TRW Automotive has announced the launch of its LCCI (Low Cost Clamp-In) sensor for Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) applications in 2011 model year vehicles.

The new design, which TRW says results in significantly lowered costs for the system, features a valve that screws directly into the housing, allowing for a single housing with multiple valve design capability. This results in fewer parts and higher reliability than using a screw and nut, according to the company.

The new design also features laser welding of the cover to the housing, a compliant pin battery and valve connection, and a heat-resistant, long-life battery capable of operating within a range of -40 to 120 degrees Celsius.

"This new, low-cost sensor design is a first step in our roadmap to fundamentally lower the cost of TPMS, which is good news for a technology with recognized value being mandated in North America and soon in Europe and South Korea. These systems must first and foremost have robust performance across a range of challenging operating conditions, but must also be affordable for vehicle manufacturers and their customers," said Martin Thoone, vice president, global electronics engineering for TRW.

For additional information, visit http://www.trw.com.