TRW Wins Production Contracts for Innovative Brake-by-Wire Technology

    FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 17 Taking advanced braking
systems to the next level, TRW Chassis Systems, part of TRW Inc. ,
has announced production contracts with two major European vehicle
manufacturers for Electro-Hydraulic Braking (EHB), launching in 2003.
Additionally, TRW has a development contract with a leading North American
vehicle manufacturer to develop regenerative braking based on an EHB system.
    
    "At the forefront of EHB systems development, TRW is keen to demonstrate
its substantial capability in this field," said Thomas Straub, technical
director, Advanced Vehicle Controls, TRW Chassis Systems.  "To drive brake-by-
wire technology forward, it is essential that organizations have expertise in
three areas:  braking mechanics, electronics, and software development.  TRW
is strong in each of these areas and is able to take its knowledge of
conventional braking systems and apply it to brake-by-wire technology
development.

    "Brake-by-wire technologies improve stopping distances by up to 5 percent
and deliver significant improvements in the comfort of pedal feel.  Moreover,
they open up possibilities in terms of vehicle stability control, integrated
vehicle control systems, and the next generation of adaptive cruise control
features.  Beyond EHB, the introduction of Electro-Mechanical Braking (EMB)
will deliver additional substantial environmental benefits due to the
elimination of brake fluid as well as other inherent benefits for vehicle
manufacturers and consumers."

    In its first generation, brake-by-wire will complement today's hydraulic
braking systems.  Termed "EHB," the conventional brake booster is replaced
with a Brake Pedal Unit (BPU) simulator and the engine compartment contains an
Electro-Hydraulic Control Unit, which generates the required braking energy.

    The pedal simulator communicates the driver's braking demand to the
modulator, and a closed loop pressure control measures the pressure at the
wheels every millisecond.  All brake applications are carried out by the
system and not by the energy of the driver's foot on the pedal.  In case of
electrical failure, the system is equipped with a secondary hydraulic braking
mode that functions in the same manner as today's conventional systems.  TRW
will launch this technology with its first customer in 2003.

    "Looking further ahead, the final generation of brake-by-wire, in the form
of EMB, sees the end of hydraulic connections," Straub added.  "These
hydraulic connections are replaced by a central, fault-tolerant control unit
connected to actuators on each wheel that are controlled by the BPU.  Driver
pedal effort no longer affects brake performance.  The BPU measures the pedal
position, calculates brake demand, and applies it to each wheel actuator."

    This next step in brake-by-wire technology, to have a system with no
hydraulic backup, will require a higher level of integrity than today's
12-volt systems.  Forty-two volt systems architecture and fault-tolerant
networks are key enablers to deliver vehicle manufacturers' long-term goal of
complete drive-by-wire systems.  It is anticipated that production of an EMB
system would not be before 2005 in the industry.

    Phil Cunningham, product director, chassis controls, TRW Chassis Systems,
stated, "As well as development of brake-by-wire systems for the mass vehicle
market, we are making substantial progress in developing EHB applications for
hybrid electrical vehicles to support measures to reduce emissions and support
vehicle makers in meeting the North American Corporate Average Fuel Economy
(CAFE) regulations.  CAFE standards require each vehicle manufacturer to meet
a sales-weighted average fuel economy level for the fleets of new cars and
light trucks it sells each year.

    "A TRW regenerative braking system has already been used for a
breakthrough concept car for a major US vehicle manufacturer, and we have
another development contract with a vehicle manufacturer for a regenerative
EHB braking system."

    Regenerative braking involves energy being captured during the braking
process, which is used to recharge the vehicle's energy storage devices.  With
the introduction of EHB, there will be communication between the generator and
the brake system to ensure the most efficient use of energy for the braking
process.

    With a complete portfolio of competencies in EHB and EMB, TRW is well
placed to support vehicle manufacturers with exciting new technologies.  TRW
Chassis Systems is a world leader in braking systems, steering and
suspension systems, commercial steering, engine components, and aftermarket
replacement parts for the global automotive industry.