42 V-impact on electrical distribution systems and components

The driving forces for the introduction of 42 V electrical systems on vehicles are well known. Areas which will benefit from the enhanced actuation possibilities include powertrain, chassis control, fuel economy and emissions. However, the implementation of such systems, whether they be at 42 V exclusively or with dual 14/42 V supplies, poses several new challenges to the electrical distribution system (EDS) designer. In this paper, the impact of 42 V on a number of key system components is discussed, together with some of the issues affecting the EDS as a complete entity.