The steering angle sensor is a crucial component in a car's electronic control system that measures the steering wheel's position and rate of turn. It provides accurate angle information immediately after ignition and communicates this data via a controller area network interface, ensuring safety through internal plausibility checks and diagnostics. The sensor utilizes unique measuring principles to track steering dynamics and is often packaged with multiple sensors for redundancy and improved accuracy.

2. The steering angle sensor is an
important part of the electronic control
system of the car that measures the
steering wheel position angle and rate
of turn.

3. The modern cars are equipped with
systems that require steering-angle
information. This sensor is located in a
sensor cluster in the steering column.

5. A unique feature of this steering-angle
sensor is the output of the correct angle
within the measurement range directly
after ignition-on.

6. The steering angle and steering-angle
velocity are made available via the
controller area network interface.

7. Sensor-internal plausibility tests and
special self-diagnostic functions allow
the use of this sensor in safety systems.

9. The steering angle sensor is fixed onto
the steering shaft, where the hub gear
wheel of the sensor transmits the
rotary movement of the shaft to two
measuring gear wheels.

10. In each measuring gear wheel, a
magnet is mounted, whose field
changes its direction in accordance with
the rotational movement.

11. The analog values of the GMR elements
are converted into digital information
directly on the circuit, which is then
sent to the microprocessor via a serial
interface.

12. The measuring gears have different
numbers of teeth and therefore change
their turning position at different
speeds.

13. This measuring principle enables the
measurement of the complete angle
range of several steering-wheel turns
without the use of a rotation counter.

15. The angle of the steering on its own
can be used to determine where the
front wheels are pointed.

16. When combined with other pieces of
information from the accelerometer
and wheel speed sensors, it is possible
to measure the dynamics of the car.

17. In cars, the steering angle sensor has
two or three sensors packaged together.
The reason for multiple sensors is
redundancy, accuracy and diagnostics.

19. The steering angle sensors are electronic
units and it is nearly impossible to
know them from the outside.

20. So, in order to have your car effective
at ABS and stability control
diagnostics, knowing how sensors
measure angles and information is
critical.

21. http://beemerpros.com/