The architecture and analysis of the XK8 electrical system

The electrical distribution system (EDS) is the network of wire, connectors, fuses and relays which carry the electrical power, signals and information around a car. It is the "backbone" and "nervous system" of the Jaguar XK8 automobile. The primary objectives in designing the new distribution system for this project were to: reduce wiring, weight, packaging space and complexity; improve ease of manufacture; reduce build time of vehicle; lower development costs; improve quality; and, additionally, produce production intent design and process significantly earlier during the development of the vehicle. This was achieved via system integration, increased system robustness and in just 36 months from programme approval. The authors firstly describe the overall design approach, and then some of the details of the actual harness design.