Integrating the IP

Automotive Industries, May, 1999 by Norman Martin

"It (the bus) not only cuts your wiring and number of processors way down, but it has mass savings, wire routing simplicity and allows you to plug-and-play additional units like your home PC," says Anthony Gardner, director of modular cockpits at Delphi in Troy, Mich.

He adds that the next step in this process is moving to one processor in the IP cockpit Using a combination of broke-by-wire, throttle-by-wire, and even steer-by-wire, engineers can completely change the complexion and capabilities of the cockpit Right- and left-hand drive becomes as simple as unplugging a module from the right side of the car and moving it to the left side of the car and vice-versa. Delphi showed just such a prototype at this year's SAE meeting in Detroit. "It really can radically change the whole cockpit structure," Gardner says.

Clearly, the value of this prime automotive real estate is still on the rise, and it appears that the foundation for a safer, less expensive but more functional instrument panel is set in place.

The State-of-the-Art IP

Visteon expects these design features to appear in tomorrow's vehicle cockpits.

(1) Removable Topper: Top of IP pops off for quick access to electronics. Improves service time, and includes integrated air ducting and cluster trim bezel.

(2) Flat Wire and Connection Technology: Replaces traditional round wire flat wire circuits for weight reduction, reduction of connectors and package efficiency. Also provides heat sinking for components and shielding,

(3) Integrated Electronics: More like a modern PC than a car, electronic hardware is centralized for fewer electronic components and circuit boards, as well as reduction of connectors and better package efficiency.

(4) Integrated Climate Control: By having much thinner display panels, the HVAC can now be center-mounted to provide left- and right-hand commonality. Air noise is reduced with larger ducts, while there's potential for a smaller blower motor.

(5) Integrated Software: Software -- audio, cluster and airbag, as well as climate control and plug-and-play -- can be centralized and integrated.

(6) Plug-and-Play: A self-docking connection system allows for greater flexibility in customizing electronic features, whether it's high-end audio or navigation. It also allows the dealer to upgrade as the software changes or improves.

(7) Structural Member: A magnesium structural beam features integrated housings and brackets, reduced weight and thermal management.

Plugging The `Infotainment' Gap

How much electronic gadgetry do customers want in their cars? And how much more will they pay for it? That's the question automakers are asking as they ponder adding expensive "infotainment" electronics to the vehicle cockpit.

"There's sort of a feeding-frenzy, but customers don't drive a lot of that stuff," says Trevor Creed, vice president of design at DaimlerChrysler's Jeep/Truck group in Auburn Hills, Mich. "It's driven by the industry. The industry decides that what we need are fancy radio/heater/navigation systems combined together."