Johnson Controls Introduces New Tire Pressure Monitoring System at the IAA

BURSCHEID, Germany -

- Greater Safety, Less Fuel Consumption With Auto-Train/Auto-Learn TPMS

BURSCHEID, Germany, August 13 /PRNewswire/ –

Picture is available via EPA (European Pressphoto Agency) and can be downloaded free of charge at: www.presseportal.de/pm/19526/johnson_controls_gmbh/?keygroup=bild

“Greater safety, less fuel consumption” will be the theme at Johnson Controls, one of the world’s leading suppliers of automotive interior systems and electronics, when it presents a self-initializing and direct-measuring tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) at the 63rd IAA (International Motor Show) in Frankfurt. With automatic localization of the tire pressure sensors, the new-generation TPMS enables drivers to change wheels containing TPMS technology by themselves - making a trip to the authorized service center unnecessary. Johnson Controls has managed to reduce system complexity as well as costs with the integrated TPMS. Tire pressure control even improves driving safety and comfort while reducing fuel consumption and with it CO2 discharge.

As part of its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, the EU is planning to make tire pressure monitoring systems compulsory as of 2012, since incorrect tire pressure increases fuel consumption and emissions. However, it is more than just environmental concerns that are driving the European Commission. Improper tire pressure also increases wear and tear on tires, which lengthens braking distances and impairs a vehicle’s handling. Therefore, defective tires and creeping pressure loss also increase the risk of accidents.

What sets the new TPMS from Johnson Controls apart is the system’s adaptive auto-learn capability to detect the wheels’ sensor positions. “This new-generation tire pressure monitoring marks the evolution of our TPMS technology. This system automatically detects the sensors and determines their positions,” explained Krister Gamaggio, Product Director of Body Electronics at Johnson Controls. At the heart of the innovation is a patented auto-train/auto-learn algorithm integrated into the TPMS receiver. It automatically calculates the positions of each tire sensor, analyzing signal input from the ABS and ESP control unit at the start of a journey. There is no need for a manual learning procedure, even after a tire change. “This is new because in the past, changing wheels with comparable systems would have necessitated each new tire pressure sensor to be assigned to its respective position. And this is a manual initialization procedure requiring skilled authorized service center personnel,” added Krister Gamaggio.

A new set of tires can be localized within two to three minutes. The system can also permanently save another four sensor IDs, increasing the speed with which an additional set of “known” tires, such a winter tires, is positioned. After the system detects these saved IDs, the sensors are localized quicker, even if these tires are mounted in different positions than before.

Innovative system solution with rapid analysis of values

The system reports low pressure just as precisely for one individual tire as for all four tires. The sensor technology can even detect a minimal 70 mbar change in pressure. When pressure is constant, the current value is sent to the receiver once per minute. But if the system detects any abnormality, it moves to a faster mode: The sample rate is increased so that the sensor now takes a measurement several times per minute. If a pressure difference exists, the sensor immediately sends a sequence to the receiver with the new values. The transmission pattern ensures that even a marginal pressure loss during a journey is indicated within 10 seconds, or as soon the car is started after being parked. And even when the vehicle is parked, the tire pressure is still measured regularly, but at a lower frequency for energy-saving purposes. The sensor battery has a lifespan of around nine years.

Maximum functionality with optimized system costs

The TPMS from Johnson Controls is a direct-measuring system. But unlike comparable systems, it only uses a single antenna, which is integrated directly into the TPMS control unit. This reduces component costs while eliminating the need for additional cabling. The patented algorithm is the key to this cost-optimized solution, since it enables the definitive localization of the sensors without additional components. Because the software in the receiver is used to calculate all of the information needed to analyze the signals, no other components apart from the tire sensors are required. Like the antenna, all analytical components are integrated compactly into the receiver unit.

Interested visitors will have the chance to experience the advantages of Johnson Controls’ new self-initializing tire pressure monitoring system at the 2009 IAA (International Motor Show) in Frankfurt. The technology is available for all vehicle segments.

A more technically detailed version of the press release is available upon request.

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.

Further information is available from: Johnson Controls GmbH, Automotive Experience, Industriestr. 20-30, 51399 Burscheid, Germany. Astrid Schafmeister, Tel.: +49-2174-65-3189, Fax: +49-2174-65-3219, E-mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com.

BURSCHEID, Germany, August 13 /PRNewswire/ –

Source: Johnson Controls GmbH

Further information is available from: Johnson Controls GmbH, Automotive Experience, Industriestr. 20-30, 51399 Burscheid, Germany. Astrid Schafmeister, Tel.: +49-2174-65-3189, Fax: +49-2174-65-3219, E-mail: astrid.schafmeister at jci.com.