Central Body Control Modules (BCMs) are central elements of vehicle electronics. They combine several functions in one housing and control practically all the vehicle’s electronic basis, comfort and security functions.

Body Control Module Functions (except)

• External lighting
• Interior lighting
• Windshield wipers
• Windshield washer system
• Central locking system
• Climate control system
• Seat adjustment
• RF reception
• Immobilizer
• Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
• Passive Start and Entry Systems (PASE)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Energy Management

Thanks to their scalable architecture and AUTOSAR-compatible software modules, they can be freely adapted to satisfy customer requirements and harmonize with a specific vehicle in order to respond to market demands worldwide.

In order to handle the increasing complexity of BCMs most efficiently Continental focuses on different methods such as a virtual team approach with external partners.

3 TYPES OF BMCs:

Basic Function Control Module

• Body Control Module responsible for all basic and standard body functions of a car
• Platform for Low Cost Body Control Modules
• Standardized product concept
• Fits to the requirements of diversified markets

Integrated Body Control Module

• Central Body Control Module operating a multitude of electrical and electronic vehicle body functions
• Central point for integration of body related vehicle functions
• Designed with highly standardized hardware and software platform components

Power Body Control Module

• Body Control Module combined with facilities for relays and fuses
• Hosting body functions and power distribution functions
• Fulfils requirements for engine compartment assembly

FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY CLEVERLY BUNDLED TOGETHER

Body Control Modules (BCMs) always control numerous vehicle functions. Which functions are bundled together in any given module depends on the respective vehicle architecture and on the partitioning of the various functions.

Tied into the electronics architecture of the vehicle as a whole, the BCMs reduce the number of plug-in connections and cable harnesses required, while at the same time offering maximum reliability and economy.

Installed in the engine compartment, BCMs may control, for example, headlights, turn indicators and the windshield washer system. In the trunk they are responsible for the rear lighting system, the rear window wiper and the door lock assist.

Central BCMs bundle together the control of the locking system, the Immobilizer, the Climate Control Module and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

ADVANTAGES

• All-in-one systems supplied by the technological leader in vehicle electronics
• Overview of the latest trends in vehicle electronics
• Cost savings in research and development and in E/E architecture
• Optimized quality and short development times
• Support for OEM development strategies
• Continental offers highest system competence and integration capabilities
• Solutions for all vehicle architectures
• Fully engineered platform solutions for higher quality and enhanced vehicle safety
• Virtual team approach with external partners