Airbag Control Unit

The airbag control unit detects and evaluates a crash, before triggering the appropriate restraint systems according to the type of collision and its severity. Information is supplied to the unit by as many as six crash sensors. It has acceleration sensors for the car's longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes, plus a rotational speed sensor. The readings from these are used to evaluate and compare the signals from the other sensors. The crash signal outputs connect the airbag control unit to additional CAN data bus systems to activate the hazard lights and interior lights and turn off the fuel pump, so stopping the engine. We have refined control of the restraint systems so their protective effect can be most effective across the full spectrum of crash types. For example, the system can tell the difference between a crash, whatever its severity, and severe shocks to the car caused by hitting a deep pothole.