Tech Briefs
Smart electronic initiator for airbags

Phillips Semiconductors, an affiliate of Royal Philips Electronics, and Special Devices Inc. (SDI) have made their first successful firing of an electronic "smart" initiator for airbags. Commonly referred to as squibs, electronic initiators will be required in future multiplexed automotive safety-critical networks, especially dedicated passenger restraint networks. Creating a truly smart initiator for in-vehicle safety networks was achieved by combining SDI's initiator technology with Philips Semiconductors' experience in silicon for in-vehicle networking (IVN).

Embedding complex control electronics into the firing mechanism itself allows simple integration of airbag nodes at any point in the network with minimal design effort. It also makes full-system diagnostics possible at any time—including immediately before deployment. Automotive manufacturers can therefore incorporate greater control over the direction and rate of inflation into dynamic airbag networks, taking into account the size, weight, and position of the driver and passengers. This ensures optimum protection while significantly reducing the potential of improper deployment.

"This development clearly points to the future of safety-critical networks," said Len Arguello, Philips Semiconductors' North America IVN Marketing Manager. "The successful firing of an electronic initiator highlights the performance of Philips Semiconductors' first PLANET (Philips Lite Automotive NETwork) IC, a specially designed safety-critical network concept for dedicated passenger-restraint systems. In particular, we have been working very closely with USCAR developing an international standard for safety-critical networks, to ensure the safest solution for users while meeting the myriad of requirements for the automotive industry."

At the heart of this device is Philips' AU6101 squib driver IC, developed specifically to meet the PLANET protocol. "The AU6101 squib driver IC uses our state-of-the-art semiconductor technology, delivering electromagnetic compatibility performance with low-power requirements," said Kevin Thiele, Business Line Automotive Design Manager in North America for Philips Semiconductors. "The first device in a growing family of PLANET-compatible devices, it is aimed initially at the next generation of airbag networks that will meet the growing public demand for increased safety—especially in airbag deployment—in all automobiles manufactured worldwide."

Jean L. Broge