Signal and power networks
The number of mechatronic systems in electrical and electronic equipment and facilities has multiplied exponentially in recent decades by their greatly increased performance. Mechatronic systems differ widely in size, complexity of the functions, the amount of individual parts and the number of produced units. In general wire and cable in various designs, optically and electrically conductive structures on substrate and wireless transfer technology are used as transmission media for the signal and power networks in mechatronic systems. The link of this media with the components of a mechatronic system is carried out through the use of interconnection technologies that are specifically adapted to the functional and non-functional requirements of the overall system. An economically significant environment is the automotive industry, where a wide range of differential components and requirements are encountered. However the signal and power interconnection of mechatronic systems faces many challenges. These are, to name a few:- Components in cable harnesses assume increasingly intelligent functions of sensors, controllers and actuators
- In future the energy and information distribution will be integrated in mechanical parts
- Information and even energy will be transferred via bus systems and wireless
- Future automation technologies enable efficient assembly and test of cable harnesses also in high-wage countries
- New computer-based technologies enable the virtual simulation and optimization of mechatronic wiring systems
- The efforts of lightweight design and resource efficiency force to use new materials and interconnection technologies
- The complexity of interaction of mechatronic systems, especially in motor vehicles, requires new understanding of the long term stability
In the research sector of Signal and power networks, potentials for efficient solutions in process and assembly technology will be identified based on situation analyses, mounting and installation of cable harnesses. Taking into account of modern technologies such as the handling and assembly techniques, as well as the use of advanced software solutions for the control of production lines, prototype production cells should be build up in the technical center. For future solutions investigations are consistently carried out on new construction and interconnection technologies in executable forms of transmission media and contact parts, as well as on innovative manufacturing processes such as the 3D-MID technology.