High-accuracy pressure sensing for smart tyres

Melexis has launched the MLX91805 smart tyre sensor for tyre-pressure monitoring to include commercial vehicles and to allow future generations of smart tyres.

Specially designed to be embedded in the tyres, unlike current rim-mounted TPMS sensors, the device incorporates an 800g XZ-axis accelerometer that senses up to 10,000 samples per second. It also incorporates a high-accuracy pressure sensor plus temperature and voltage sensors.

The device is ideal for tyres for commercial vehicles, including heavy-duty and passenger cars. With new EU regulations on tyre-pressure monitoring for heavy-duty commercial vehicles planned to come into force in 2022-2024, its multiple sensors aid to ensure compliance and offer extra information, such as loading, that can prolong tyre life and boost fuel economy and safety.

“The interface between the tire and the road has a huge influence on vehicle behaviour. This is exactly where our new sensor is designed to be, capturing information directly from the road,” said Ivan Zagan, product manager Tire Monitoring Sensors at Melexis. “This world-first device lets tire manufacturers create the next generation of smart tires to deliver extra value for owners and operators, enable new services to maximise fuel efficiency and safety, and contribute to the development of self-driving vehicles.”

The device is offered in a 5mm x 4mm DFN14 package.