Development tool enables wiring harnesses to be completely modelled

The numerous modelling functions facilitate the development and comparison of alternatives so that the best connections for cost-efficient wiring harness designs can be determined for use in the final manufacturing design process.

The advantage of the model-based Vector solution is its thoroughness: It allows working with the same tool from the initial draft through to the manufacturing order, ensuring that consistent, interlinked modelling data can be called upon. Each change in a vehicle’s electrical/electronic architecture has a direct effect on the wiring harness design – and vice versa.

The functional scope of PREEvision offers wiring harness developers multiple modelling levels, tables with editors for circuit plans and harness diagrams, and special functions for automated current calculation. This comprehensively describes widely branching communications and power supply structures that are sometimes kilometers long. In the process of designing a cost-optimised wiring harness, the tool can calculate cable lengths, weight, and costs in advance – which greatly facilitates the evaluation of alternative constructions.

Modelling wiring harness components and their networks takes all physical details into account: PREEvision visualises the necessary plug connectors, cables, individual wires, harness separation points, and splices, and even ‘lays’ them at the installation points within the vehicle geometry. Automations such as harness router and ground point optimisation help the developer find the optimum wiring installation routes – allowing cost-saving potential to be fully developed.

An integrated change management ensures that development steps can always be reconstructed, even if work is being performed in teams distributed over several locations. To ensure smooth collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers, PREEvision uses the VDA’s KBL format for geometric data, outputting detailed harness diagrams with plug connector positions and pin configurations.

Version 7.5 of PREEvision is currently available. In addition to wiring harness development, the tool supports architecture design, requirements engineering, AUTOSAR system design, and the development of safety-relevant systems for model-based E/E development in automobile construction.