US: New airbag controller integrates more functions

24 November 2009 | Source: just-auto.com editorial team

TRW Automotive Holdings has announced a new airbag control unit designed to allow the integration of a range of pre-crash occupant safety functions as well as inertial sensors for stability control. The technology will start production with two unnamed "major" vehicle manufacturers in 2012.

Martin Thoone, vice president engineering, electronics said one automaker would apply the technology in at least 10 different car lines anticipated to cover a volume of approximately 7m vehicles over the full span of the agreement.  "These major contracts further highlight our strength and capabilities in this area."

The new unit allows automakers to reduce the number of modules in the vehicle while retaining the performance of the ESC. In addition, the performance of the side impact and rollover sensing functions is enhanced through the use of the inertial sensor data.

Integrating inertial sensors into the airbag control unit offers several advantages. It places the sensors close to the vehicle's center of gravity - a prime location for both vehicle impact sensors and inertial sensors. Combining inertial sensors and crash sensors into one module allows alternate methods for diagnostics coverage; allows inertial sensors to be used to enhance both side impact and rollover detection; and allows the potential to integrate individual sensors into multiple sensor integrated circuits. Many components required for a stand alone inertial sensor module can be eliminated without affecting the design or performance of the ESC controller - offering significant savings for vehicle manufacturers, TRW said.