: This is because the high-frequency signals generated in this process are especially susceptible to interference from unwanted electromagnetic effects. Even the slightest interference is sufficient to cause significant distortion of data transmission, incorrect sensor measurement signals, and inappropriate control commands—a scenario that is absolutely unacceptable for safety.
A shielded connector helps, because within an assembly, a connector always acts both as an interference sink and as a source of interference. The component can also be disrupted by other components and itself exerts an electromagnetic influence on surrounding components. Shielding reduces both of these effects by a factor of approximately 100 to 200. 

Speaking of robustness: Shock and vibration jeopardize the stability of data transmission, as do chemical and thermal environmental influences such as extreme temperatures, significant temperature fluctuations, corrosive gases, moisture, and dirt. The contact surface significantly determines the service life of the connector, because during operation, micro-movements occur between the two parts of the connector, which over time lead to surface abrasion and thus to increased contact resistance and, consequently, less effective signal transmission. A high-quality and durable contact coating helps to minimize this surface abrasion.
Within the contact system, a double-sided header ensures reliable performance, as a contact point is always maintained, regardless of external influences. Even higher robustness is achieved with a “gender-neutral” contact system, where the contacts interlock upon mating, ensuring maximum contact reliability.

With limited installation space in automobiles, there is a shortage of room for sensors and control units, which in turn means that connectors must be made even smaller while maintaining the same or even higher performance. This makes surface-mount technology (SMT) ideal, as—unlike through-hole technology—it allows for a significantly smaller pitch and double-sided mounting on the printed circuit board. 

The trend toward installing more and smaller connectors in assemblies results in longer tolerance chains, requiring connectors to compensate for increasingly larger tolerances during both assembly and operation. Connectors are already available that can absorb shocks and vibrations even more effectively.