Impact Sensor: Description and Operation

SATELLITE SENSOR
The firing system for the side airbag consists of a SRSCM installed in the middle of the vehicle and two satellites - one on the left-hand side and one on the right. Only the SRSCM is capable of releasing the airbags or the seat-belt pretensioners systems in the vehicle. In the dialog between the SRSCM and the satellite, it is the SRSCM which makes the release decision.

The satellites act as intelligent acceleration sensors, and as such back up the central airbag controller. Both the satellites continuously report the current system status on the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle to the SRSCM.

The test results are reported to the SRSCM by means of periodic status signals.

NOTE: When the ignition is ON, never cause a sudden shock the area around the installation area of the satellite sensor by a hammer, etc. Otherwise it could cause the airbag system could unexpectedly deploy during servicing.