Moving From Round to Flat in Automotive Wire Harnesses

Multiplexing of electrical signals in automobiles is beginning to be used as vehicles are continually being designed with more electronics and options. Multiplexing is essentially putting a digitally encoded signal on a wire and decoding that signal at the other end. This allows merging multiple communication paths into a single serial signal path.

The advantages of multiplexing include reducing the number of wires needed in a vehicle, increased functionality, increased flexibility, integration of system functions and improved systems diagnostics.

Flat Flex

Coming hand-in-hand with multiplexing is the use of flex circuits and flat flexible cable (FFC) to replace wiring harnesses. Flat flexible cables are typically used in applications that require repeated flexing.

Examples of applications include:

-Office equipment
-Industrial controls
-Laptop computers
-Disk drives
-Printers
-Avionics
-Appliances
-Cellular phones

The drivers pushing auto manufacturers to use FFC are reduced weight, less connectors, package efficiency, improved EMI/RFI performance, the move towards multiplexing and the trend toward infotainment systems in automobiles.

Multiplexing and FFC/flex circuits will see their first use in instrument panels as the real estate in this area becomes more crowded and the demand for plug and play infotainment systems continues.

The instrument panel is being designed to integrate remote electronic devices into fewer, smaller, and faster packages. This includes the radio, driver information, climate control, wire harnesses, pigtails, and connectors – all packaged into an integrated architecture.

Overall, the result of replacing wire harnesses with FFC and/or flat flex circuits throughout a vehicle (except for headlights and in the engine compartment) will result in a connector reduction of 75%; wire harness reduction of 50%; space reduction of 70% (about one cubic foot of space for the instrument panel); and simplified troubleshooting.

Major Players

The automotive OEM goals are to offer more options and reduce weight at lower cost. Conventional wire harnesses are bulky and offer less electrical integrity. The use of FFC and/or flex circuits allows auto manufacturers to achieve both goals.

The technology is currently being used or investigated for instrument panel, headliner, floor, door, and tailgate applications and it currently specifies in-body electrical applications for Ford, Chrysler, and GM vehicles.

All the major instrument panel producers such as Visteon and Delphi, are developing these multiplexed, integrated instrument panels. Hence, all of the wire harness producers are developing FFC and/or flex circuits for use in the instrument panel.

This has the potential for major growth as FFC and flex circuits replace wire harnesses in the instrument panel. Use of FFC in other areas will occur as its advantages are realized as they are now being realized for the instrument panel.

Random Posts

• February 27, 2010 -- What books can i read about the women in the infantry issue? (0)
  i know that women are not allowed to be 11 Bravo( infantry) as an MOS! i just need some books that talk about the topic! author and name of the book please! ...
• June 11, 2010 -- Smart companies cut office costs! (0)
  Companies of every size and industry are currently being faced with the challenge of how to survive the global economic crisis. Many observers believe the companies who maintain their core business objectives throughout the downturn will reap the ben...
• July 5, 2010 -- Casio Men’s AWG100-1A G-Shock Multi-Band Solar Atomic Analog Watch (0)
  Quartz movementDaily alarm, countdown timer, 1/100 second stopwatchAccuracy: +/-15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration); world Time (48 Cities), Shock ResistantLED Light with Afterglow; hourly Time Signal; auto Calendar (pre-programmed un...
• June 15, 2010 -- Ceaco Piecless Puzzle School Cafeteria Extreme and Sunken Treasure – 2 Sided (0)
  Pieceless Puzzle - It's all one piece!!Soft and durable2 sidedgreat for travel Product DescriptionPieceless Puzzle featuring "School Cafeteria Extreme" and "Sunken Treasure". Ceaco Piecless Puzzle School Cafeteria Extreme and Sunken Treasure - ...
• June 21, 2010 -- A Great Solution To Increase World Wide Web Promoting – Search Engine Marketing Web Advertising For Much Better Internet Visitors (0)
  If have to have tips so that you can have an improve Web advertising strategy, then read this. This post will let you know how to complete Search engine optimization Internet marketing.Most of the marketers over the web fail simply because they don't...
• May 30, 2010 -- Motorbike Books. (0)
  Motorbike Books, Routes And Touring Information. Motorbike Books....
• September 21, 2010 -- Enjoy the Photography With Digital Cameras (0)
  Digital photography is getting huge popularity among the all-level photographers. In fact, the age of film cameras is gone and now the cameras that can produce digital quality images are in vogue. Such cameras have brought a new revolution in the fie...
• April 6, 2010 -- Issaquah’s Crittenden hopes to leap into world record books at 60 (0)
  Issaquah's Crittenden hopes to leap into world record books at 60 For Jim Crittenden, age is simply a number. "I still feel like a youngster," the 60-year-old Issaquah resident said. Read more on Sammamish Reporter ...
• December 1, 2010 -- How to start building electronics as a hobby? (0)
  I very interested in electronics, circuits computer design, enginering, magnets.. everything.. however where do i start and what are tools i will need? im not talking about going to college just building somthing myself and having pride in. I would...
• February 9, 2011 -- Tru-Guru Home Biz Mastery – High Conversion, Recurring Commisions. (0)
  Starting An Online Business Was Never Easier! Step-by-step Video Instruction With Downloadable Documentation. High Customer Retention High Conversion Lifetime Recurring Commissions! Tru-Guru Home Biz Mastery - High Conversion, Recurring Commisions....
• November 13, 2010 -- Show Me the Money: 7 Cash Stashes for Small Business Start-ups (0)
  Susan L Reid, MS, DMA, Small Business Start Up Coach & Accidental Pren-her? is the soon-to-be author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai. She provides value, inspiration and direction for entrepreneurial women starting up and launching small bus...
• August 27, 2010 -- Property, 7th Edition (0)
  Product DescriptionSHIPS WITHIN 24 HOURS NEW BOOK FROM PUBLISHER US HARDCOVER 7TH EDITION STILL IN THE PLASTIC WRAP WITH ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE BOOK INCLUDED GREAT BUY!!! Property, 7th Edition...