Description And Operation: Description: Dampers: Accelerometers

Three accelerometers are used in the adaptive damping system.

• Rear
• Front right
• Front left

Refer to component location graphic above.

The accelerometers measure acceleration in the vertical plane and output a corresponding analogue signal to the Chassis Control Module (CHCM). The algorithms in the CHCM predict the heave, pitch and roll motions of the vehicle, which are used to control body modes.

Each accelerometer is connected to the CHCM via three wires, which supply ground, 5 V supply and signal return.

The sensing element comprises a single parallel plate capacitor, one plate of which moves relative to the other dependent on the force (acceleration) applied. This causes the capacitance to change as a function of applied acceleration. This capacitance is compared with a fixed reference capacitor in a bridge circuit and the signal is processed by means of a dedicated integrated circuit to generate an output voltage that varies as a function of applied acceleration. The sensors output a signal voltage of approximately 1 V/g ± 0.05 V/g.