Transverse (Lateral) Acceleration Sensor
The Transverse Acceleration Sensor is mounted in the left "A" pillar behind the driver's foot rest. The sensor provides the MK60 DSC control unit with a signal that corresponds to the degree of transverse acceleration (G forces) acting on the vehicle.
The sensor is a capacitive sensor with two plates. One plate is rigidly mounted, the other plate is mounted on a spring. Under the effect of transverse forces acting on the sensor the distance between the plates changes.
This change of distance between the plates affects the capacitance of the sensor. The evaluation circuitry converts the signal into an analog voltage that is transmitted to the control unit.
The output signal of the sensor is between the range of 0.5 to 4.5 Volts. This corresponds to -1.5 to 3.5g respectively. When the vehicle is stationary the output is 1.8V.
The transverse acceleration signal is used in the MK60 DSC III control unit along with the rotation rate and steering angle signal to determine if DSC regulation is required to maintain the vehicles stability.