AU1 Series Automotive USB Type-C Connector Guide:
Specifications, Part Numbers, Cable Assembly and Selection
A procurement and engineering guide to the AU1 Series wire-to-board system, covering PCB receptacles, key codes, CPA locking, electrical ratings, cable construction, manufacturing controls and the information required for an accurate cable-assembly quotation.
What is the AU1 Series?
The AU1 Series is a 24-position automotive USB Type-C wire-to-board connector system. A cable-side AU1 plug mates with a dedicated AU1 receptacle mounted on a PCB. The Type-C electrical core is surrounded by an automotive housing with mechanical coding, shielding, a primary latch and a CPA secondary lock. It is intended mainly for secure internal vehicle connections rather than direct insertion into a phone, laptop or ordinary consumer USB-C port.
Key Takeaways
- AU1 is a cable plug to PCB receptacle system, not a normal consumer USB-C connector used by itself.
- The catalog lists USB 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI, but the complete cable must still be designed and validated for the required protocol and length.
- The standard published configuration provides 24 positions, 5A, 20V AC/DC and −40°C to +105°C.
- Straight and right-angle PCB receptacles are available, while the right-angle cable plug is identified as under development in the reviewed catalog.
- Standard Key and A Key are mechanically different. Color helps identification, but the key geometry-not color alone-prevents mis-mating.
- An AU1 cable-side connector is assembled from multiple connector parts and supplier-produced items, including cable, PCB, wire holder, shielding, inner mold and overmold.
- A quotation should specify the exact connector, key code, opposite end, protocol, cable length, pinout, power requirement, shielding, tests and quantity.
Contents
01 · AU1 System Architecture: Cable Plug to PCB Receptacle
The AU1 Series uses a USB Type-C core from the CX Series and adds an automotive outer housing. The system is designed as a wire-to-board interface: the harness carries an AU1 cable-side plug, while the electronic module carries an AU1 receptacle soldered to its PCB.
This distinction matters during purchasing. An AU1 cable-side plug does not mate directly with a normal consumer USB-C receptacle. It mates with an AU1 PCB receptacle of the same key code. A standard USB-C connector may still appear at the opposite end of a custom cable, but that is a separate interface that must be defined by the project.
Harness component
Straight or right angle
USB hub, IVI, display or controller
02 · Connection Options and PCB Orientation
The reviewed AU1 catalog shows a straight cable-side plug and two standard PCB receptacle orientations. The receptacle orientation determines how the harness approaches the PCB and how much vertical or horizontal installation space is required.
| Configuration | Published Mated Dimension | Main Design Check |
|---|---|---|
| Straight receptacle + straight plug | Approximately 38.95 mm | Vertical clearance, CPA access and cable bend above PCB |
| Right-angle receptacle + straight plug | Approximately 42.25 mm horizontal envelope | Side clearance, enclosure wall and service access |
Availability note: the right-angle cable-side plug is shown as under development in the reviewed catalog. Confirm current production status before designing it into a project.
03 · How the CPA Secondary Lock Controls Mating
The AU1 plug uses a CPA, or connector position assurance device, in addition to the primary latch. The CPA is not a decorative color part. It is a secondary mechanical control intended to help confirm that the connector has reached the fully mated position.
Insert the Plug
Push the AU1 plug straight into the matching receptacle until the primary latch engages.
Move the CPA
The CPA can enter its final position only after full mating, helping reveal an incomplete insertion.
Release CPA and Latch
Return the CPA, operate the latch and pull the connector without forcing the housing or cable.
Purchasing check: confirm whether the quoted cable assembly includes the CPA already installed and whether final inspection verifies its normal position.
04 · Standard Key vs A Key
AU1 supports two mechanical key codes so that multiple similar connectors can be used in one module without accidental cross-mating. The key code changes the mating geometry. Housing color is a visual identifier, but the mechanical features determine compatibility.
| Key Code | Cable-Side Housing | PCB Receptacle | Procurement Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Key | Black | Black | Use only with the Standard-Key mating interface |
| A Key | Gray | Natural | Second mechanical code for mis-mating prevention |
Need an AU1 USB-C cable, 1 meter.
AU1 Standard-Key straight cable-side plug, 1,000 mm cable, USB 3.2 Gen 2, opposite end standard USB-C male.
05 · Electrical and Environmental Specifications
The following values are the published connector ratings in the reviewed AU1 catalog. They are useful for preliminary selection, but the complete harness must still be evaluated for cable length, conductor size, shielding, temperature rise and signal integrity.
| Item | Published AU1 Value | Design Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Positions | 24, double row | Full Type-C contact arrangement |
| Rated current | 5A total; 1.25A max. per designated power pin; 0.25A other pins | Confirm conductor gauge, power allocation and temperature rise |
| Rated voltage | 20V AC/DC | Do not apply a higher system voltage without written approval |
| Operating temperature | −40°C to +105°C | Published range includes temperature rise due to current flow |
| Initial contact resistance | 40mΩ max. | Connector value; complete-circuit resistance includes cable and joints |
| After-test contact resistance | 50mΩ max. | Evaluate against the relevant qualification condition |
| Insulation resistance | 100MΩ min. at 500V DC | Connector insulation characteristic |
| Withstanding voltage | 100V AC for 1 minute | No insulation breakdown under the stated test |
| Mating durability | 10 cycles | Best suited to internal low-cycle connections |
| Thermal shock | 100 cycles, −40°C to +100°C; discontinuity ≤1µs | Review the complete validation specification before claiming compliance |
Wire gauge, line length, contact allocation, ambient temperature and bundle temperature all affect current capability.
Cable construction, differential impedance, insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk and shield termination must be controlled.
06 · AU1 Part Numbers and Ordering Structure
Part-number accuracy is essential because mounting direction and key code are built into the product number. The tables below summarize the principal cataloged receptacles and cable-side components.
PCB Receptacles
| Part Number | Mounting | Key | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU1FS-24P(805) | Straight receptacle | Standard | Black |
| AU1FSA-24P(805) | Straight receptacle | A Key | Natural |
| AU1FR-24P(805) | Right-angle receptacle | Standard | Black |
| AU1FRA-24P(805) | Right-angle receptacle | A Key | Natural |
Cable-Side Plug Components
| Component | Part Number | Selection Note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard-Key housing | AU1MS-24S-HU/C(805) | Black housing |
| A-Key housing | AU1MSA-24S-HU/C(805) | Gray housing |
| Retainer | AU1MS-24RS(805) | Four locking points require full engagement |
| Shield Case A | AU1MS-24S-SLDA(805) | One half of shield case |
| Shield Case B | AU1MS-24S-SLDB(805) | Second half of shield case |
| USB-C plug unit | CX60-24S1-UNIT | 24-position Type-C core |
07 · AU1 Connector Parts vs a Complete Cable Assembly
The catalog describes the straight plug connector as a set of housing, retainer, two shield-case parts and the Type-C plug unit. The cable assembly instruction adds the supplier-produced and process-dependent items required to turn those connector parts into a usable harness.
What the cataloged plug consists of
- Housing
- Retainer
- Shield Case A
- Shield Case B
- CX60-24S1 Plug Unit
Additional items and processes required
- Supplier-designed PCB
- Wire holder
- High-speed cable
- Inner mold
- Overmold
- CPA
- Welding, shielding and final assembly
Important purchasing distinction: ordering an AU1 housing or plug-unit part number does not automatically provide a finished, pin-assigned and electrically tested AU1 cable assembly.
08 · How an AU1 Cable Assembly Is Manufactured
The assembly manual is most valuable to a buyer when it is translated into process controls. The exact equipment and tooling may vary, but a qualified supplier should control cable preparation, conductor positioning, PCBA connection, shield closure, molding and final mechanical assembly.
Cable Preparation
Strip the outer jacket, fold the braid, control the foil and wrap the shield area with copper tape. The manual shows an 8±1 mm sheath-preparation reference.
Core-Wire Preparation
Control the core strip length to 1.5±0.3 mm and avoid conductor damage. The instruction specifies tinning at 260±20°C for 1–2 seconds.
Wire Holder
The reference wire-holder size is W9.0 × H3.6 × L3.3 mm with R1.8. It stabilizes conductor order and soldering position.
PCBA Connection
Core wires are connected on both sides of the PCBA according to the approved pin assignment. The process must not cause electrical or thermal damage.
Shield Case Assembly
Inner molding is recommended before SLDA and SLDB closure. Both locking holes and the clamp area must be fully engaged.
Inner Mold and Overmold
Molding supports the PCB, soldered conductors, shield and cable exit. The completed cable tensile strength is required to follow USB compliance requirements.
Evidence a buyer can request from the cable supplier
• PCBA welding inspection
• Inner-mold and overmold samples
• Dimensional inspection
• Signal-integrity test plan when required
09 · Housing, CPA and Retainer Assembly Controls
The final connector housing is not simply pushed together without inspection. The assembly instruction repeatedly specifies straight insertion, normal-position checks and full engagement of the mechanical locks.
| Assembly Area | Manual Requirement | Final Inspection Item |
|---|---|---|
| CPA to housing | Insert straight and check normal position | CPA seated correctly without deformation |
| Cable assembly to housing | Insert straight until the stopper | No gap; overmold does not exceed housing limit |
| Retainer | Half-insert first, then apply equal force to both sides | No tilt; all four locking points engaged |
Recommended control plan: include visual standards for CPA position, housing depth, retainer lock engagement and overmold location in the first-article inspection.
10 · Pin Assignment and Protocol Support
The catalog lists USB 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI as supported transmission standards. The assembly instruction provides a USB Type-C pin assignment and states that a different signal assignment must be defined separately with the customer.
Connector Capability
The connector platform can support the listed high-speed standards when used with an appropriate cable, pinout and validated assembly.
Cable Definition
The cable drawing must define differential pairs, CC and power wiring, SBU contacts, ground allocation and shield termination.
Connector conversion is not protocol conversion. A passive AU1 cable can route compatible contacts between two interfaces. It cannot convert USB into GMSL, FPD-Link, Ethernet or another unrelated protocol without active electronics.
Quotation requirement: do not rely on the phrase "USB-C cable" alone. State the required USB generation, power role, alternate mode, exact pin assignment and validation target.
11 · PCB and Soldering Considerations
The AU1 documents contain two different reflow references because they address different components. The catalog describes reflow for the board-mounted receptacle. The cable assembly instruction separately describes the small internal PCB used in the cable-side plug assembly.
| Component | Published Recommendation | Important Boundary |
|---|---|---|
| PCB receptacle | Preheat 180–220°C, 60 sec max.; 250°C ±5°C, 10 sec max.; up to 3 cycles | Actual result depends on solder paste, PCB size and process conditions |
| Cable-plug internal PCB | Recommended PCB L10.5 × W10.0 × D0.8 mm; 0.10 mm mask; 80% aperture; up to 2 reflow cycles | Cool to room temperature between the first and second reflow |
Do not merge these values: the "3 cycles" and "2 cycles" statements apply to different assemblies. The project process must follow the drawing and specification for the exact component being mounted.
12 · Typical Applications and Selection Guide
AU1 is most relevant to internal automotive modules that need a secure Type-C signal and power path with mechanical locking and coding. Typical applications may include infotainment head units, automotive USB hubs, center-console interface modules, armrest USB modules, telematics units, displays and embedded vehicle computers.
| Project Condition | Selection Direction |
|---|---|
| Adequate vertical space above the PCB | Evaluate the straight receptacle |
| Low enclosure height or side cable routing | Evaluate the right-angle receptacle |
| Several visually similar interfaces in one module | Use different mechanical key codes where appropriate |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 requirement | Define cable length, impedance and signal-integrity test requirements |
| AU1 with standard USB-C at the opposite end | Define CC wiring, power role, pinout and alternate-mode requirements |
| Non-USB signal assignment | Provide the complete customer pin assignment and validation plan |
| Wet-zone or externally exposed installation | Do not assume sealing; confirm another validated sealed system if required |
13 · Information Required for an AU1 Cable Assembly RFQ
A complete RFQ allows the cable supplier to select the correct key, cable construction, shielding, molding and test plan. A request containing only "AU1 cable" usually requires several rounds of clarification.
Connector and Mechanical Information
- Exact AU1 connector part number
- Standard Key or A Key
- Straight or other approved cable exit
- PCB receptacle orientation
- Connector at the opposite end
- Cable length and measurement datum
- Available installation space and bend radius
Electrical and Commercial Information
- USB, DisplayPort, HDMI or custom protocol
- Required data rate
- Complete pin assignment
- Voltage and current
- Differential impedance and shield termination
- Operating temperature and sealing requirement
- Required tests and documentation
- Prototype and production quantity
Need AU1 USB cable. Please quote.
AU1 Standard-Key straight cable-side plug with standard USB-C male, 1,000 mm overall length, USB 3.2 Gen 2, 20V maximum, full shielding, 100% continuity and short-circuit test, 10 prototypes and 500 production pieces.
Request a Custom AU1 Series Cable Assembly
Premier Cable can evaluate AU1 cable assemblies with customer-specified connector ends, key codes, cable lengths, pin assignments, shielding structures and electrical test requirements.
Send Drawing or SpecificationAU1 Series vs HSAutoLink C, HSBridge+ and TE Automotive USB-C Solutions
Read the broader comparison to understand how AU1 differs from other automotive Type-C connector systems in data capability, power, sealing, locking and application scope.
Read the comparison article →Frequently Asked Questions
Is AU1 a standard USB-C connector?
AU1 uses a USB Type-C core, but the cable-side interface is enclosed in an automotive housing with keying, locking, shielding and CPA. It mates with a dedicated AU1 PCB receptacle, not directly with a normal phone or laptop port.
What is the mating connector for AU1FS-24P?
AU1FS-24P is a straight PCB receptacle. It mates with an AU1 cable-side plug using the same key code. The complete cable-side assembly includes more than the outer housing alone.
What is the difference between AU1FS-24P and AU1FR-24P?
AU1FS-24P is a straight PCB receptacle for perpendicular mating. AU1FR-24P is a right-angle PCB receptacle for approximately parallel mating.
What is the difference between Standard Key and A Key?
They have different mechanical key geometry and different identifying colors. Standard and A Key parts must be matched with the corresponding cable-side and PCB-side interface.
Does AU1 support USB 3.2 Gen 2?
The catalog lists USB 3.2 Gen 2. The final cable length, cable construction, shielding and signal-integrity performance must still be confirmed for the complete assembly.
Can AU1 carry DisplayPort or HDMI?
The catalog lists DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI among the supported standards. The exact pin assignment, cable specification and system validation must be defined for the project.
Is AU1 waterproof?
The reviewed catalog does not publish an IP sealing rating for the standard AU1 products. A wet-zone installation requires separate confirmation or another validated sealed system.
Is a right-angle AU1 cable plug available?
The reviewed catalog marks the right-angle plug as under development. Confirm current availability before using it in a production design.
Can an AU1 cable include a standard USB-C male plug?
It can be evaluated when both interfaces use compatible USB signals. CC wiring, power role, pinout, cable length, shielding and alternate-mode requirements must be defined.
What should be included in an AU1 cable quotation request?
Provide the exact AU1 part number, key code, opposite connector, cable length, protocol, pinout, voltage, current, shielding, operating conditions, test requirements and quantities.
How This Guide Was Prepared
This guide was prepared from the AU1 Series product catalog dated March 2025 and the AU1 plug cable assembly instruction released December 27, 2023. Published values are summarized for preliminary selection. Final production must follow the latest controlled drawing, product specification, approved cable requirements, assembly tooling and customer validation plan.
