Philips Demonstrate Enhanced Safety in Future Airbag Systems
10 March 2000
Philips Semiconductors and Special Devices Inc. Demonstrate Enhanced Safety in Future Automotive Airbag Systems
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--March 9, 2000--Significant Improvements in Safety Levels for Passenger
Restraint Systems
Philips Semiconductors, an affiliate of Royal Philips Electronics , and Special Devices Inc. (SDI) have made their first successful firing of an electronic `smart' initiator for airbags.
Commonly referred to as squibs, electronic initiators will be required in future multiplexed automotive safety-critical networks, especially dedicated passenger restraint networks. Creating a truly `smart' initiator for in-vehicle safety networks was achieved by combining SDI's initiator experience with Philips Semiconductors' recognized technical leadership in innovative silicon for In-Vehicle Networking (IVN).
Embedding the complex control electronics required into the firing mechanism itself allows the simple integration of airbag nodes at any point in the network with minimal design effort. It also makes full system diagnostics possible at any time - including immediately before deployment. Automotive manufacturers can therefore incorporate greater control over the direction and rate of inflation into dynamic airbag networks, taking into account the size, weight and position of the driver and passengers. This ensures optimum protection while significantly reducing the potential of improper deployment.
"This development clearly points to the future of safety-critical networks," said Len Arguello, Philips Semiconductors' North America IVN marketing manager. "The successful firing of an electronic initiator highlights the performance of Philips Semiconductors' first PLANET (Philips Lite Automotive NETwork) IC, a specially designed safety-critical network concept ideal for dedicated passenger restraint systems that has already gained significant support from various organizations. In particular, we have been working very closely with USCAR (a consortium of North America's big three automotive manufacturers) developing an international standard for safety-critical networks, to ensure the safest solution for users while meeting the myriad of requirements for the automotive industry."
At the heart of this device is Philips Semiconductors' AU6101 squib driver IC, developed specifically to meet the Classic PLANET protocol. The AU6101 Squib Driver IC is available in Engineering Sample quantities.
"The AU6101 squib driver IC uses our state-of-the-art semiconductor technology, delivering excellent Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) performance with low-power requirements," said Kevin Thiele, Business Line Automotive design manager in North America for Philips Semiconductors. "The first device in a growing family of PLANET-compatible devices, it is aimed initially at the next generation of airbag networks which will meet the growing public demand for increased safety -- especially in airbag deployment -- in all automobiles manufactured worldwide."
Philips Semiconductors is a committed supplier of dedicated automotive systems and components focused on a number of core areas: in-vehicle networking (IVN), car access and immobilization, and car `infotainment' and telematics. Philips Semiconductors is an acknowledged leader in many of these areas and is driving the development of a single integrated car telematics platform. These `system' areas are backed by a world-class and extensive range of dedicated discrete semiconductors and sensors, and a wide portfolio of standard products.
About Special Devices, Inc.
Special Devices, Inc. (SDI) is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly reliable, precision-engineered pyrotechnic devices for the aerospace and automotive industries. The Company is dedicated to supplying its customers with products that meet their stringent requirements while maintaining the highest level of quality, reliability, and innovation. SDI is a privately held corporation whose principle shareholders are affiliates of J. F. Lehman & Company. For more information regarding SDI, contact 805-553-1200.
About Philips Semiconductors
Philips Semiconductors is the ninth largest semiconductor supplier in the world according to Dataquest's 1999 preliminary market share report. Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video and mobile technology place the company in a leadership position in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. As a global company, offices in 40 countries serve major markets. Philips Semiconductors, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is an affiliate of Royal Philips Electronics. Please join us at the Philips Semiconductors website: www.semiconductors.philips.com for further information.