Philips and Siemens VDO offer new sensor system to improve fuel efficiency and engine reliability

Nov.4, 2003- Royal Philips Electronics announced a new magnetoresistive sensor that will be launched in vehicles in 2004 for automotive angular measurement applications including electronic throttle control (EGAS) and variable valve timing (VVT), which increases fuel efficiency in the car. Jointly developed by Philips and Siemens VDO Automotive AG, the KMA200 is optimized for the harsh environments of the automotive industry. The sensor will provide car manufacturers with a more reliable and accurate solution for automotive angular measurement - reducing the risk of mechanical breakdowns and thus improving overall vehicle safety.

Today's solutions for angular measurement in applications such as throttle control are prone to failure over time as the mechanical components of the solution are easily prone to wear and tear. Based on the same magnetoresistive technology that has been proven for use in automotive applications such as anti-lock braking systems, the KMA200 was developed by Philips and Siemens VDO to offer a contactless solution for reliable angular measurement. The KMA200 also features a self-monitoring function, allowing it to automatically detect failures in any part of the sensor system and quickly force the vehicle into fail-safe mode.

Availability

Samples of the KMA200 are currently available from Philips with mass production starting in Q1 2004. Throttles with the embedded KMA200 are also currently available from Siemens VDO Automotive.