According to the official and DRIVE AGX Thor hardware documentation, the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor platform uses several high-speed automotive cable assemblies for cameras, displays, Automotive Ethernet, and sensor communication.

These breakout cables are designed to support high-bandwidth autonomous driving and AI computing applications while meeting automotive-grade reliability requirements.

1. MATE-AX x4 to Fakra Splitter Cable, Premier Cable # : PCM-ZC-0014 , Premier Cable # : PCM-ZC-0015

Function :

• The MATE-AX x4 to Fakra splitter cable is a high-speed video breakout harness that converts one MATE-AX x4 connector into four Fakra connectors.

NVIDIA describes it as:

• “Breakout cable for MATE-AX x4 position connector to x4 Fakra connectors. Same breakout cable is used for camera and display MATE-AX rear panel connectors.”

This cable is primarily used for:

• ADAS camera systems
• GMSL display connections
• GMSL camera connections
• High-speed automotive video transmission

Why NVIDIA Uses MATE-AX and Fakra

① MATE-AX Connector

MATE-AX is a compact automotive high-speed connector system designed for:

• Autonomous driving platforms
• High-speed differential signaling
• GMSL / SerDes video transmission
• High-density automotive applications

② Fakra Connector

Fakra is the automotive industry standard for RF and video interfaces commonly used in:

• GPS modules
• Radar systems
• Display systems
• Automotive cameras

By using a MATE-AX to Fakra breakout design, NVIDIA allows developers to easily connect standard automotive cameras and display modules to the DRIVE AGX Thor platform.

Typical Applications in DRIVE AGX Thor

① Camera Interfaces

The DRIVE AGX Thor platform supports multiple high-resolution camera inputs through MATE-AX breakout interfaces, including:

• GMSL2 cameras
• GMSL3 cameras
• Surround-view camera systems
• Autonomous driving perception cameras

② Display Interfaces

The same breakout cable is also used for display outputs such as:

• Infotainment displays
• Electronic mirror systems
• Digital instrument clusters

2. H-MTD x4 Splitter Cable, Premier Cable # : PCM-ZC-0018, Premier Cable # : PCM-ZC-0074

Function :

• The H-MTD x4 splitter is a breakout cable used for Automotive Ethernet communication.

Official description:

•  “Breakout cable for H-MTD x4 position connector used for Ethernet.”

This cable distributes high-speed Ethernet signals from a compact H-MTD connector to multiple network interfaces.

What is H-MTD

H-MTD (High-Speed Modular Twisted Differential) is an automotive Ethernet connector system designed for:

• 100BASE-T1
• 1000BASE-T1
• Multi-gig Automotive Ethernet

Key advantages include:

• Compact size
• Automotive-grade reliability
• Excellent vibration resistance
• High EMI shielding performance

Compared with traditional RJ45 connectors, H-MTD is better suited for harsh vehicle environments.

Applications of H-MTD x4 Splitter :

The H-MTD x4 splitter is commonly used for:

• Automotive Ethernet Expansion

Connecting:

• ECUs
• Cameras
• LiDAR systems
• Domain controllers
• Automotive switches
• High-Speed Data Transmission

Supporting:

• Sensor fusion
• Real-time AI processing
• Vehicle network communication

3. H-MTD x6 Splitter Cable, Premier Cable # : PCM-ZC-0073

Function

• The H-MTD x6 splitter performs a similar role as the x4 version but supports more Ethernet channels and higher interface density.

Official description:

• “Breakout cable for H-MTD x6 position connector used for Ethernet.”

Difference Between x4 and x6 :

The x6 version is typically used when more Ethernet links or higher data throughput are required.

Typical Applications of H-MTD x6 :

① Autonomous Driving Sensor Fusion

Used for connecting:

• LiDAR sensors
• Radar systems
• Multiple HD cameras
• High-speed Ethernet switches

② AI and Real-Time Data Processing

Supports:

• Low-latency networking
• High-bandwidth communication
• Real-time sensor synchronization

Why NVIDIA Uses These High-Speed Automotive Cables

1. High Bandwidth Requirements

DRIVE AGX Thor is designed for:

• AI computing
• Sensor fusion
• Autonomous driving
• Multi-camera systems

These applications require extremely high-speed data transmission between sensors and compute modules.

2. Automotive Reliability

These connector systems provide:

• EMI shielding
• Vibration resistance
• High-temperature stability
• Secure locking mechanisms

They are specifically designed for automotive environments.

3. Compact High-Density Design

Compared with traditional connectors, MATE-AX and H-MTD offer:

• Smaller size
• Higher port density
• Reduced wiring complexity
• Lower overall system weight

Summary

These high-speed cable assemblies form the core interconnect architecture of the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor platform, enabling reliable communication between cameras, displays, sensors, Ethernet networks, and AI computing systems in next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs).