Panasonic introduces 6-in-1 inertial sensor to enhance automotive safety, performance

Diversified technology major Panasonic Life Solutions India’s Industrial Devices Division (INDD) has 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. The company claims 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 Panasonic 6-in-1 inertial sensor is compact, measuring 4.5mm x 4.5mm x 1.1mm in dimensions, and houses an array of three accelerometers and three gyroscopes integrated onto a single MEMS chip. The company says 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.

The applications of the 6-in-1 inertial sensor extend to diverse use cases making them a key component in systems that enhance vehicle safety. The 6DoF sensors can detect sudden maneuvers or abrupt halts, promptly recognising the vehicle's rapid shifts in movement and send signals to the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), thereby 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 are claimed to 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 an intelligent traffic management system communication during an emergency situation.

According to Narayan Kumar, Divisional Director - Industrial Devices Division, Panasonic Life Solutions India, “We believe in prioritising 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 two-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,” he added.