Pressure Sensing for Automotive Applications
SMI pressure sensors are used a range of automotive applications to ensure smooth engine performance, cleaner air and enhanced safety. Automotive design engineers typically use pressure sensors in four application areas: engine optimization, emission control, safety enhancement and comfort.
Engine Optimization
In the first category, the pressure sensors enable you to achieve optimal engine conditions by determining manifold intake air pressure (MAP) and barometric air pressure (BAP) for the engine control unit.
Emission Control
To achieve greater emission control, sensors serve as a key component of the evaporative emission control system, which protects the environment from hydrocarbon emissions from the fuel tank. They also help to clean soot particles from exhaust gases by triggering the regeneration of filters in diesel engines.
Safety
For safety enhancement, pressure sensors monitor tire pressure and warn the driver when a dangerous loss of pressure is detected and help to deploy air bags in side-impact situations. Pressure sensors can also be used for seat occupancy detection.
Comfort
As drivers and passengers increasingly vary in size and flexibility, pressure sensors are used to make driving more comfortable by controlling inflatable air bladders in dynamic seats for better lumbar support.
