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Chrysler Group Brings Electronic Evolution to Mainstream Automotive Markets
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Chrysler Group
is redesigning its vehicle electrical systems from the ground up to give
customers more convenience and features.
"Designing the most sophisticated electrical system is a fair challenge,"
said Bill Mattingly, Vice President Electrical/Electronics Engineering Core,
Chrysler Group, "but it`s a much greater challenge to design and integrate a
high-tech system in mainstream sedans and SUVs at a cost/benefit ratio that`s
right for the customer."
Mattingly participated in a panel today at the Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE) Convergence Conference at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Michigan. The
Convergence panel brought together the top electrical engineers from six of
the world`s major carmakers.
"In an environment where the only thing constant is change, we are
constantly faced with furthering the electrical capabilities in our vehicles
while minimizing cost and continuing to deliver stringent reliability," said
Mattingly. "Efforts to increase global electrical engineering standards,
supplier involvement and quality gains remain challenges we all face as an
industry."
The Chrysler Group continues to enhance its electrical communication
systems. In 2004, the company implemented a high-speed Controller Area
Network (CAN) bus system, CAN-C, for powertrain and chassis applications, and
a low-speed CAN-B for body applications. These changes enable systems to do
more calculations at a much higher rate, allow the use of smart sensors and
generally add flexibility and capability to a vehicle electrical system.
"The electrical system is asked to do more, and we continue to provide
more and more features in the car," said Mattingly. "At the same time we are
finding more efficient ways to accomplish this."
Numerous initiatives include consolidating features from separate modules
to create one group of systems rather than multiple separate systems. For
example, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum include a Cluster Compartment Node
(CCN) which combines the following major content:
* Door locking system
* Vehicle security
* Interior lighting control
* Audible warnings
* Exterior lighting control
* Graphic/text displays
* Indicators/warnings
* Gauges
* CAN-B messages
* Rear wiper/washer
Additionally, the Chrysler Group has adopted an aggressive Infotainment
strategy bringing customer-feature electronics predominantly into the vehicle.
Radio-based multi-media applications such as UConnect hands-free telephone
capability, Navigation, DVD, SIRIUS Satellite radio and MP3 are readily
available factory-installed options within select Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge
vehicles.
"As vehicle electronics continue to grow with the needs of our customers,"
said Mattingly. "We continue to find smarter ways to meet those needs."
SOURCE Chrysler Group