Position Sensors / Detectors / Transducers
OPTEK's Autopad(TM) Technology Selected by Automaker for Chassis Height Sensors
Share:
Contactless position sensing technology ideal for variety of automotive applications...
CARROLLTON, TX (August 24, 2006) - Providing design engineers with a device suitable for a multitude of automotive sensing applications, TT electronics OPTEK Technology has been selected by a major North American OEM to supply chassis sensors using the company's patented Autopad(TM) technology. Autopad is a non-contact precision inductive sensing technology capable of providing absolute position sensing as well as relative displacement feedback.
According to Dale Teeters, automotive business unit director for OPTEK Technology, Autopad is a cost-effective, versatile technology that can be used for a wide range of automotive and vehicle position sensing applications, including chassis sensors. "For chassis sensors, Autopad provides a linear ratiometric output signal relative to rotary or linear displacement," said Teeters. "This provides the necessary feedback for load leveling and active suspension systems."
The program, one of the current wins for OPTEK's Autopad(TM) technology, is anticipated to generate more than $14 million in sales, Teeter explained. Shipments are expected to begin in 2009 for the 2010 model year.
In addition to chassis height sensors, the Autopad(TM) technology is ideal for headlamp leveling, ride height and suspension control, power lift gate sensors, pedal and steering sensors, engine and emissions control, PRNDL (gearshift) shifters, transmission sensors, and vehicle user interfaces.
Autopad exhibits a linear sensing range of 20-220mm, with angle sensing at 360º, 2x180º, 3x120º, and 4x90º. Accuracy is better than 1% and typical linearity is ±1%. Measurement speed for the device is less than 1ms, with a current consumption of less than 10mA. Operating temperature range is -40ºC to +150ºC. Autopad technology features analog, ratiometric, PWM and digital outputs.
For more information about OPTEK's Autopad technology and sensing capabilities, contact TT electronics' OPTEK Technology at 1645 Wallace Dr., Carrollton, TX, 75006; call 972-323-2200, or visit OPTEK on the web at optekinc.com/products/magnetic_sensors.asp.
In Europe, contact
JP Delaporte at info@optek-europe.com
call +33-1-30-31-5928.
In Asia, contact T.H. Swee at thswee@optekasia.com or call +852-9190-4641.
OPTEK Technology is a leading manufacturer of standard and application-specific sensors using infrared, visible, magnetic and fiber optic technologies focused on applications in office machines, industrial equipment, encoders, automotive electronics, military and high-reliability applications, and medical diagnostic equipment. Headquartered in Carrollton, TX, the company is ISO/TS16949:2002 and BS EN ISO 9001:2000 certified, as well as ITAR registered. OPTEK Technology was acquired by TT electronics in December 2003.
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.
For more information, contact:
Mike Wills,
Business Development Manager
OPTEK Technology
Tel:972-323-7151
mwills@optekinc.com
Beth Gaddy,
BtB Marketing
Tel:919-872-8172
bgaddy@btbmarketing.com
