Brake booster

A vacuum sensor has been developed by TRW that will measure and report the level of vacuum available for the brake booster and the company is set to introduce the first application in 2013.

The supplier of brake actuation systems explains that the system consists of a brake booster and master cylinder and are typically used on traditional internal combustion engines that generate a significant vacuum from the intake manifold, this helps amplify brake force, increasing the brake fluid pressure and hence the brakes themselves.

In today’s direct injection, diesel, hybrid and electric powertrains much lower levels of vaccum are created and the brake system has to supply on/off commands to an electric vacuum pump or provide extra power if needed. Measuring the level of vacuum is critical in order for sufficient brake boost and this is where the new vacuum sensor comes into play.