An Inductively Coupled Method for Remote Tire Pressure Sensing

This paper describes a method for measuring and transmitting tire pressure and temperature using solid state temperature and pressure sensors embedded in each tire. Data is transmitted with closely coupled field antennas, one mounted to the wheel rim and the other rigidly mounted in the comer assembly. The sensors are remotely powered by resonating the antenna in the comer assembly at a low frequency. Digitized sensor data is transmitted back to the antenna in the corner assembly.

This approach is advantageous for several reasons. The use of low frequency field antennas eliminates the crosstalk with other tires, systems, or vehicles. The vehicle battery powers the system rather than a battery located in the wheel. The system is capable of providing continuous measurement with a high update rate. Finally, the system electronics can be reduced to custom integrated circuits, resulting in components which are small, light weight, and cost competitive.