A BCM is one of the most important controllers in a vehicle, as this module
manages a wide variety of other functional modules such as windshield wipers,
lights, door locks, windows, switches, etc. Recent trends in the automotive
industry show increasingly more complex features for vehicle intelligence,
electric vehicle internet connection and autonomous driving. The addition
of separate electronic modules boosts both the cost and the fault rate of
electronic parts and components, making wiring much more complicated.
Driven by new-generation E/E architecture, BCM components are integrating
more control nodes and moving toward body-domain controllers.
Communications With All ECUs and Sensors, Control Over All Actuators
A typical BCM connector normally has the following functional specifications:
• Sensor signal, CAN/LIN, electric current less than 100.0mA, 50 to 70 pins
• Stepping motor, lighting and antenna, electric current less than 3.0A, 30 to 50 pins
• Power supply, ground and electric current, 10.0 to 20.0A, 15 to 25 pins
The BCM connector, therefore, requires mixed pins that provide different current-carrying capabilities.
Restricted BCM-Mounting Space Trends Toward Module Miniaturization
The BCM is often mounted beneath the dashboard or around a pillar, where a wide variety of elements are
accommodated and the space is narrow. As a result, the connector needs to have the following features:
• Small footprint
• Height no more than 30.00mm; width as narrow as possible
Simplified Harness Wiring Facilitates Installation Operation
The mounting position and direction for the BCM vary by specific vehicle model. The following requirements
are necessary to simplify the harness arrangement:
• IP42 protection, requirement that the connector not be mounted on the top of the module
• Zoned management needed as the BCM connects to the main harnesses
• Ease of installation and mating/unmating of the connector
Support for Ethernet Scalability
The Ethernet provides these advantages as a new-generation communication protocol:
• Higher bandwidth
• Lower cost, as the unshielded single-pair twisted wire for BroadR-Reach doesn’t need aluminum foil and
insulating compound layers
• Suitability for the development of new-generation electronic and electrical architecture
• Note: The BCM may require a megabit Ethernet communication
