Auto sensor use continues to grow
Staff -- Test & Measurement World, 2/1/2004
According to a newreport from IMS Research (Wellingborough, UK), automotive sensor technology will continue to grow rapidly throughout the decade, as radar, ultrasonic, and image sensors find their way into automobiles. At the same time, new sensing techniques (such as GiantMagnetoResistance) are forecast to replace technologies such as potentiometers, because they are more durable and cost less. Systems such as park/reverse assist and night vision will all use advanced imaging sensors using laser and ultrasonic technology, and systems such as lane departure warning and camera-based adaptive airbags are just around the corner.
Report analyst Jon Cropley says, "Many of the high growth automotive systems are not only sensor dependent but also require high value sensors. The result is rapid revenue growth forecast for the market."
Industry pressures are also forcing engineers to employ new measurement techniques for current vehicle functions, and for sensors to be manufactured using new methods. For example, acceleration sensors based on MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) are now commonly used in navigation systems and for pressure measurement. www.imsresearch.com.
