Transense and TMS320F28x Device Brings Complete Control System Capabilities For Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems and Torque Sensing

Transense and TMS320F28x Device Brings Complete Control System Capabilities For Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems and Torque Sensing

As automotive tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) mandates come into effect and torque sensing applications like electronic power steering (EPS) become standard on even low- to mid-range cars, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE:TXN) today announced that Transense Technologies plc is using their TMS320F28x digital signal controllers as a key component in the automotive industry’s first targeted piezo-electric surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor based systems. Operating in environmentally harsh or remote automotive and industrial applications, the Transense sensor units operate wirelessly, require no power source and are typically 11 mm by 3 mm and less than 2 grams in weight. By using the F28x-enabled SAW TPMS, braking distances and the risk of accidents due to tire under inflation or failure are reduced. Fuel efficiency is also enhanced by up to ten percent through properly inflated tires and engine drag reduction through the elimination of the hydraulic pump in EPS systems.

SAW Sensor Uses Acoustic Wave for Measurement: SAW sensors utilize a radio frequency electric field to generate an acoustic wave which spreads over the piezo-electric substrate surface, transforming back to an electric field and re-transmitting for measurement. 32-bit DSP performance and high integration of the F28x digital signal controllers perform essential real time data handling, calculation and reporting functions. The F28x device calculates the spectrum of the SAW impulse response, finds the frequency of natural oscillations of the SAW sensor and can handle additional tasks such as system communication via the on-chip CAN BUS for instance. A radio frequency (RF) application specific IC (ASIC) dual channel controls RF transmission and reception.

SAW Sensors Answer US Mandated Tire Pressure Monitoring Requirements: According to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), up to 27 percent of passenger cars and 33 percent of light trucks operate with under inflated tires, resulting in an estimated 23,000 crashes and 535 fatalities each year. As part of the November 2000 enacted Transportation, Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act -Â which affects all light motor vehicles registered after September 1, 2007 – TPMS technology must alert drivers of significant under-inflation of their tires.

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