TT electronics plc, the global electronics manufacturing company, has entered into a new strategic partnership with BAE SYSTEMS to jointly develop and manufacture next-generation automotive sensor modules.

Initially developed for the aerospace industry, the next-generation automotive sensors utilise MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) gyroscope technology and provides TT with access to the very latest market innovations, enhancing its position as a leader in the automotive sensor market.

The MEMS gyroscope technology is used as a dynamic motion sensor in a wide range of applications, including military, medical and automotive. BAE SYSTEMS developed the world’s first commercially available micro-machined silicon ring gyroscope, which is manufactured by Silicon Sensing Systems, a JV company equally owned by BAE SYSTEMS and the Sumitomo Corporation in Amagasaki, Japan.

The technology can be used for yaw rate (cornering velocity) measurement in cars which is at the heart of advanced vehicle electronic stability systems being introduced by the vehicle manufacturers. It is in this area that development work with BAE SYSTEMS will be initially undertaken through AB Automotive Electronics ("ABAE"), a UK-based, wholly owned subsidiary of TT. Vehicle electronic stability systems are one of the most important developments in vehicle safety, helping motorists maintain control and prevent ‘spin out’ during sudden manoeuvres.

BAE SYSTEMS currently supplies gyroscopes to the automotive industry in high volume production quantities. As part of its growth strategy, BAE SYSTEMS is looking to supply its gyroscopes as customised packages. The yaw rate sensor, being developed with ABAE, will be an integrated package, consisting of a gyroscope, accelerometer and application specific electronics. High-performance sensor technology and electronics are an absolute necessity for the complex control techniques used in vehicle electronic stability systems.

Other potential automotive applications utilising MEMS gyroscope sensor technology include:
· Intelligent braking
· Dynamic chassis control
· Anti-roll control
· Predictive air bag deployment
· Advanced cruise control
· Crash data recording
· In-car navigation
· Headlamp steering

Dean Fisher, Sales & Marketing Director, AB Automotive Electronics, says:-
“This exciting new strategic partnership with BAE SYSTEMS is a great boost for TT electronics and ABAE. BAE SYSTEMS required an experienced automotive partner with global facilities. This combined with our lean manufacturing and continuous improvement culture impressed BAE SYSTEMS.

"The partnership has tremendous potential. We are already in advanced discussions with a Tier 1 automotive supplier and there has been significant interest from several vehicle manufacturers. "

For further information please contact: -

Ruth Phillips
AB Automotive Electronics +44 (0) 29 2030 0000

Roland Cross/ Sara Champness
Broadgate +44 (0) 20 7726 6111