Accelerometers Inflate Automotive Airbags

The AIS1xxxDS peripheral-sensor accelerometers detect the rapid deceleration of the vehicle during a crash and send instant information to the airbag control unit. The accelerometers provide single-axis in-plane motion sensing across five full-scale ranges from ±20g up to ±400g. An interface converts the deceleration data into a high-resolution digital bit stream that passes to a microcontroller through a standard DSI protocol. Algorithms evaluate the situation and decide whether or not to deploy the airbag within a few milliseconds. Additionally, the accelerometers operate over a temperature range from -40°C to +125°C and are qualified to AEC-Q100. Pricing is $3 each/1000. STMICROELECTRONICS, Lexington, MA. (888) 787-3550.