Research on SAW Sensors in TPMS

In this paper, the performances of several tire temperature and pressure sensors in Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) were analyzed, and the corresponding IC and MEMS core technology in R&D of the active and passive sensors was studied. It is pointed out that the passive wireless sensor chips based on the surface acoustic wave (SAW) is the development direction in automotive safety products. In addition, this paper analyzed the principle, working process and the development of SAW sensors in recent two decades. As to the current international technical barriers, the patent technologies of the SAW sensor were presented, and the international competition and cooperation were discussed. Finally we draw the conclusions that in order to break the technical barriers of European and American automobile trade, it is quite necessary to develop the core technology of SAW sensors, together with the independence, resources integration, business risk control and the perfection of patent law, due to the huge economic benefits of the SAW sensors.