SenGenuity and Transense to Advance SAW-Based Sensing Technology

Tag : steering coupling
HUDSON, NH /PRNewswire/ -- SenGenuity , the sensors division of Vectron International , a leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of frequencycontrol, sensor, and hybrid product solutions, announced that ithas entered a nonexclusive licensing agreement with Transense Technologies , a developer of surface acoustic wave (SAW), wireless, andbatteryless sensor systems for the automotive industry. Under termsof the agreement, the two companies will develop and manufacturewireless sensors for use in both pressure and torque sensingapplications. This partnership furthers SenGenuity's mission ofleveraging the worldwide infrastructure of Vectron's corefrequency-control products business toward the development ofbreakthrough SAW-based sensing solutions.
Since its inception, Transense has compiled an impressive portfolioof SAW-based sensing technology specific to passive pressure andtorque sensors that can be wirelessly interrogated for measurementpurposes. Applications range from tire-pressure sensing to advancedsteering system and powertrain torque monitoring in automotivemarkets, as well as a broad array of industrial and medicalpressure and temperature sensing applications.
"This partnership with Transense serves to broaden SenGenuity'sproduct platform in a way that is synergistic with the sensortechnology that we have developed and introduced to the market todate," said Tom Cunneen, Vice President and General Manager,SenGenuity. "We are looking forward to a long and mutuallybeneficial relationship with Transense as we continue to providehighly differentiated advanced sensing solutions across a multitudeof applications and markets."
Acoustic wave sensors function by generating an acoustic wave on apiezoelectric material when a bias is applied. As the acoustic wavepropagates through or on the surface of the material, any changesto the characteristics of the propagation path affect the velocityand/or amplitude of the wave. Changes in velocity can be monitoredby measuring the frequency or phase characteristics of the sensorand can then be correlated with the corresponding physical quantitybeing measured.
SenGenuity's wireless sensors operate without the need for a powersource; work within the industrial, scientific, and medical band,and are designed to provide instantaneous wireless pressure,torque, and temperature measurements for embedded real-time,in-line environments requiring high resolution, exceptionalstability, and accuracy. Coupled with Transense'swireless-interrogation technology, the sensors provide a continuousaudit trail for process monitoring markets to control operatingcosts and maintain quality standards.
"Transense is delighted to have Vectron International as a newlicensee, leveraging its considerable manufacturing and marketingexpertise within our target markets," said Graham Storey,Commercial Director, Transense Technologies. "A key component ofour new business strategy is to seek additional routes to marketfor our technology in order to gain greater control over ourrevenue streams. We believe this new agreement offers near- termopportunities in high value markets."
Wireless SAW Pressure Sensor Applications
A key application of the wireless SAW pressure sensor is intire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). The U.S. governmentrecently passed legislation that requires from September 2007 allnew passenger vehicles and light trucks under 10,000 pounds ofgross vehicle weight to be equipped with tire-pressure monitoringsystems. The ability of vehicles, especially critical transportvehicles, to carry the specified load is a direct function ofmaintaining correct tire pressure. The correct pressure results inthe avoidance of catastrophic failure and allows for increased fueleconomy and tire life. Further, there is a significant marketopportunity in the commercial, agricultural, and constructionvehicle markets, where continuous monitoring of tire pressureoffers opportunities for operating-cost reductions and eliminationof expensive manual maintenance programs. Industrial applicationsfor wireless pressure sensors include HVAC industries, medicalapplications, semiconductor fabrication plants, and process controlrequirements.
Wireless Torque Sensor Applications
With a wireless torque sensor, there is a distinct path tosatisfying industry drivers for improving powertrain and steeringsystems with a direct measurement of torque. These industry driversinclude shift quality, fuel efficiency, weight reduction, emissionstandards, and vehicle safety, whereas industry drivers forimproving chassis electronic power-assist systems include increasedstiffness and system complexity and cost reductions by decreasingthe number of mechanical components to a single shaft.
For more information on the licensing agreement or on otheracoustic wave sensors from Vectron, please contact a customerservice representative at 1-88-VECTRON-1.
About Transense
Transense Technologies is a technology transfer company based in Upper Heyford,Oxfordshire, U.K. Transense develops SAW, wireless, and batterylesssensor systems in partnership with its licensees, Honeywell,Michelin, Texas Instruments, Melexis, Tai-Saw, and Stack. Currentapplications include TPMS and torque systems for electricalpower-assisted steering and driveline management.
About SenGenuity
SenGenuity , an operating division of Vectron International, is a leadingprovider of breakthrough sensor solutions and products. As part ofits growing product portfolio, SenGenuity delivers to customersinnovative solutions for measuring the condition of fluids inchallenging, embedded environments by coupling its state-of-the-artprecision sensor solutions with Vectron's surface and bulk acousticwave (SAW and BAW) technology. Further, SenGenuity is leveragingits core competencies in AW technology, along with extensiveexperience in radio frequency, signal conditioning, embedded systemelectronics design, and advanced packaging technologies to drivethe development of breakthrough solutions for gas and physicalsensing applications. Dedicated to taking a leadership role in the$50 billion sensor market, SenGenuity is continually designing andmanufacturing innovative sensing solutions that can be used acrossa broad range of industries, and are rapidly becoming the newstandard for performance and reliability in critical data-gatheringapplications. For more information, please call 1-88-VECTRON-1.
About Vectron
Vectron International is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing offrequency control, sensor, and hybrid product solutions. Vectronsolves complex timing, filtering, and sensor challenges bydelivering customized solutions that speed time to market and offerlow total cost of ownership. Vectron uses the very latesttechniques in both BAW- and SAW-based designs, from DC to microwavefrequencies. Committed to the industry's highest quality servicestandard and complete satisfaction, Vectron International leveragesits global footprint and 50 years of experience to help customersachieve competitive differentiation and improve their bottom line.Vectron International is headquartered in Hudson, NH, and hasoperating facilities and sales offices in North America, Europe,and Asia. For more information, please call 1-88-VECTRON-1.