A new brake pedal force sensor developed by Sensata Technologies for electromechanical brakes (EMBs) enables safer and better performing braking systems.
Automotive electrification and autonomy are powering the trend toward EMBs in next generation cars, especially in hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). As electronics replace legacy hydraulic components in brake-by-wire systems, there is a need for new sensing topologies in the pedal assemblies. This trend, combined with stricter demands for functional safety, is leading vehicle and brake system manufacturers to consider different brake sensing technologies that ensure EMBs maintain or exceed the performance and safety of legacy systems.
Sensata’s micro strain gauge brake pedal force sensor supports the future of braking. Implementing this sensor enables the reduction in a vehicle’s stopping distance compared to existing technologies. It improves braking by accurately and rapidly capturing a driver’s braking intent.
Source: Sensata Technologies
Able to withstand forces up to 600N (scalable to other forces as well), Sensata’s brake pedal force sensor meets functional safety requirements up to ASIL C, and can operate at temperatures up to 140° C. The compact design, flexible integration options and variety of outputs allow engineers to easily customize the sensor for their application.
The new brake pedal force sensor offers several advantages compared to traditional pressure and/or position sensing technologies, as it:
- Enables accurate, robust, and fast driver intent measurement in brake-by-wire e-pedals with zero or limited movement
- Improves response time by more than 10 ms, reducing braking distance
- Detects mechanical failure of the system due to a stuck pedal
- Supports hydraulic, electro-hydraulic and brake-by-wire braking architectures
