Abstract: An electrical/electronic system architecture for a vehicle includes a plurality of regions partitioning the vehicle, with each region having a regional electrical/electronic controller (REEC) and at least one local network partitioning each region, with each local network having an electrical/electronic device. The electrical/electronic system architecture includes a global power distribution network that distributes power from a power source to the REEC within each region and a regional power distribution system that distributes the power from the REEC to the local network. The electrical/electronic system architecture also includes a global communication network that provides serial data communication between the REECs in the regions and a regional communication network communicating with the global communication network, such that the regional communication network provides data communication between the REEC and the local network within the region.

Abstract: An integrated BEDC and PCB provided through a low cost, highly reliable interconnect system. The upper and/or lower half of the main insulation assembly of a BEDC is provided with a recess for accommodating at least an edge portion of the substrate of a PCB. The PCB is provided with apertures such as holes for receiving therethrough a buss wire and/or terminal slots through which terminals having wire slots are fixedly staked. The apertures on the PCB are arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to align with corresponding respective apertures in the form of corresponding holes and/or terminal slots on the BEDC at the recess thereof. Accordingly, with the PCB seated in the recess, as the buss wires are laid, they will pass through the holes in the PCB and/or pass through the wire slot of the terminals and thereby provide interconnection therebetween when the two halves of the main insulation assembly are united and the PCB is sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: The invention includes an electrical connection system utilizing a terminal/cavity combination. The system includes a connector housing having a bay for receiving a plurality of the terminal/cavity combination units in a stacked relationship. The terminal/cavity combination unit includes a metal terminal, preferably having a tuning fork configuration, that is received in an electrically insulative carrier. The insulative carrier has a terminal cavity defined in part by two spaced apart side walls and a floor extending between the side walls for supporting the terminal. The carrier also includes a front wall having an opening for receiving a portion of a second terminal therethrough and so that the second terminal makes electrical contact with the terminal in the carrier. At least one indexing rail extends downwardly from a portion of the floor. Carriers can be stacked one on top of the other wherein the rail or rails are received between the two spaced apart walls of the carrier below.