TRW Automotive Holdings (TRW) has launched its first integrated remote keyless entry (RKE) and direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in collaboration with a Japanese vehicle manufacturer.
The new system offers RKE and TPM functions with fewer parts, claims the company.
According to the company, a single smart receiver/ECU that processes information from the RKE fobs receives the transmitted commands including the temperature and pressure signals from the transmitters located in the TPMS sensor units located in each tire.
The integrated ECU decodes the signals to activate the lock or unlock function for vehicle doors and the trunk, while giving tire pressure warning information to the driver.
Global Electronics Engineering vice president Ken Kaiser said, "By eliminating the need for separate receivers for the two systems we can maintain performance characteristics, use less space, reduce system weight and wiring complexity, and ultimately lower material and assembly costs."
