Analysis of Interfaces and Interface Management of Automobile Systems (2008-01-0279)

Automobile systems are often linked with a high amount of interfaces in a vehicle. An essential assumption for a trouble-free application is a clearly defined informationflow over the life time period of a product. If any information is not included or not communicated to the responsible technical departments the consequence may be an unintended visit to a repair shop or perhaps even a vehicle recall. To avoid such uncomfortable situations Ford Motor Company applies and recommends a systematic approach to analyze all affected interfaces for successful system integration. The primary task of this article is to present all necessary steps and tools-in-theory. For demonstration an ideal example is attached which can be used as a practical guideline.