NXP Semiconductors, a global provider of semiconductor solutions, has shipped over 500 million ABS speed sensor modules. NXP has collaborated with Continental, a global automotive supplier, to develop advanced anti-lock brake systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) sensor modules for the car manufacturing industry.
Continental has included NXP’s magnetoresistive sensor chips in its ABS wheel speed sensors. These rotational magnetoresistive sensors have the capability to precisely detect and measure the speed of wheels. They are robust, accurate and generate low noise and age or thermal influences do not cause a major drift. The accurate nature of the NXP’s sensor modules enable them to be used for specific tire-pressure monitoring functions.
In 2009, the demand for ABS and ESC systems reached 45.7 million units and is expected to grow to 91.9 million units in 2017. The emerging markets, including India, China and Brazil, are expected to see significant growth due to increased installation of the ESC and ABS systems. By the end of 2014, all new vehicles in Europe are to be compulsorily fitted with ESCs and all new model types are to be fitted by 2011. In the US, all 2012 model year minivans, cars, pickup trucks and SUVs are to be mandatorily fitted with ESCs by September 2011.