New SMP290 MEMS sensor with BLE: the efficient team player
Fully integrated and highly energy-efficient for tire pressure monitoring applications
MEMS sensors are the key technology for the mobile and connected world: today, an average of 20 MEMS (micro electro-mechanical systems) sensors are installed in a car, a third of which are from Bosch. In total, Bosch has developed and produced more than 23 billion MEMS sensors so far, which are used in a variety of vehicle applications such as advanced driver assistance systems, safety or comfort systems. This makes Bosch one of the world’s largest suppliers of MEMS sensors for vehicles.
MEMS sensor portfolio expansion
Our state-of-the-art sensor technology ensures maximum safety, driving performance, and comfort, whether in motorcycles, cars, trucks, or buses. Now, an innovation for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) is expanding Bosch’s MEMS portfolio: the first fully integrated SMP290 solution for TPMS with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology and further remarkable features on board.
Reducing system complexity with MEMS sensors
System complexity and resource efficiency are key challenges for OEMs, and a difficult task in view of the increasing demand for vehicle functionalities and increasing cost pressure. The integration of the BLE functionality into the SMP290 makes it a true team player and helps to reduce the overall system costs. What does this mean in practice?
It starts with making the access system BLE-ready, eliminating the need for various low and ultra-high frequency components such as antennas. What’s more, the switch to BLE unlocks synergies: the SMP290 can share the receiver infrastructure with other components, such as keyless entry or access systems. This prevents redundancies and simplifies the system architecture.
The streamlined integration of advanced MEMS sensor technologies such as the SMP290 leads to a significant evolution of the architecture in vehicle access and tyre-pressure-monitoring systems.
Innovation fused in a tiny frame
The SMP290 not only impresses as a team player but also has a lot to offer as an individual component on just 3.5 x 4.5 mm: hardware highlights include a fully integrated design that combines multiple sensors – pressure, acceleration, temperature – along with Bluetooth functionality. The software highlights include enhanced user experience (UX) by enabling mobile device notifications about the current tire status. The software complexity in general is also notably decreased: the SMP290 solution only needs one software package, streamlining development, verification, and maintenance efforts.
Wherever a BLE infrastructure exists, an SMP290-based sensor can be easily integrated and leverage synergies between the access system and TPMS.
Easy and energy-saving communication
The SMP290 sensor comes with standardized bi-directional BLE communication with a broad toolset of cyber security functions and features that comply with NIST standards. BLE not only allows fast and easy over-the-air updates resulting in reduced service time but also minimizes energy consumption during data transfer and programming, which again significantly extends the sensor life. All energy-saving measures in total allow for a sensor lifespan of up to 10 years, which makes the solution unique on the market and underlines Bosch’s position as pioneer in MEMS sensor technology.
The innovative nature of the SMP290 is further underlined by its nomination for this year's “Best Sensor Awards” at Sensors Converge, a leading trade show for sensor technology in Santa Clara, California, USA. For three decades, the awards have already been presented to technologies, executives, and companies that are actively shaping the future of sensor technology, connectivity, and automation. Our solution is one of five innovations nominated in the “Best Automotive & Mobility Solution” category. The decision will be made live on June 25. We are keeping our fingers crossed for our SMP290. Stay tuned for further updates!
