Pressure Sensors / Detectors / Transducers
Sensor warns drivers of dangerously low tire pressure.
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Press Release Summary:
NPX tire-pressure sensor uses field proven technology that meets requirements of U.S. Congressional TREAD Act. Pressure sensor module installs in each car tire and radio frequency links sensors to dashboard display. Calibrated and programmed sensor is pressure transducer for automotive suppliers that in turn, add program, battery, and transmitter chip. On-board programming is provided to control inputs, manage operation, and specify data output format.
Original Press Release:
NPX Sensor to Warn Drivers of Dangerously Low Tire Pressures
Fremont, California - June 2, 2003 - - GE NovaSensor, a unit of GE Industrial Systems, and a leading provider of silicon pressure sensors and microstructures, announced today that it has developed a low-cost tire pressure sensor that uses non-proprietary, field proven technology that meets the requirements of the U.S. Congressional TREAD (Tire Recall Enhanced Accountability and Documentation) Act.
After several years of fatal rollover accidents that were traced to improper tire inflation, the U.S. Congress passed the TREAD Act to protect the general public from future incidents. One of the requirements of the U.S. Congressional TREAD Act is to mandate vehicle manufacturers to develop technology for warning drivers of low and dangerous tire pressures. Automotive suppliers are moving quickly to get pressure systems on vehicles before the November 2003 deadline. The U.S. Congressional TREAD Act requires automotive suppliers to start offering remote tire pressure monitoring (RTPM) systems in late 2003 with a four-year phase-in period, after which all automobiles sold in the United States will incorporate monitoring and warning systems. Automotive suppliers are moving quickly to get tire pressure systems designed, tested and installed on new cars and trucks.
"GE is very excited to be introducing such an important new product into the automotive industry," said Kermit B. Hoffman, president of GE Thermometrics and GE NovaSensor. "By combining the sensor and the compensating electronics in a single package, the GE NPX now offers our customer a smaller sized element, with greater battery life and better value than separate discrete components. Furthermore, we are pleased to be providing drivers the next generation of tire pressure technology and peace of mind as they travel."
The GE NPX sensor is part of a direct measurement system that places a pressure sensor module in each of the car tires. A radio frequency links the car tire sensors to a dashboard display. This method of tire pressure measurement has been shown to be more accurate than competing techniques. Less area is wasted for redundant solder pads and circuit traces. In addition, the pressure sensor is controlled by an internal program, which can turn off the sensor to conserve power, and thereby extending battery life.
The GE NPX is designed for Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers who design and manufacture RTPM systems. GE´s NPX device minimizes time to market because GE NovaSensor performs all the calibration. The OEM supplier can now read the tire pressure as a digital output from the GE NPX and warn the driver when a low tire pressure condition occurs.
The GE NPX meets or exceeds the U.S. Congressional TREAD Act specification for accuracy. The NPX is delivered as a fully calibrated and programmed pressure transducer where the automotive supplier adds their program, a battery and a transmitter chip. GE NovaSensor will incorporate customer-specific software on board to provide programming that controls the inputs, manages the operation, and specifies the data output format. The vehicle manufacturer mounts the component in the car tire and installs the base receiver unit.
The GE NPX performs much better than the required 25% accuracy specification with a one psi accuracy from -20 C to +70C. Sample units are currently available with Product Validation (PV) units available in Q1 2004.
The GE NPX uses the same field-proven pressure-sensing element that can be found in GE NovaSensor´s NPP-301 sensor. The NPP-301 represents the first generation of RTPM sensors, which provided a low-level millivolt output. The sensor´s lightweight and small size are ideal characteristics for a reliable device that will be rotating with a car tire at the equivalent of 2000 g´s. The NPP-301 uses a QS-9000 quality system and over 10 million devices have been shipped to date.
GE NovaSensor is an operating unit within GE´s Measurement business.
About GE Industrial Systems
GE Industrial Systems spans the globe as an industry leader in integrated industrial equipment, systems and services. The business brings to customers the latest technological products used to distribute, protect and control electrical power and equipment, and provides innovative product and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility applications. For more information visit the website at http://www.geindustrial.com/presscenter/pressroom.htm.
About GE Measurement
GE Measurement, an operating unit within GE Industrial Systems, is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of precision temperature, humidity and pressure sensors, field calibrators and measurement instrumentation. With operations around the world, GE Measurement develops technologies and solutions using thermal validation, dew point measurement, gas flow measurement, control circuit protection, liquid level detection, and microstructure design for products and services in applications such as environmental, marine, meteorology, aerospace, defense, medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, automotive, industrial, commercial, petrochemical, power generation and transportation.
For more information, contact:
Gary Pacilio
GE Measurement
Tel: +1.732.287.2870
Email: gary.pacilio@ge.com
