Yaw Rate Sensor: Operation
- The driving piezoelectric part oscillates the oscillator by repeatedly bending and returning when an AC voltage of 6 kHz is applied to the part, The monitoring-side oscillator resonates because it is connected to the driving-side oscillator by the metal block.
- The monitoring piezoelectric part bends in proportion to the oscillation and outputs voltage (the monitor signal). The navigation unit control circuit controls the drive signal to stabilize the monitor signal.
- When the vehicle is stopped, the detecting piezoelectric parts oscillate right and left with the oscillators, but no signal is output because the parts are not bent (no angular force)
- When the vehicle turns to the right, the sensor element moves in a circular motion with the right oscillator bending for ward and the left oscillator bending rearward. The amount of forward/rearward bend varies according to the angular velocity of the vehicle.
- The detecting piezoelectric parts output voltage (the yaw rate signal) according to the amount of bend. The amount of vehicle direction change is determined by measuring this voltage.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.