Impact Sensor: Description and Operation

Vehicles equipped with side impact airbags use two Satellite Acceleration Sensors (SAS). One is located on each respective side body B-pillar.

The Satellite Acceleration Sensor (SAS) provides verification of the direction and severity of the side impact to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). The ORC controls both the right and the left side curtain airbags. In the event of a side impact the ORC will send an electronic signal to deploy the appropriate curtain airbag. The SAS periodically transmit the acceleration data to the ORC by modulation of the current on the power supply.

The accelerometer pulses are sent to a microprocessor, which contains a decision algorithm. When an impact is severe enough to require airbag protection, the ORC microprocessor sends a signal to deploy the side airbag that completes the electrical circuits to the right or left side airbag. The ORC is calibrated for the specific vehicle and reacts to the severity and direction of the impact.