Innovative signal and power connection solutions for alternative powertrain concepts

Since the automotive wiring harness interconnects all electrical components in a vehicle, it also must adapt to all componential, mechanical, and electrical architecture changes. For this reason, almost all trends that affect the vehicle in general also affect the wiring system. This paper describes the current situation, analyses the most important trends in the automotive industry, and discusses their effects on the wiring system. In particular, the focus is on the current megatrend of electromobility and the associated electrification of the powertrain. In addition to the integration of autonomous driving functions and Car-To-X- Communication, the electrification adds new requirements and tasks for the wire harness. In this context, a holistic approach is taken to combine various fields of research such as automation solutions, computer-aided technologies, functional integration, as well as reliability models to offer a solution for the challenges caused by current automotive trends.