19 February 2009
 

Hella’s New Generation of Digital Sensors to Replace Analog

Hella will produce a new line of economical and accurate digital sensors later this year for select vehicles of a U.S. automaker.

The new digital throttle-body position sensor will use a Single Edge Nibble Transmission (SENT) protocol. Engineers use the term “one nibble” to refer to the transmission of four bits of data. In this case, one data-nibble will be transmitted with each pulse.

“Unlike analog transmissions, where signals can be altered, the SENT protocol allows for a more robust signal transmission,” said Dr. Martin Fischer, president of Hella’s Corporate Center USA and Hella Electronics Corporation. “In addition, Hella’s electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) design for the new SENT interface makes this sensor insensitive to interference. As a result, shielded or twisted cables are not needed anymore in order to fulfill automotive EMC requirements.”

The SENT protocol permits compact packaging. Two signals can be transmitted over a single wire, reducing the need for additional cables and cutting costs. For example, for the throttle position sensor, only a 3-wire connection is needed between the CIPOS sensor and the ECU.

According to Hella, the SENT protocol combined with Hella’s CIPOS sensor offers automakers more efficient options for automotive applications where travel or angle measurement is required. (SB)