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TRW Automotive’s steering angle sensor technology has been adopted in brand new Chrysler group vehicles, debuting with the 2007 Dodge Caliber, as a safety measure to mitigate steering errors or loss of control.

On the Caliber, the sensor uses multiple optical emitters and receivers that are mounted in the steering column’s clock-spring to measure the rotational speed and angle of the steering wheel. This data is transmitted to the vehicle’s electronic stability program (ESP), and the “intended” motion from the driver is compared to the car’s actual movement. The ESP system can then adjust the car’s motion to keep it in line with the intended path.

The technology is the first of its kind in North America that communicates on multiple vehicle information networks, meaning that it uses both a fast control area network (CAN) to transmit information to cars’ ESP systems, and a slower local interconnect network (LIN) to operate turn signals and other control devices.

The sensor can also be adjusted to meet an individual specifications and requirements of the vehicle’s stability control system.