Automotive Steering Sensors

Power steering systems for automobiles are being designed with features which improve “feel” and “driveability”. As a result, the necessary feed-back circuits require varying degrees of sensed information from the steering wheel. Such parameters as position, rate of turn and applied torque are required for steering systems which vary the power assistance relative to the road speed and also for active or automatically adjusted suspension systems. This paper describes some of the sensing techniques available and discusses the lifetime duty cycles and testing requirements involved with designing and selecting suitable sensors.