Solar Sensor: Description and Operation
SUNLOAD SENSORThe sunload sensor assembly houses both the driver and passenger side sensors. The sunload sensor assembly provides the IPM software with the amount of sun light entering the drivers and passengers side through the windshield. A 5-volt reference signal is sent from the IPM to the sunload sensor over the driver or passenger solar sensor signal circuit. A variable photo-diode resistor inside the sensor varies the voltage. That varied voltage provides a separate driver and passenger signal to the software inside the IPM. The sensor also provides an average reading on the ambient light sensor signal circuit to the IPM for the twilight sentinel feature. Remaining voltage from the sunload sensor assembly is sent back to the IPM ground through the low reference circuit.