Impact Sensor: Description and Operation

SATELLITE SENSOR (SIDE IMPACT SENSOR)




The release system for the side airbag consists of a HEA-3 installed in the middle of the vehicle and two satellites - one on the left-hand side and one on the right. Only the HEA-3 is capable of releasing the airbags or the seat-belt pretensioners systems in the vehicle. In the dialog between the HEA-3 and the satellite, it is the HEA-3 which makes the release decision. The HEA-3 is supported in connection with the side airbag function by the two satellites, which 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 HEA-3.

It monitors the acceleration sensor continuously. The test results are reported to the HEA-3 by means of periodic status signals.