A recent webinar hosted by Amphenol Communications Solutions showcased the Minitek® Pwr family, a versatile and high-performance range of power connectors designed to meet the evolving demands of data centers, EV systems, industrial automation, and consumer electronics.
Presented by Jithin George, Product Manager for Minitek Pwr, the session explored how this product family delivers compact, reliable, and flexible interconnect solutions across multiple industries from GPU systems and OCP servers to robotics and EV battery management systems.
Minitek® Pwr Overview: Compact Power with Big Performance
The Minitek® Pwr series represents Amphenol’s optimized mid-power connector platform. It combines high current-carrying capacity, mechanical robustness, and design versatility.
Key Specifications:
|
Parameter |
3.00 mm |
4.20 mm |
5.70 mm |
|
Max Current |
12 A |
13 A |
28 A |
|
Voltage Rating |
600 V |
600 V |
600 V |
|
Operating Temp |
–40°C to 105°C |
–40°C to 105°C |
–40°C to 120°C |
|
Wire Range |
16–30 AWG |
16–28 AWG |
12–16 AWG |
|
Header Types |
Vertical / Right-Angle |
Vertical / Right-Angle |
Vertical / Right-Angle |
|
Terminations |
TH / SMT |
TH |
TH |
|
Application |
WTW / WTB |
WTW / WTB |
WTW / WTB |
All Minitek® Pwr connectors are available in single and dual-row options and feature LCP and Nylon housings for high-temperature resilience. The series supports up to 28A per circuit- making it ideal for compact power systems that demand both density and performance.
Advanced Features for Reliability and Ease of Use
The engineering innovations behind the Minitek® Pwr line that ensure durability and ease of assembly:
- Positive Locking System prevents accidental unmating.
- Flexing Beam Design allows low insertion force during mating.
- Blind-Mate Interface (BMI) provides self-alignment for secure mating.
- Scoop-Proof Contacts protect terminals from damage.
- Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) adds extra reliability in wire-to-board versions.
Together, these design elements ensure consistent and secure performance even under high vibration or repeated mating cycles
Spotlight: PICPWR OCP® Connector System
The webinar introduced the Minitek® Pwr OCP M-PIC connector- a hybrid power/signal solution tailored for Open Compute Project (OCP) architectures.
Technical Highlights:
- Configurations: 2×6+12SB or 2×3+6SB
- Power Rating: Up to 864W (2×6) or 486W (2×3) at 12V
- Current Rating: 12A (2×6) / 13.5A (2×3) per contact
- Features: Fully isolated terminals, low thumb-latch positive locking, hybrid signal capability
These connectors provide reliable power distribution in modular data center systems, bridging High Power Modules (HPMs) and peripheral subsystems with minimal thermal loading.
Spotlight: Minitek® Pwr 12VHPWR (Gen 5 PCIe)
For GPU, AI accelerator, and gaming console applications, Amphenol’s Minitek® Pwr 12VHPWR connector meets the latest PCI Express® CEM 5.0 standards.
Technical Highlights:
- 9.5A per pin across 12 power contacts
- Supports 600W GPU cards
- Low contact resistance: 5 mΩ max
- Pitch: 3.00 mm (vs. legacy 4.20 mm)
- Positive locking and fully isolated terminals
The connector’s compact housing and thermally efficient design support next-generation GPU architectures, making it an essential component for high-performance computing and gaming systems.
Diverse Application Ecosystem
Amphenol’s Minitek® Pwr series serves a broad array of industries, offering tailored solutions across these segments:
- IT / Datacom: Hot-plug servers, NVR systems, rack servers, OCP-DCMHS
- Automotive: EV battery management, chargers, GPS tracking, lighting systems
- Consumer: GPUs, PSUs, vending machines, LED signage, gaming consoles
- Industrial: Robotics, energy storage, drives, factory automation, UPS systems
- Telecom: Network routers, switches, baseband units
From data centers to electric vehicles, Minitek® Pwr connectors deliver the right balance of power density, size optimization, and long-term reliability.
Cable Assembly Capabilities
ACS also highlighted its global cable assembly capabilities, with production in China and India.
- 4.2 and 5.7 mm right-angle assemblies
- Pig-tail and molded cable options
- Custom wire harness configurations
These customizable, high-quality cable solutions ensure designers can integrate Minitek® Pwr systems seamlessly into their projects.
Product Roadmap: 2025–2026
Looking ahead, Amphenol’s roadmap focuses on scalability and new standards compliance. Upcoming releases include:
- PCIe CEM-5 SMT version (Q1 2025)
- 5.7 mm Dual Row WTW and Single Row solutions (Q2–Q3 2025)
- PICPWR 48V OCP 12P/12SB & 6P/6SB (Q4 2025)
- Overmolded cable assemblies (Q3 2026)
These developments reinforce Amphenol’s long-term commitment to next-gen power connectivity across computing and energy systems.
Competitive Advantages
Amphenol’s Minitek® Pwr line offers a unique combination of:
- High current performance in a small form factor
- Intermatability with competitor parts (e.g., FIT series)
- Flexible MOQ and packaging options
- Fast access to samples, datasheets, and 3D models
- Custom engineering support for specific OEM needs
These features make Minitek® Pwr a standout choice for engineers seeking efficiency, performance, and design flexibility.
Live Q&A Highlights
Q1: Are Minitek® Pwr connectors compatible with competitor parts?
A1: Yes. The Minitek® Pwr series is interchangeable and intermateable with competitor series.
Q2: What is the maximum current rating for the Minitek® Pwr 5.7mm with 12 AWG wire?
A2: The 5.7mm version supports up to 28A under standard lab conditions. Real-world ratings depend on factors like wire gauge, ambient temperature, and airflow- higher temperatures or smaller gauges require derating to ensure safe performance.
Q3: Why is the PICPWR OCP® system ideal for OCP applications?
A3: It’s designed specifically for Open Compute Project (OCP) systems- supporting hybrid power/signal transmission, fully isolated terminals, and high-current capacity. Its mechanical design ensures long-term reliability under continuous high-current loads.
Q4: How does the connector handle mixed power and signal applications without EMI issues?
A4: The hybrid design integrates both power and low-speed signal paths with excellent isolation and shielding. Proper contact separation minimizes EMI and crosstalk in high-speed environments.
Q5: Is there a version for harsh environments like BMS or energy storage?
A5: Yes. Options like the BMI interface, flex-beam terminals, and scoop-proof designs increase ruggedness. Custom versions with higher ingress protection are available upon request.
Conclusion
The Minitek® Pwr series represents Amphenol’s vision of scalable, high-efficiency interconnect solutions engineered for reliability, safety, and space-saving integration. Whether powering next-gen GPUs, EV battery systems, or data center modules, Minitek® Pwr offers the flexibility and robustness engineers demand.
