Panasonic introduces 6-in-1 inertial sensor; to elevate automotive safety and performance

~The sensors are compliant with the highest Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL-D) defined in ISO26262 Function Safety Standard~ 

Link to the solution video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeF6X5fWdO4&t=2s

 

New Delhi, 13 December 2023: A leading diversified technology company, Panasonic Life Solutions India’s Industrial Devices Division (INDD) today introduced an innovative 6-in-1, 6DoF (Degrees of Freedom) Inertial Sensor.  The sensor measures vehicle acceleration and angular rate across three axes (X, Y, and Z), providing critical information that enhances vehicle safety and stability. These sensors adhere rigorously to the ISO26262 Functional Safety Standards, including the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL-D), reflecting the robustness and dependability in mission-critical applications.

 

The sensor's applications extend to diverse use cases making them a key component in the ongoing evolution of automotive safety:

• As safety stands as an overriding priority within the Automotive sector, the 6Dof sensors can detect sudden manoeuvres or abrupt halts, promptly recognizing the vehicle's rapid shifts in movement and send signals to the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helping the driver maintain control of the vehicle.
• In the case of two-wheelers, the 6-in-1 inertial sensors are used for the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) module enabling accurate detection of posture and motion to apply traction control, riding mode, race ABS, semi-active suspension system, and adaptive lighting for supporting safe and comfortable cruising.
• In autonomous driving applications, the 6DoF inertial sensors enhance the performance of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as lane departure warning and collision avoidance systems by furnishing precise insights into the vehicle's position and dynamics.
• The sensor also supports Vehicle-to-X (V2X) communication, including Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Control Centre communication, which are essential for communication during an emergency situation.

Commenting on the launch Mr. Narayan Kumar, Divisional Director - Industrial Devices Division, Panasonic Life Solutions India said, “We believe in prioritizing safety, performance (efficiency) and durability for our customers.  With the ongoing evolution of ADAS and vehicle safety features in the Automotive sector, there has been a rise in demand for high-precision inertial sensors that enable accurate self-position estimation. Notably, this trend transcends beyond just passenger vehicles and extends to the 2-wheeler market in India. Panasonic’s 6DoF sensor reflects our firm commitment to catering to these rapidly evolving requirements. It has been engineered with precision to address the multifaceted requirements of modern automotive and industrial systems, from safety applications to advanced control systems."

The Panasonic 6in1 Inertial Sensor is compact, measuring just 4.5mm x 4.5mm x 1.1mm, and houses an array of three accelerometers and three gyroscopes integrated onto a single MEMS chip. This design innovation eliminates the complexities of alignment during integration, providing engineers with unparalleled design freedom. These sensors empower automotive systems to adeptly respond to evolving road conditions, unforeseen emergencies, and potential hazards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and elevating overall passenger safety while driving.