Paradox of Miniaturization Trend Versus Hybrid Electrical Vehicle Requirements 2012-36-0262

In recent years, a number of key influences are contributing to accelerate technological innovation in the automotive industrial sector. Concerns about renewable energy resource, fossil-fuels crises and higher gasoline prices, global warming awareness and environmental impacts, scarcity of minerals/metals and electronics demands rising are some of the major challenges for vehicle automakers and their suppliers. The interest in alternative fuel vehicles, especially hybrid-electrical vehicles (HEV) or renewable energy power concepts for road vehicles has become intensified and represents a significant area of research and development in order to meet nowadays global demands. However because of Hybrid Vehicles unique Power Supply System the electrical/electronic architecture (E/E) is sophisticated, requesting more robust sealing and a particular wiring harness components, such as connector, terminals and cables. On the other hand there is a remarkable miniaturization over automotive Power and Signal Distribution System components following by electronically controlled systems growth to meet customers' demands in quality requirements, driver safety and comfort, and infotainment networking applications. So the scope of this work is to present scenarios of literature as well as reported point of view from automotive wiring harness experts who are facing and discussing Hybrid and electrical vehicles and alternatives for 14/42V Power Supply Systems impact on E/E architecture in contrast with automotive miniaturization trends for the Brazilian Market demands.