Yazaki, JCI Take Electrical System Modular
16 October 2000
Yazaki, JCI Take Electrical System Modular
CANTON, Mich., Oct. 16 There has been a great deal of talk
about satisfying the need for more power in vehicles by increasing the voltage
from 14 to 42 volts. Due to component availability and new design
considerations, this conversion to a higher voltage will be complex. Yazaki
North America, Inc. (Yazaki) and Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) are addressing
these higher voltage issues head on, and have collaborated on a demo dual-
voltage vehicle which will be displayed for the first time at Convergence
2000. Both companies have brought their complementary expertise to this
vehicle to demonstrate the first application of the Scalable Nodal Active
Power (SNAP(TM)) Architecture.
SNAP(TM) architecture is the next evolution in power management, from
passive load switching to active power and load management. Yazaki's
distributed nodal architecture enables this new direction and enables a
modular implementation. There are two essential components of this
architecture: the SNAP(TM) Source Module and the SNAP(TM) Gateway. The Source
Module efficiently integrates all power generation components and includes
Johnson Controls' 42-volt AGM Batteries and their Smart Charge Management
Control that dramatically increases battery life. The source module also
contains a Yazaki developed dual-voltage power distribution box (PDB) and
includes the capability to accommodate additional 42-volt loads in the future.
Other features include snap-in, tool-less connections for the batteries, and
keyed 42-volt jump-start connections to prevent reverse jump.
Two SNAP(TM) Gateways provide pulse-width modulated (PWM) 42-volts, or the
equivalent of 14-volt RMS, to the existing lighting system, which had
presented the biggest challenge in transitioning to this new power standard.
The SNAP(TM) Gateway allows scalable local distribution of 42-volt DC or PWM
voltage thus minimizing the electrical distribution system complexity.
Additionally, the Gateways and Source Module can enable additional features
like easier software configuration, "smart" bulb use (using one bulb to
function for another in case of failure) or load shedding based on the battery
condition.
This Yazaki/JCI innovation also features the 42-volt loads of a 42-volt
alternator, 42-volt starter motor, and a 42-volt engine-cooling fan.
The automotive business of Johnson Controls -- which employs more than
65,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide -- achieved US$12.1 billion in sales
for the 1999 fiscal year. In model-year 2000, it will supply interior
products for more than 23 million vehicles. Johnson Controls, Inc. is a
global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and
control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of seating and
interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson
Controls provides building control systems and service, energy management and
integrated facility management. Johnson Controls , founded in
1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its sales for 1999 totaled
US$16.1 billion.
Yazaki Corporation is a global leader in the design and development of
vehicle infrastructure and networking products including translation devices,
which are the physical conduit for MOST network implementation. Yazaki
produces many components associated with electrical distribution systems.
They include instrumentation, junction blocks, connector systems, electronic
wiring systems and advanced technology. Worldwide, the company employs more
than 100,000 people in 31 countries. 1,400 employees are based in the
company's new North American corporate headquarters and research center in
Canton, Michigan.