Greater safety, less fuel consumption with auto-train/auto-learn TPMS / Johnson Controls Introduces New Tire Pressure Monitoring System at the IAA

Burscheid (Germany) (ots) -

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"Greater safety, less fuel consumption? will be the theme at
Johnson Controls, one of the world?s leading suppliers of automotive
interior systems and electronics, when it presents a
self-initializing and direct-measuring tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) at the 63rd IAA (International Motor Show) in
Frankfurt. With automatic localization of the tire pressure sensors,
the new-generation TPMS enables drivers to change wheels containing
TPMS technology by themselves ? making a trip to the authorized
service center unnecessary. Johnson Controls has managed to reduce
system complexity as well as costs with the integrated TPMS. Tire
pressure control even improves driving safety and comfort while
reducing fuel consumption and with it CO2 discharge.

As part of its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, the EU is planning
to make tire pressure monitoring systems compulsory as of 2012, since
incorrect tire pressure increases fuel consumption and emissions.
However, it is more than just environmental concerns that are driving
the European Commission. Improper tire pressure also increases wear
and tear on tires, which lengthens braking distances and impairs a
vehicle?s handling. Therefore, defective tires and creeping pressure
loss also increase the risk of accidents.

What sets the new TPMS from Johnson Controls apart is the system?s
adaptive auto-learn capability to detect the wheels? sensor
positions. "This new-generation tire pressure monitoring marks the
evolution of our TPMS technology. This system automatically detects
the sensors and determines their positions,? explained Krister
Gamaggio, Product Director of Body Electronics at Johnson Controls.
At the heart of the innovation is a patented auto-train/auto-learn
algorithm integrated into the TPMS receiver. It automatically
calculates the positions of each tire sensor, analyzing signal input
from the ABS and ESP control unit at the start of a journey. There is
no need for a manual learning procedure, even after a tire change.
"This is new because in the past, changing wheels with comparable
systems would have necessitated each new tire pressure sensor to be
assigned to its respective position. And this is a manual
initialization procedure requiring skilled authorized service center
personnel,? added Krister Gamaggio.

A new set of tires can be localized within two to three minutes.
The system can also permanently save another four sensor IDs,
increasing the speed with which an additional set of "known? tires,
such a winter tires, is positioned. After the system detects these
saved IDs, the sensors are localized quicker, even if these tires are
mounted in different positions than before.

Innovative system solution with rapid analysis of values The
system reports low pressure just as precisely for one individual tire
as for all four tires. The sensor technology can even detect a
minimal 70 mbar change in pressure. When pressure is constant, the
current value is sent to the receiver once per minute. But if the
system detects any abnormality, it moves to a faster mode: The sample
rate is increased so that the sensor now takes a measurement several
times per minute. If a pressure difference exists, the sensor
immediately sends a sequence to the receiver with the new values. The
transmission pattern ensures that even a marginal pressure loss
during a journey is indicated within 10 seconds, or as soon the car
is started after being parked. And even when the vehicle is parked,
the tire pressure is still measured regularly, but at a lower
frequency for energy-saving purposes. The sensor battery has a
lifespan of around nine years.

Maximum functionality with optimized system costs The TPMS from
Johnson Controls is a direct-measuring system. But unlike comparable
systems, it only uses a single antenna, which is integrated directly
into the TPMS control unit. This reduces component costs while
eliminating the need for additional cabling. The patented algorithm
is the key to this cost-optimized solution, since it enables the
definitive localization of the sensors without additional components.
Because the software in the receiver is used to calculate all of the
information needed to analyze the signals, no other components apart
from the tire sensors are required. Like the antenna, all analytical
components are integrated compactly into the receiver unit.

Interested visitors will have the chance to experience the
advantages of Johnson Controls? new self-initializing tire pressure
monitoring system at the 2009 IAA (International Motor Show) in
Frankfurt. The technology is available for all vehicle segments.

A more technically detailed version of the press release is
available upon request.

Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings
ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By
integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart
environments that redefine the relationships between people and their
surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more
comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and
services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one
million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives
our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our
workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide
to customers. For additional information, please visit
http://www.johnsoncontrols.com .

Originaltext: Johnson Controls GmbH
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Pressekontakt:
Further information is available from:

Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Experience
Industriestr. 20?30
51399 Burscheid Germany

Astrid Schafmeister
Tel.: +49 2174 65-3189
Fax: +49 2174 65-3219
E-mail: astrid.schafmeister@jci.com