The pressure tube sensor, integrated into the front spoiler of the vehicle, consists of an elastic silicone tube filled with air. Two peripheral pressure sensors are located at each end of the tube. If the system detects a collision with a pedestrian, it triggers protective mechanisms, such as an active engine hood device or windshield airbag within 10 to 15 milliseconds of the impact.
The evaluation electronics of the sensor system are integrated into the airbag control unit. The pressure tube sensor is connected to the airbag control unit via a PSI5 interface (Peripheral Sensor Interface) that controls the power supply as well as the transfer of data.
