The plastic-welded Inductive Displacement Sensor (IDS) from Cherry GmbH can handle even extreme conditions in the gearbox.

Auerbach, 10. September 2007 - The immense progress made over the past few years shows the vested interest automobile manufacturers have in the continued development of By-Wire Systems. Whether Drive-by-Wire, Brake-by-Wire or Steer-by-Wire, the de-mechanization of the automobile is progressing in leaps and bounds. Safety and reliability are essential factors for any change made to automobiles. As a leading engineering supplier of mechatronic solutions, Cherry GmbH makes a valuable contribution to the safe use of Drive-by-Wire systems with innovative product solutions. For many years, the company has been producing innovative developments in the field of inductive sensors, which are now being used in the first series models. At this year's IAA in Frankfurt, Cherry GmbH will present a further component in mechatronic vehicle construction. The IDS gear sensor is based on the principle of inductive sensors. The hermetically sealed sensor-module in its laser-welded plastic housing is placed directly in the gearbox to determine positions and is capable of withstanding extreme ambient conditions.

Inductive sensors - Pathfinder for By-Wire systems

Automobile manufacturers agree: By-Wire-Systems will influence the future of the automobile considerably and open up a wide range of amazing possibilities. A vehicle with fully electrical steering, controls and braking functions opens up new opportunities to support the driver. We still have a while to wait before these opportunities become reality, however, as a number of challenges still have to be met.

The focus points in this respect are issues of reliability, safety, and economy. The use of innovative, high-quality systems is paramount for suppliers and automobile manufacturers alike when competing among the best in the automotive industry. For years, Cherry GmbH has counted among the leading engineering suppliers of mechatronic solutions and will live up to this reputation once again with the presentation at the IDS. With By-Wire-Systems, functions are transmitted via electrical cables, and drives and actuators controlled. For safety reasons it is important to ensure that the data is transmitted quickly and reliably. Inductive sensors offer considerable advantages compared with e.g. hall sensors.

The inductive sensor is made up of a printed circuit board with sensor coils and a metal damping element and is therefore resistant to disturbance from magnetic fields. With its laser-welded plastic housing, the IDS sensor from Cherry GmbH is suitable for use in the gearbox. During vehicle operation, temperature peaks of 165° C are reached in the gearbox area. The sensor also comes into contact with aggressive transmission oil and metal particles. Extreme situations, which the IDS sensor from Cherry GmbH masters with no problems. "The positive feedback from our customers regarding solutions such as the IDS sensor underlines the significance of our work in the development of inductive sensors", explains Johann Eekhoff, Director Sales Automotive at Cherry GmbH. "We will continue to develop these technologies at our site in Auerbach".

About Cherry

The Cherry Corporation with its headquarters in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin / USA, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of components for applications in the automotive, industrial and white goods sectors, as well as computer input devices. Since the company was founded by Walter Cherry in 1953, the Cherry Corporation has grown to a global group of companies with over 3000 employees and production facilities in Europe, USA and Asia. The subsidiary Cherry GmbH, with its today´s headquarters in Auerbach / Upper Palatinate, was founded in 1963. A total of about 2000 staff are currently employed at the plants in Auerbach, neighbouring Wolfsbach and in Klasterecz. Cherry GmbH acts as the European headquarters and development centre. From here, the sales organisation of the three divisions is managed for the whole of Europe.

The automotive business sector:

In the automotive sector, Cherry GmbH is a leading development supplier of mechatronic switching and control solutions for applications in the fields of bodywork, safety and comfort, and drive train. The company was awarded the "Automotive Lean Production Award" at the end of 2006 in recognition of the innovative nature and efficiency of its production system. Cherry's customers include all major system suppliers in the individual application fields, such as Autoliv, ZF, Valeo, Lear, Continental, Kiekert and Brose.

For further information, visit the company website at www.cherry.de. You can access the automotive business segment directly via the link: www.cherrycorp.com/deutsch/automotive/index.htm