Delphi's Vision to Equip Future Generation Vehicles For 'Electronics Revolution'
13 September 1999
Delphi's Visionary Concept to Equip Future Generation Vehicles For 'Electronics Revolution'
FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 13 -- As the "automotive
electronics revolution" of the 21st Century is approaching, Delphi Automotive
Systems' visionary concept for a vehicle's electrical/electronic
(E/E) architecture will dramatically reduce system complexity for OEMs while
providing passengers with access to exciting mobile communication, telematics
and entertainment features.
"By combining all of the vehicle's electrical and electronic subsystems
into one coordinated and optimized system, everybody wins," said Mark Lynn,
Delphi senior project engineer. "First, vehicle manufacturers will have an
easier time building vehicles and keeping them up-to-date with the latest
features. Consumers ultimately would have access to more sophisticated
features like advanced ride and handling systems, global positioning satellite
navigation, television and digital video broadcast, and other off-board
information services. And, diagnostics and repair would be more accurate and
quicker."
Delphi's Integrated Vehicle Electrical/Electronics Systems (IVEES)
approach creates an E/E infrastructure that can simplify the process by which
features and functions are added to the vehicle, enabling vehicle
manufacturers to quickly respond to changing market demands. Utilizing the
flexibility afforded by the IVEES architecture, features can be added to a
vehicle between major model changes, with minimum impact on the packaging,
layout or complexity. Adding a new feature or function can be as simple as
upgrading the software in an existing electronic control unit (ECU) or
replacing an old device with a new one either before or after a vehicle is
sold.
Delphi's IVEES display, which will be showcased at the Frankfurt
International Motor Show this week, illustrates how the IVEES approach --
through the use of distributed computing, an onboard computer LAN (Local Area
Network) for data communication and smart connectors/devices -- can optimize
the vehicle electrical/electronic system.
IVEES provides the communications infrastructure for the vehicle's
computers, displays, sensors and actuators. Coupled with Delphi's Mobile
MultiMedia capabilities, IVEES maximizes the driving experience by providing
the vehicle infrastructure that gives access to features such as turn-by-turn
navigation updated with real-time traffic conditions, Internet features such
as e-mail or stock updates, or even real-time system diagnostics. In
addition, passengers can access various on-board or off-board entertainment or
interactive services.
"The interaction between the vehicle's systems will take the driver to the
next level of performance, safety, comfort and convenience," said Lynn.
"IVEES, commonly referred to as the backbone of the vehicle's systems, can
enable systems integration in an efficient and cost-effective manner."
The ultimate IVEES implementation would link multiple, strategically
positioned, networked electrical/electronic controllers by a high-speed fiber
optic communication bus. This fiber optic bus permits the transfer of very
high data rate information among the networked E/E controllers for
applications such as real-time vehicle control.
Each networked E/E controller would control functions within a physical
area of the vehicle -- such as the right front corner -- and be connected to
all sensors and actuators within that area by several low speed busses.
Although some networked controllers would control all functions within a
physical area, others may be assigned specific functions, such as engine,
transmission, or braking control. These local multiplexed busses would be
comprised of three wires: one each to carry power, data and ground. At any
point on a bus, distributed electronic input/output (I/O) devices (i.e. smart
connectors or smart devices) would be attached via insulation displacement
connections (IDC).
An IDC terminal pierces the insulation of each of the three wires,
providing power and data connections for the smart connector/device. This
simple, but effective design enables fast, easy assembly and design
flexibility, according to Lynn.
"The major benefit of using IDC with smart connectors or smart devices is
a significant reduction in the number of cut leads in the vehicle, and that
means reductions in cost, size, mass, and improved quality and reliability,"
Lynn said.
According to Delphi engineers, when compared to today's electrical
architecture for a luxury vehicle, the IVEES architecture could offer:
* 20 percent reduction in terminals;
* 35 percent reduction in cable;
* 65 percent reduction in cut leads;
* A dramatic increase in vehicle design and packaging flexibility;
* Improved vehicle and system diagnostics;
* Future vehicle content growth; without the typical complexity;
* Simplified component and vehicle assembly;
* Integration of high/multiple voltage systems (i.e. 14/42-volt
architecture); and,
* Increased system reliability.
While the benefits of a full vehicle implementation are significant, IVEES
can have significant impact when applied to subsystems or vehicle modules.
For example, Lynn said, a seat module or a cockpit module would be a good
candidate for an IVEES subsystem application using smart connectors/devices.
Today, a conventional high content, multiplexed seat can contain three
electronic control units and as many as 123 cut leads.
With the IVEES approach, the controllers are eliminated and the number of
cut leads can be reduced to 24. This provides a significant packaging
advantage due to a cleaner installation.
The IVEES architecture is designed with the future in mind. It can
accommodate future electrical/electronic functional needs with easier
installation and increased efficiency. OEMs can implement the architecture
once, and then simply tap into the existing information networks to add new
functions with minimal changes to the vehicle build process and minimal
additional space requirements. IVEES is also compatible with dual voltage
(i.e., 14V-42V) power storage and generation systems.
Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, is a
world leader in automotive component and systems technology. Delphi's three
business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical
Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communications -- provide comprehensive
product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has more than 200,000
employees and operates 169 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 40 joint ventures
and 27 technical centers in 36 countries. Regional headquarters are located
in Paris, Tokyo, Sao Paulo. Delphi can be found on the Internet at
http://www.delphiauto.com