ABSTRACT
This chapter presents due to the complexity of automotive power systems, a structured architecture for the electrical distribution system. A modern concept applied to the architecture of electrical distribution system involves drive-by-wire technology, which uses a central computer and various electrical actuators for the linkage of power. The main source of electrical power is the alternator, which is an electrical generator actuated by the engine and able to produce voltage for the dc distribution bus. Numerous small motors, solenoids, and actuators are connected to the electrical distribution bus. The electrical distribution system and the battery bank are protected against load malfunction with fuses. For convenience, fuses and relays are grouped in several fuse boxes. The automotive electrical system contains numerous solenoids or small electrical motors that are supplied through a power semiconductor switch, like a metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). The automotive loads are inherently inductive, and their study can be reduced to a MOSFET switching into an inductive load.
