Sensata Technologies Offers a Range of Technologies for Advanced ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and Related Automotive Safety Systems

Steering Angle Sensors, Brake Pressure Sensors and Accelerometers Measure and Help Control Vehicle Safety Systems

SAE 2007 World Congress, Detroit (April 16, 2007) – As Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems continue to advance, Sensata Technologies is demonstrating a series of advanced sensors at the SAE World Congress that are helping automotive designers build "smarter," more responsive stability and anti-rollover systems.

With a range of technologies, including sensors that monitor steering wheel position and a driver's braking pressure, Sensata Technologies' solutions provide system designers with input to better monitor, control and compensate for drivers' "actual" versus "intended" actions. 

For example, the company's Steering Angle Sensor, which uses an optical encoder to monitor the steering wheel's turning position, provides a key piece of information used in ESC systems to maintain vehicle stability during emergency maneuvers.  The Steering Angle Sensor, which measures both incremental and absolute angular position, features pure digital technology with high accuracy and excellent fault detection. The modular packaging enables integration across multiple vehicle platforms. 

Sensata Technologies' Monocrystalline Silicon Strain Gauge (MSG) pressure sensors measure a driver's braking pressure for ESC systems. The MSG pressure sensor provides linear voltage output directly proportional to applied pressure features an inherent hermetic structure and is adaptable to pressure ranges up to 40,000psi.  MSG pressure sensors offer a range of diagnostic features and the ability to integrate pressure with a temperature output.

"System suppliers combine a number of sensor inputs, from braking and steering to speed and car position data from accelerometers and yaw-rate sensors, to give ESC systems information needed to prevent loss of vehicle control," said Jennifer Otitigbe, active safety market segment manager at Sensata Technologies. 

The company also produces a series of low-g automotive acceleration sensors that provide data for various vehicle dynamics systems including semi-active suspension and anti-roll.  The accelerometer portfolio offers flexible mounting locations and positions, high-reliability and performance. Capacitive Acceleration Sensors (CAS) can be mounted under the hood, in the interior or on the chassis, and are available in 1g, 2g and 10g options. Additionally, Sensata's MEMS-based Thermal Acceleration Sensors (TAS) offer dual-axis measurement useful for various tilt applications such as motorcycle fuel-cut off and rollover airbag deployment.

Fuel Economy Creates New Demands for Pressure Sensing
Trends in powertrain designs to support fuel-economy measures, combined with safety requirements, are creating more needs for brake system monitoring. "Hybrid vehicles, which transfer energy from braking systems during deceleration, are creating new demands for brake pressure sensors," continued Otitigbe.  "Supporting FMVSS135 with the new powertrains such as Gasoline Direct Injection (GDi) creates a need in some cases to monitor the pressure in vacuum booster." Sensata offers both ceramic capacitive and MEMS based sensor technologies used in advanced brake system applications such as brake assist.  

For more information about Sensata Technologies and its full line of products for the automotive industry, please call 508-236-3800 or visit www.sensata.com.