Acceleration sensor self-test appts. for diagnosing vehicle airbag system - applies force by electrostatic, electromagnetic force, or external mechanical vibration, and measures detected acceleration of mass

摘要

The displacement of a wt. (6) caused by an applied acceleration is converted into an electrical signal to enable detection of the acceleration of a moving object. A force corresp. to a defined acceleration is applied (19) to the wt. for diagnostic testing on the basis of a diagnostic signal . A device (15) for self diagnosis of the characteristics of the acceleration sensor (18) evaluates the resulting sensor output. The force may be applied by electrostatic, electromagnetic means, or be caused by external vibration. The acceleration sensor may be capacitive or piezoresistive. ADVANTAGE - Enables detection of degradation or failure of the acceleration sensor, thus improving safety.