Customized Steering Angle Sensors Based on AMR Technology

Riverside, Calif., Sep 1, 2009 – Bourns, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, announced the introduction of the company"s latest generation of semi-absolute and absolute, non-contacting steering angle sensing technology. The new technology supports low cost solutions that require accurate steering feedback for interfacing with automotive applications such as electronic stability control (ESC), active suspension, and electro power steering (EPS). The customized steering angle sensors can also be used with electronic self parking (E-Park), lane departure warning (LDW), and advanced front lighting systems (AFLS) applications and are based on anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) technology. The electronics used in Bourns" customized steering angle sensors can be packaged to facilitate reduced sensor dimensions as small as 60 mm x 78 mm x 14 mm and printed circuit board (PCB) dimensions as small as 50 mm x 20 mm.

"Bourns is pleased to offer its automotive customers customized steering angle sensors to fit their specific needs," said Johneric Leach, product line manager for steering and vehicle stability sensors at Bourns. "The new sensors are based on AMR technology for a more robust design, which allows the devices to be less sensitive to temperature fluctuations, shock and vibrations. Thanks to AMR technology, the sensors can also withstand large variations in the gap between the sensor and magnet."

The new steering angle sensors feature a Bourns-patented device that minimizes the hysteresis associated with the steering column"s mechanical tolerances and is available in either single or dual redundant designs. The customized sensors are typically equipped with a CAN interface to allow resolutions close to 16 bit and accuracies down to below 0.5 degrees. The sensors also feature a complete self-diagnostic capability and a customized design is available that supports full active steering.

Availability and Pricing
The new customized steering angle sensors can be ordered for manufacturing to meet specific customer requirements. Pricing is based on the complexity of the design and number of sensors ordered. The Automotive Division of Bourns has the capability to package and develop other customized solutions based on customer requirements and specifications. For additional information about Bourns Automotive Division's products and services, go to /Automotive.aspx.

About Bourns
Bourns, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of automotive sensors, circuit protection solutions, magnetic products, microelectronic modules, precision potentiometers, panel controls and encoders and resistive products. Headquartered in Riverside, CA, Bourns serves a broad range of markets, including telecommunications, computer, industrial, instrumentation, automotive, consumer, non-critical life support medical, audio and various other market segments. Bourns products are manufactured according to ISO-9000 standards under Six Sigma quality programs. Additional company and product information is available at the company’s website at www.bourns.com.