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Switch fabric communication networks have been proposed for use in automobiles as a means of reducing the physical complexity of communication and control systems. Such networks have proven very valuable in telecommunications and business computing applications. Similar advantages are foreseen in the automotive area. This paper begins to summarize the partitioning and communication requirements of a highly-distributed engine control system that would be part of a switch fabric network in a vehicle. Engine controls have traditionally been constructed by connecting a large number of input and output devices to a large-scale control module. Most of the signal conditioning and output driving circuitry is combined with a microcontroller and other specialized integrated circuits in the control module. In a vehicle with a switch fabric network, some of the signal conditioning and drive electronics would be distributed out to the actual input and output devices.

This paper describes a strategy that allows a vehicle builder to quickly design and build an electrical communication and control system infrastructure. The power, ground, and communication infrastructure connects readily available operator interfaces and other electromechanical devices together with high level controllers to provide a complete vehicle electrical system.