The Future of Sensors in Safety Systems Sensing the Stop

How Magnetic Sensors Are Enabling the Next Generation of Braking Systems

- By Karsten Köhler, Manager Business Development, TDK-Micronas GmbH

FIGURE 1 Brake pedal assembly with sensor and actuator module. The sensor detects drivers' intent.

We initiate a complex and highly coordinated process every time we press the brake pedal in our vehicles. That familiar action relies on a sophisticated system that converts motion into control, ensuring safety at every stop. Today's braking systems must function seamlessly under a variety of conditions, whether halting a high-speed SUV or easing a car into a tight parking space.

Magnetic sensors have emerged as a critical component in making these capabilities possible. Their ability to provide accurate, real-time information about mechanical position, motion, and force enables responsiveness and intelligence within braking architectures. As vehicles become more electrified and software-defined, these sensors are increasingly important.

The introduction of electro-hydraulic boosters and electric parking brakes marked the beginning of this shift. These systems reduce complexity by replacing vacuum components and mechanical cables with compact, electronically controlled motors. Hybrid configurations, where the front wheels retain hydraulics for higher braking loads while the rear wheels use electronic actuators, are already on the road today.

In the near future, brake-by-wire systems will become increasingly common. These systems eliminate hydraulic fluid altogether and replace it with electrical signaling and motor-driven actuation. The result is a cleaner, lighter, and more controllable system, especially critical for electric vehicles and autonomous platforms.

THE HIDDEN COMPLEXITY BEHIND EVERY STOP