Decentralization of power distribution

The zone architecture uses zone gateways to distribute data to the smart sensors, actuators and ECUs in the zone and to consolidate data for communication to the central computing modules. These zone data gateways can also distribute power to modules in that zone. For example, if routing a single power harness from the battery to the zone, the zone module in that zone then distributes power to the modules in that zone. Figure 2 also illustrates this concept, in which the zone modules distributes power to module in that zone. That is, the zonal module includes relevant fuses and relays required for distributing power.

The advantage of this power distribution method is reduction in the length of power harnesses routed from the battery to each zone when compared to the length of harness wires required for centralized power distribution. This reduction directly translates to lower weight and cost.

In decentralized power distribution, one of the challenges is to design power distribution boxes that work in any zone, regardless of the loads in that zone, not only to help lower design costs but also to alleviate inventory management. Using smart power distribution boxes that include semiconductor microcontrollers (MCUs), high-side switches and transceivers makes it possible to configure the hardware using software to match the loads in that zone.