Continental Launches New Sensors to Protect the Battery of Electrified Vehicles

The high-voltage Current Sensor Module (CSM) provides the current and temperature information to keep the battery safe and ensure long-term durability.

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Continental is widening its broad sensor portfolio by launching two new sensors for electrified vehicles: the Current Sensor Module (CSM) and the Battery Impact Detection (BID) system. Both new solutions focus on protecting the battery and/or on battery parameter retention. Within 2022, Continental will begin to manufacture the all-new high-voltage Current Sensor Module (CSM). This compact modular sensor design measures the current and simultaneously detects temperature. Both values are highly relevant as input for battery management. Another innovative element of battery protection will be brought into the market by Continental: The Battery Impact Detection (BID) solution is a lightweight alternative to heavy underfloor “armoring” against damage.

Considering that the battery is the single most expensive component in an electric car, the CSM was not just developed to protect the battery from overcurrents, but it will also help to retain the battery parameters by limiting ageing effects. Integrated either in the battery disconnect unit or in the battery itself, the CSM will provide the two decisive bits of information for battery protection as well as reliable driving range monitoring. To support strict functional safety requirements, the CSM is available as a two-channel sensor, measuring current independently by integrating shunt technology and hall technology in a compact, single unit.