What is another name commonly used for a vehicle module?

In automotive systems, a vehicle module is often referred to as a "node." This terminology is rooted in the architecture of automotive communication networks like CAN (Controller Area Network), where various electronic modules, or nodes, communicate with each other to facilitate the operation of the vehicle's electrical and electronic systems. Each node can perform specific functions, and they interact in a networked environment, similar to how nodes in a computer network do.

Choosing "node" reflects this concept of a distinct point in a network that processes information or commands. This understanding helps in diagnosing issues and designing systems, as technicians can identify and troubleshoot specific modules based on their roles within the vehicle network. Other terms like bus, terminator, or resistor pack refer to different components or functions within a vehicle's electrical system and do not equate to the concept of a module. A bus pertains to the communication channel, a terminator is used to prevent signal reflection in a bus system, and a resistor pack typically relates to controlling signals rather than functioning as a module.