Bi-Technologies Develops Energy-Efficient Torque Sensor for Electric Power Steering


Non-contacting Magnetorque® sensor features dual phased outputs for reliable diagnostics...

FULLERTON, CA (August 9, 2007) - Providing automotive design engineers with an non-contacting torque sensor designed for electric power steering systems, TT electronics BI Technologies Electronic Components Division has developed a steering sensor based on its proven Magnetorque® technology. The non-contacting steering sensor features dual phased outputs for reliable diagnostic characteristics.

According to Dan Sparks, vice president of the Automotive Business unit for BI Technologies Electronic Components Division, the Magnetorque technology is designed to track the relative positions of two steering shaft segments that are connected by a torsion bar. "Our design is unique in that it does not require the use of clock springs or slip rings to convey power and signal between rotating and non-rotating portions of the sensor. Magnetorque is a true non-contacting sensor technology," said Sparks. "Because of this feature, mechanical durability is extremely high."

Magnetorque sensors are programmable for gain and offset. At the time of assembly, customers can program the gain and offset values, allowing for adjustments to the mechanical tolerances in their system. This allows customers to use looser system mechanical tolerance resulting in cost savings and a more accurate system.
The Magnetorque® sensor has an accuracy of ±3% (±1.5% available) and hysteresis of 1%, with a rotational life of 25 million revolutions. Operating voltage is 5.0V (±10%), with a maximum current consumption of 10mA per output. Operating temperature range is -40°C to +125°C.

The Magnetorque sensor can be integrated into a single package with BI Technologies' digital angular position sensor (DAPS) technology. This provides a torque and position signal in one convenient space saving package. Integrated connector and lead wire options are also available.

Pricing for the torque sensor is approximately $16 each in quantities of 100K depending on features and packaging options.

For more information about BI Technologies' Magnetorque non-contacting sensor, contact BI Technologies at 714-447-2518, by fax at 714-388-0046; by mail at 4200 Bonita Place, Fullerton, CA 92835; or visit: http://www.bitechnologies.com/products/sensors.htm.
BI Technologies has been an innovator and leader in electronic components for more than 50 years. The company is a global manufacturer of trimming and precision potentiometers, position sensors, turns-counting dials, chip resistor arrays, resistor networks, integrated passive networks, transformers, inductors, hybrid microelectronics and custom integration products for communication, computer, automotive and industrial applications.

BI Technologies serves a global customer base with manufacturing locations in the United States, Mexico, Scotland, Japan, China and Malaysia. TT Electronics plc is a global electronics company manufacturing a broad range of advanced electronic components, assemblies and sensor modules for the automotive, industrial, telecommunication, computer and aerospace markets.

To request the electronic image, call 919-872-8172, or e-mail: bgaddy@btbmarketing.com
Keywords: TT electronics, BI Technologies, Magnetorque, Non-Contacting, Steering, Sensor, DAPS

For more information, contact:
Dan Sparks, VP New Business Development
BI Technologies, ECD
714-447-2476
dansparks@bitechnologies.com

Beth Gaddy
BtB Marketing Communications
919-872-8172
bgaddy@btbmarketing.com

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