SenGenuity and Transense Technologies Partner to Advance Wireless Surface
Acoustic Wave Pressure and Torque Sensing Technology
Leading SAW and Sensor Manufacturers Team to Deliver Next Generation Products
for the Automotive and Industrial Markets, Ensure Vehicles Meet Industry
Standards and Government Regulations
HUDSON, N.H., July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- SenGenuity, the sensors division of
Vectron International, a leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of
Frequency Control, Sensor, and Hybrid Product solutions, today announced that
it has entered a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Transense
Technologies, a developer of Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW), wireless,
batteryless, sensor systems for the automotive industry. Under terms of the
agreement, the two companies will develop and manufacture wireless sensors for
use in both pressure and torque sensing applications. This partnership
furthers SenGenuity's mission of leveraging the worldwide infrastructure of
Vectron's core frequency control products business towards the development of
breakthrough SAW-based sensing solutions.
Since its inception, Transense has compiled an impressive portfolio of
SAW-based sensing technology specific to passive pressure and torque sensors
that can be wirelessly interrogated for measurement purposes. Applications
range from tire pressure sensing to advanced steering system and powertrain
torque monitoring in automotive markets, as well as a broad array of
industrial and medical pressure and temperature sensing applications. "This
partnership with Transense serves to broaden SenGenuity's product platform in
a way that is synergistic with the sensor technology that we have developed
and introduced to the market to date," said Tom Cunneen, vice president and
general manager, SenGenuity. "We are looking forward to a long and mutually
beneficial relationship with Transense as we continue to provide highly
differentiated advanced sensing solutions across a multitude of applications
and markets."
Acoustic wave sensors function by generating an acoustic wave on a
piezoelectric material when a bias is applied. As the acoustic wave propagates
through or on the surface of the material, any changes to the characteristics
of the propagation path affect the velocity, and/or amplitude of the wave.
Changes in velocity can be monitored by measuring the frequency or phase
characteristics of the sensor and can then be correlated to the corresponding
physical quantity being measured.
SenGenuity's wireless sensors operate without the need for a power source,
work within the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band, and are
designed to provide instantaneous wireless pressure, torque and temperature
measurements for embedded real-time, in-line environments requiring high
resolution, exceptional stability and accuracy. Coupled with Transense's
wireless interrogation technology, these sensors provide a continuous audit
trail for process monitoring markets to control operating costs and maintain
quality standards.
"Transense is delighted to have Vectron International as a new licensee,
leveraging its considerable manufacturing and marketing expertise within our
target markets," said Graham Storey, commercial director, Transense
Technologies. "A key component of our new business strategy is to seek
additional routes to market for our technology in order to gain greater
control over our revenue streams. We believe this new agreement offers near-
term opportunities in high value markets."
Wireless SAW pressure sensor applications
A key application of the wireless SAW pressure sensor is in tire pressure
monitoring systems (TPMS). The United States government recently passed
legislation that requires from September 2007 all new passenger vehicles and
light trucks under 10,000 pounds of gross vehicle weight to be equipped with
tire pressure monitoring systems. The ability of vehicles, especially critical
transport vehicles, to carry the specified load is a direct function of
maintaining correct tire pressure. The correct pressure results in the
avoidance of catastrophic failure and allows for increased fuel economy and
tire life. Further, there is a significant market opportunity in the
commercial, agricultural and construction vehicle markets, where continuous
monitoring of tire pressure offers opportunities for operating cost reductions
and elimination of expensive manual maintenance programs. Industrial
applications for wireless pressure sensors include HVAC industries, medical
applications, semiconductor fabrication plants and process control
requirements.
Wireless torque sensor applications
With a wireless torque sensor, there is a distinct path to satisfying
industry drivers for improving powertrain and steering systems with a direct
measurement of torque. These industry drivers include shift quality, fuel
efficiency, weight reduction, emission standards and vehicle safety whereas
industry drivers for improving Chassis Electronic Power Assist Systems (CEPAS)
include increased stiffness and system complexity and cost reductions by
decreasing the number of mechanical components to a single shaft.
For more information on this licensing agreement or on other Acoustic Wave
Sensors from Vectron, please contact a customer service representative at
1-88-VECTRON-1 or visit www.sengenuity.com.
About Transense Technologies
Transense Technologies is a technology transfer company based in Upper
Heyford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Transense develops Surface Acoustic Wave
(SAW), wireless, battery-less sensor systems in partnership with its
licensees, Honeywell, Michelin, Texas Instruments, Melexis, Tai-Saw and Stack.
Current applications include Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and
torque systems for Electrical Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and driveline
management. Transense is listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the
London Stock Exchange (TRT).
About SenGenuity
SenGenuity, an operating division of Vectron International, is a leading
provider of breakthrough sensor solutions and products. As part of its growing
product portfolio, SenGenuity delivers to customers innovative solutions for
measuring the condition of fluids in challenging, embedded environments by
coupling its state-of-the-art precision sensor solutions with Vectron's
surface and bulk acoustic wave (SAW and BAW) technology. Further, SenGenuity
is leveraging its core competencies in AW technology along with extensive
experience in radio frequency (RF), signal conditioning, embedded system
electronics design and advanced packaging technologies to drive the
development of breakthrough solutions for gas and physical sensing
applications. Dedicated to taking a leadership role in the $50 billion sensor
market, SenGenuity is continually designing and manufacturing innovative
sensing solutions that can be used across a broad range of industries, and are
rapidly becoming the new standard for performance and reliability in critical
data gathering applications. For more information, please call 1-88-VECTRON-1
or visit www.sengenuity.com.
About Vectron International
Vectron International is a world leader in the design, manufacture and
marketing of frequency control, sensor, and hybrid product solutions. Vectron
solves complex timing, filtering and sensor challenges by delivering
customized solutions that speed time to market and offer low total cost of
ownership. Vectron uses the very latest techniques in both bulk acoustic wave
(BAW) and surface acoustic wave (SAW) based designs from DC to microwave
frequencies. Committed to the industry's highest quality service standard and
complete satisfaction, Vectron International leverages its global footprint
and 50 years of experience to help customers achieve competitive
differentiation and improve their bottom line. Vectron International is
headquartered in Hudson, NH and has operating facilities and sales offices in
North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, please call 1-88-
VECTRON-1 or visit www.vectron.com.
Media Relations Contact: Media Relations Contact:
Bill Holbrook Jessica Ryan
(603) 578-3052 (617) 587-2923
bholbrook@vectron.com jryan@brodeur.com
SOURCE Vectron International
Bill Holbrook of Vectron International, +1-603-578-3052,
bholbrook@vectron.com, or Jessica Ryan for Vectron International,
+1-617-587-2923, jryan@brodeur.com
