Bosch has announced its plans to introduce Airbag 10, the latest generation of the electronic control unit (ECU) for restraint systems such as airbag and seat-belt tensioner. Airbag 10 will be supplied to regional and international customers starting in 2007.
The year 2005 is significant for Bosch as it marks the 25th anniversary of the company’s first worldwide production of an airbag ECU in large scale.
In 1980, the unit consisted of three components with 170 parts and merely controlled a single airbag at the driver’s seat. The new ECU Airbag 10 is 70 per cent smaller, consists of a single component and is made of 85 parts in the basic version. Up to 24 restraint devices for the protection of all vehicle occupants can be connected, the highly integrated electronics process data much faster, thus enabling the integration of additional functions. Even pedestrian protection electronics as well as rollover and interior occupant sensors can be integrated into the new system. The sensorics for the car interior, for example, can recognize whether the passenger seat is occupied or a child safety seat has been placed there. The new restraint systems control Airbag 10 is suitable for all vehicle classes from subcompact to luxury sedan.
“The introduction of the Airbag 10 will be greatly welcomed by car manufacturers and drivers around the world, especially in the Middle East region, where the emphasis on road safety has amplified as a result of the major increase in vehicular traffic,” said, Oleg Riabstev, General Manager, Middle East operations, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket (Bosch AA). “With passive restraint systems such as airbags becoming mandatory in several countries, we look forward to a huge demand for our latest innovation.”
Bosch became actively involved in the field of inflatable airbags in the seventies and entered its comprehensive know-how in the interaction of mechanics and electronics. The system started on its victorious course with the first installation of an airbag in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in 1980.
