Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA)–Analyzing Electrical Hardpoints to Realize an Optimum EEDS Architecture

The automotive industry has long known the benefits of platform commonality and the reusability of components. Major efforts have been made towards this goal but a corporate electrical/electronics distribution systems (EEDS) architecture has been somewhat elusive. EEDS includes the wiring harness, power distribution centers and most recently body control functions. As original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) continue to strive towards standardization, will it ever be possible for the industry to harmonize on common building block elements?

Not only do systems vary between OEMs but also across vehicle platforms. Why? Theory of Constraints dictates that varying constraints lead to different optimum solutions. The road to enlightenment must lie in the analysis of “electrical hardpoints” and their effect on EEDS architectures. The automotive industry is most familiar with the terminology as it relates to vehicle structural hardpoints, however a similar concept can be applied to electrical systems.

This paper introduces a design methodology to create a flexible EEDS architecture that adapts to varying electrical requirements. The SMA concept is defined, the overall process model proposed and specific procedural examples given.