Eaton Showcases `Next Generation Electrical Architecture Program' -- NGEA -- At Convergence 2000
16 October 2000
Eaton Showcases `Next Generation Electrical Architecture Program' -- NGEA -- At Convergence 2000
Business Editors and Automotive WritersDETROIT--Oct. 16, 2000--Eaton Corporation will unveil the Next Generation Electrical Architecture program (NGEA) at Convergence 2000, October 16 - 18, 2000 at the Cobo Center in Detroit, MI. The NGEA program conceived and led by Oakland University's Product Development & Manufacturing (PDM) Center is an initiative to create a dual use electrical architecture acceptable for both military and commercial applications.
Eaton Automotive has partnered with DaimlerChrysler and the National Automotive Center to help define the electrical content and open architecture in the next generation of automotive and military vehicles. "The primary goals are to reduce warranty, improve customer satisfaction, and lower cost through the addition of self-diagnostics, bi-directional vehicle communications, and fault-over capability," said David Gardner of Eaton's Automotive Group.
Eaton provided the control modules for the NGEA program showcased in a specially modified Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle features Eaton's SAGE technology to provide wireless communications between the vehicle's J1850 bus, various component modules, and a computer in the vehicle which shows Internet messaging, diagnostic information, fault-over instructions, GPS location, and more.
The vehicle simulates external bi-directional communications with an OEM/dealer network via a computer located near the vehicle. The computer receives diagnostic information from the vehicle. It can, for example, notify the user of a problem, upload modifications to the vehicle software to correct the error, or schedule/send service. Faults are detected immediately when they occur, which means corrective action can be taken even before the customer ever uses the faulty device.
A side view mirror, equipped with Eaton mirror and power fold actuators, is also displayed near the vehicle to demonstrate wireless communications, self-diagnostics, and fault-over capability. The mirror fold switch will be purposely disabled to demonstrate the open architecture's ability to diagnose the fault, notify the user and/or the OEM/dealer, and provide instructions and the ability to use another switch in the vehicle to perform this function. This fault-over capability can be used to temporarily replace mission critical switches to reduce incidences of stranded vehicles.
Eaton Automotive, the world's largest producer of automotive engine valves, offers innovative products including a wide range of engine management components, mechanical and electronic differentials and various automotive controls. For more information about Eaton Corporation' s automotive products and businesses visit http://www.automotive.eaton.com.
Eaton Corporation is a global manufacturer of highly engineered products that serve industrial, vehicle, construction, commercial, aerospace and semiconductor markets. Principal products include hydraulic products and fluid connectors, electrical power distribution and control equipment, truck drivetrain systems, engine components, ion implanters and a wide variety of controls. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company has 64,000 employees and 200 manufacturing sites in 24 countries. Eaton's sales for 1999 were $8.4 billion. The Internet address for Eaton is http://www.eaton.com.