With a significant expansion of its range by more than 1,150 references for various vehicle applications, the French provider of bearings as well as transmission and chassis components for cars and commercial vehicles, NTN Europe, has expanded its sensor division. According to a press release, the now more than 1,500 items in total cover approximately 80 percent of the vehicles used in Europe. The products, marketed under the SNR brand, are primarily intended to enhance the safety functions and component protection, but also the comfort in the increasingly sensor-controlled modern vehicles.
Many years of expertise
The OEM provider NTN Europe has long-standing experience in the sensor technology for its products. In 1997, the company was awarded for the development of the ASB technology. The previously standard wheel bearing with a passive sensor and toothed ring is replaced by an active sensor and a multi-pole magnetic ring in the bearing seal. When this ring moves, it transmits a signal to the active sensor, which relays the wheel speeds to the ABS control unit. In this way, it is possible to determine the vehicle speed via the wheel, measure navigation, or control ABS and ESP to prevent wheel lock-ups during emergency braking or stabilize the vehicle.
As additional advantages, small dimensions and weight, the ability to measure vehicle speeds starting from 0 km/h, and a simplified, standardizable design are considered. According to its own information, the technology is used today not only in almost every vehicle sold in Europe, but is increasingly appreciated by Japanese vehicle manufacturers as well. The company's other core competencies include laser distance measurement (Lidar) and torque sensors. The latter product range, which previously had a range of 470 wheel speed sensors, has now been expanded by an additional 1,150 numbers, with six additional sensor types added.
More and more sensors in vehicles
Carole Berwald, Product Line Manager for Sensors at NTN Europe, points out the high importance of data acquisition devices for modern mobility:
"The sensor market is technically demanding and highly competitive, but offers enormous growth opportunities – especially through the increasing electrification of vehicles and the rising number of sensors in modern cars."
For example, it may well be that around 300 sensors in a modern vehicle contribute to compliance with environmental standards as well as more comfort, performance, and safety.
The sensor range from NTN Europe now forms an independent product family within the portfolio with the new additions. Seven different sensor types are new to the range:
For engine management:
A camshaft position sensor (CMP) that determines the position of the camshaft for precise fuel injection.
A crankshaft position sensor (CKP) that determines the engine speed to adjust fuel injection according to driving needs.
A coolant temperature sensor (CTS) that monitors engine temperature to ensure safe operation.
For exhaust regulation:
The exhaust gas pressure sensor (EGP) controls the pressure differential of the particulate filters to ensure emission standards can be met.
The exhaust gas temperature sensor (EGT) monitors the temperature, thus protecting exhaust components from overheating.
For safety and comfort:
For monitoring tire pressure and greater driving safety, the tire pressure sensor (TPMS) is used.
And finally, the wheel speed sensor (ASB) measures the rotational speed of the wheels to support safety-relevant systems like ABS.
One of the largest suppliers of sensors
With the expansion of its sensor offerings, NTN Europe aims to position itself as a "one-stop-shop for sensors." "These new product lines are among the most comprehensive on the market from a single provider and offer the premium quality that customers demand," it says.
The sensors, offered under the name SNR, are according to NTN Europe's quality team, released only after rigorous testing. With regard to the environment, most packaging for the new sensors avoids plastic whenever possible.
NTN Europe has 15 production sites and approximately 5,500 employees. Founded in Annecy in 1916, the supplier of rolling bearings and automotive spare parts was formerly also known under the names SRO and later SNR. Today, the company is part of the NTN Group, a Japanese manufacturer of high-precision mechanics that traces its origins back to 1918 and operates 72 factories and 15 research centers worldwide. According to its own information, the NTN Group has a total of around 23,000 employees.
