Page 2 - NEW NETWORKS FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

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SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION instead of copper wire. Another option
might be to move to single-mode glass or
Because of these challenges, electrical
plastic fiber optic cable. One fiber optic line
system optimization is vital. Some available
can replace multiple copper wires. Also,
systems provide more shielding and current
some manufacturers are using flat cabling
density and can operate in the extreme
because it can be mounted flat to the sides
shock and vibration conditions found in fully
of the vehicle and does not have to be
electric and hybrid commercial vehicles.
bundled like traditional wiring (a bundle of
Also, as mentioned above, components that wires creates a circular cross section with
reduce disruptive EMI and RFI are essential a larger diameter, whereas flat cable does
for electric vehicles. Some are designed not).
for high-frequency switched-mode power FULL VEHICLE VIEW
supply (SMPS) applications, to significantly
reduce EMI and RFI. These assemblies Finally, a commercial vehicle network
allow OEMs and end users to connect high- must be designed as an integrated system
power electrical cables directly through an based on system speed requirements,
enclosure wall, simplifying the installation desired protocols, number of required ports,
process. connector attachments, cable design,
cable shielding levels, and performance
expectations. As a result, the connector
supplier must also be a systems designer,
working closely with the customer early
in the design process. And while some
commercial vehicle developers have a staff
of experts overseeing electrical system
design, others may rely on their connector
suppliers for that knowledge. A good
connector supplier should be capable of
engaging the customer early in the process
Woodhead MAX-LOC Plus Shielded Cord-Grip to ensure that a commercial vehicle’s
®
Assemblies are designed for high-frequency networking system can do the job. For the
switched-mode power supply applications.
high-power applications typically found
MAKING A GOOD EXIT in electric or hybrid vehicles, a similar
approach must be used to select the right
In addition to standard body and chassis
interconnect scheme as overall resistance
connectors, a commercial vehicle engine
and shielding of the system are critical to
may have more than 40 sensors in it, not
meeting system requirements.
to mention multiple high-speed shielded
cables and high-voltage cables for power
and telematics in the vehicle. A large
number of wires and connections are routed
to control modules that can be the size of a
pizza box. Just trying to get the mixture of
straight and right-angle entry wires routed
through the vehicle is a challenge.
As a result, smaller, lighter, and more
flexible connectors that allow easier cable
exits are required. For example, a 1.5mm
terminal may need to be downsized to
1.2mm, and 18- or 20-gauge wire replaced
with 22-gauge wire. Likewise, smaller
insulation diameters and lighter-weight
aluminum wire may need to be used

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