Precision and reliability are becoming increasingly critical in modern vehicle systems, especially as the automotive industry accelerates toward the electrification of mobility. Electric vehicles are generally heavier than combustion engine vehicles. To handle the higher weight of such vehicles, more advanced damping and chassis control systems are required. Chassis control systems, in particular, demand accurate position sensing to ensure optimal performance, safety, and comfort — whether in electric vehicles by adjusting the ride height for aerodynamic efficiency, and thus reduced power consumption and higher range, or by quickly adapting the suspension system in critical evasive maneuvers.
In response to these evolving needs, ams OSRAM now introduces its AS5173, a high-resolution magnetic position sensor designed specifically for advanced chassis position sensing applications. Building on the proven AS5172, the AS5173 integrates a noise-reduction filter that significantly improves the effectively achievable angle measurement resolution . This makes it especially well-suited for active damping systems, which are being increasingly deployed in electric vehicles to enhance ride quality and energy efficiency.
“The AS5173 is a direct response to the challenges our customers face in developing smarter, safer, and more efficient vehicles,” says David Schneider, Product Manager at ams OSRAM. “By integrating advanced filtering technology, we’re enabling Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs to push the boundaries of what’s possible in chassis control systems — especially in electric and autonomous platforms.”
The sensor is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 1 and compliant with ASIL B safety standards, making it suitable for safety-critical automotive applications. Thanks to its PSI5 interface the AS5173 only needs a two-wire connection (Supply and GND) to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The measured angle position is communicated to the ECU via current modulation on the supply line. This reduces the system size, weight and cost while increasing reliability. Its compact System-in-Package design allows for seamless integration into existing vehicle architectures. To operate, the AS5173 only requires 10 mT magnetic flux density and therefore also works with weaker non-rare earth or non-heavy rare earth magnets. Even with weak magnets, the device remains immune to magnetic stray fields thanks to its differential on-chip measurement approach.
With the launch of the AS5173, ams OSRAM continues to deliver cutting-edge sensor solutions that support the future of mobility.
(Photo credit: ams OSRAM)
