MQS stands for Micro Quadlok System, a compact automotive terminal standard used in H-MTD®+ connectors for power and signal integration.

 

When reading automotive connector specifications from Rosenberger, many engineers encounter the following statement:

 

“Rosenberger modular H-MTD®+ powerpin connectors include several MQS contacts.”

 

This often raises an important question:

 

🔍 What exactly is MQS?

 

MQS is not a communication protocol, nor is it a high-speed Ethernet interface.

 

In fact, MQS is a well-established automotive terminal system standard widely used in vehicle electronics.

 

Its full name is:

 

MQS = Micro Quadlok System

 

Originally developed by TE Connectivity (formerly Tyco / AMP), MQS has become one of the most common compact terminal systems in the automotive industry.

 

1. What Is MQS (Micro Quadlok System)?

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MQS terminal system is a compact automotive-grade contact system designed for:

 

• Signal transmission
• ECU communication
• Sensor and control wiring
• Low-voltage power supply

 

It is especially common in modern vehicle electronics where high-density, reliable connections are required.

 

MQS Key Features:

 

Feature	Description
Full Name	Micro Quadlok System
Type	Automotive terminal/contact system
Main Purpose	Low-current signal & power transmission
Typical Wire Size	0.35mm² – 0.75mm²
Current Range	Approx. 2A – 7.5A
Advantages	Compact size, vibration resistance, automotive reliability
Common Applications	ECU, ADAS, cameras, BCM, sensors

 

 

MQS Applications:

 

Because of its compact structure and proven automotive durability, MQS typical applications can be found in products such as PCM-ZC-0130, PCM-ZC-0131, PCM-ZC-0132, PCM-ZC-0133, etc, which are widely use in:

• ECU modules
• ADAS systems
• Lighting systems
• Domain controllers
• Automotive cameras
• Sensor power interfaces

 

 

2. The Role of MQS in Rosenberger H-MTD®+

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Rosenberger H-MTD®+ connector is a high-speed automotive connector platform designed for modern vehicle networking.

 

A standard H-MTD connector mainly handles:

 

• LVDS
• Automotive Ethernet
• High-speed differential signals

 

However, the H-MTD®+ Powerpin version,like PCM-ZC-0134, PCM-ZC-0137, PCM-ZC-0138, extends functionality by integrating:

 

• Additional power pins
• MQS contacts for low-voltage power supply

 

This creates a hybrid connector architecture capable of transmitting:

 

• High-Speed Data + Power Through a Single Connector

 

In practical automotive applications, this enables:

 

• Camera power + Ethernet data
• LiDAR power + data transmission
• ECU auxiliary power + networking
• Radar power + high-speed communication

 

Simple Comparison :

 

Component	Main Function
H-MTD	High-speed data transmission
MQS Contacts	Low-voltage power/signal
H-MTD®+ Powerpin	Hybrid data + power connector

 

 

3. Why Does Rosenberger Use MQS Contacts?

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The answer is largely based on automotive engineering requirements.

 

MQS offers several important advantages:

 

① Compact Size

 

Modern automotive electronics demand smaller connector footprints, especially in:

 

• Cameras
• ADAS modules
• Autonomous driving systems

MQS enables high-density packaging in limited installation spaces.

② Automotive Reliability

 

 

MQS is already a mature automotive-standard terminal system with proven performance in:

 

• Thermal stability
• Vibration resistance
• Long-term vehicle durability

 

This makes it ideal for integration into next-generation automotive Ethernet connectors.

 

③ Hybrid Connector Simplification

 

 

Instead of using:

 

• one connector for Ethernet
• another connector for power

 

H-MTD®+ combines both into a single interface.

 

 

This reduces:

 

• Connector count
• Installation space
• Wiring complexity
• Vehicle harness weight

 

4. MQS Is a Terminal Standard - Not an Ethernet Interface

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One important distinction is that MQS itself does not transmit Ethernet.

 

Instead:

 

• H-MTD handles high-speed differential data
• MQS handles low-voltage power and auxiliary signals

 

Therefore, MQS should be understood as:

 

• ✔️A compact automotive terminal/contact standard
• ❌rather than a communication protocol.