TRW rolls out 'Low Cost Clamp-In' TPMS sensor

TRW is launching its LCCI (Low Cost Clamp-In) sensor for OEM Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) applications in 2011 model year vehicles.

"This new low-cost sensor design is a first step in our roadmap to fundamentally lower the cost of TPMS, which is good news for a technology with recognized value being mandated in North America and soon in Europe and South Korea," says Martin Thoone, vice president of global electronics engineering.

"These systems must first and foremost have robust performance across a range of challenging operating conditions, but must also be affordable for vehicle manufacturers and their customers," he explains.

"The new design features a valve that screws directly into the housing, allowing for a single housing with multiple valve design capability," Thoone continues. "This results in less parts and higher reliability than using a screw and nut. The new design also features laser welding of the cover to the housing, a compliant pin battery and valve connection, and a heat resistant, long life battery capable of operating within a range of minus 40 to 120 degrees Celsius."

For more information, visit www.trw.com.