BI Technologies Develops Energy-Efficient Torque Sensor for Electric Power Steering
TT electronics announced that its BI Technologies Electronic Components Division has developed a steering sensor based on its 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."
According to the company, 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 to +125°C.
The Magnetorque sensor can be integrated into a single package with BI Technologies’ digital angular position sensor (DAPS) technology. This is said to provide 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.
