DUBLIN, Ireland, -- The electrical and electronic content of cars continues its upward trajectory. Already estimated at a quarter of the content value of vehicles, it is felt that by 2010 some 40% of a vehicle's cost base will be accounted for by its electrical power and control systems. So far as cabin equipment and systems are concerned, this increase is being driven by the need to install yet more equipment - generally perceived by each car manufacturer as the defining characteristic, the unique selling proposition, or USP, of the vehicle - without allowing that equipment to add either cost or weight.
This compromise clearly calls for a dexterity of thinking, and sometimes taking a lateral approach by making it easy for drivers to make use of their own equipment - whether a PDA, a mobile telephone or a self-sourced rear seat entertainment system - which offers the best of all worlds. This latter choice allows homologated kerb weights to be kept to the minimum possible; any additional weight is the responsibility of the driver, not the vehicle maker.
But if the weight issue is relatively easy to deal with, the complexity of wiring harnesses becomes greater with each addition. In the past the key to a reliable system was a basic, foolproof wiring harness with high-grip connectors, but today it is a matter of integrating power and data networks in all but the most basic of cars. Software-driven digital architecture makes it less complicated than might have once been the case, but even so the hard wiring required by audio-visual equipment and integrated telephone systems means that the designers are faced with complex choices. These will become more so as driver information and active safety systems are added into the mix.
This presents ever-greater challenges to systems designers and integrators; more so still if the move over to 42-volt electrical architecture happens as planned. Power controllers, gateways, interfaces and smart components - all of which require dedicated and sophisticated driver software - will add to the component count. If the microprocessor manufacturers are to be believed those businesses will be amongst the primary beneficiaries of the new age.
This report represents independent analysis of automotive electronics, and covers the following vehicle areas: driver interfaces, connectivity/bluetooth, audio/navigation, climate control, plsu safety and security.
It concludes with brief profiles of the major systems suppliers, namely: Aisin Seiki, Alpine, Bosch, Clarion, Delphi, Denso, Gedas, Gentex, Kenwood, Mitsubishi Electrical Automotive, Motorola, Siemens VDO, TRW Automotive, Valeo, and Visteon.
Research and Markets has announced the addition of A Global Market Review Of Vehicle Interior Electronics, 2nd Edition to their offering.
