Accelerometers are on the level for Master Brake
A
Memsic product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
May 29, 2002
Master Brake Systems is using Memsic accelerometers in an air suspension and levelling system specifically designed for lightweight trailers, such as RVs and horse trailers.
Master Brake Systems is using Memsic accelerometers in an air suspension and levelling system specifically designed for lightweight trailers, such as RVs and horse trailers.
Disenchanted with the lack of control and escalating costs of using air suspension and levelling systems for large trailers - the norm in the industry - Master Brake, using Memsic sensors along with its own integrated circuit technology and software, created a system that levels a lightweight trailer with the click of a button and created an air suspension system that works on a timer, alerting the air suspension system to release or take in air when needed.
Most importantly, Memsic accelerometers have played a big role in extending the life of a lightweight trailer from two to three years to 10 years.
Master Brake started the project in earnest in September, and premiered the product at the Louisville RV show in November.
According to Master Brake president Bill Barnett: "In evaluating sensors for our product, we found that the Memsic product, due to its unique design, offered a whole new slant", Barnett said.
"Now, instead of having six valves on each axle of the trailer, there are three MEMSIC accelerometers on the master axle.
By cutting down on the number of parts and adding an accelerometer with superior frequency response, we have nearly eliminated system failure and greatly simplified levelling procedures".
Memsic has successfully integrated MEMS technology with leading-edge IC processes to create MEMS ICs.
The technology is applicable to any technology that requires the sensing of motion, acceleration, or tilt.
Because of the standard CMOS structure of the accelerometers - which measure both dynamic acceleration, such as vibration, and static acceleration, such as gravity - additional circuitry can easily be incorporated into custom versions for high volume applications.
In addition, the accelerometers are factory programmable at the end of the manufacturing cycle, cutting costs to as much as fifty percent less than competitors, and have no moving parts, eliminating sticking issues.
Most importantly, the noise floor has been reduced by a factor of 2.5 to 3 times, the drift over temperature has been improved by 50%, and the part's initial offset error has been reduced by 40% or greater.
Said Yang Zhao, President and CEO of Memsic, "Using MEMS technology, Memsic has created an accelerometer that not only eclipses previous industry standards, but also significantly reduces cost.
Companies that before could not afford or consider it, can now easily afford this exciting technology.
We are thrilled Master Brake has been able to improve the functionality of its product using our dual axis accelerometers".
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