Discriminating Sensors

The Discriminating Sensors are protective switches wired in parallel on the low side (ground side) of the Deployment Loops. These sensors are calibrated to close with velocity changes which are severe enough to warrant deployment.

The Discriminating Sensors contain a sensing element and normally open switch contacts. The sensing element closes the switch contacts when the vehicle velocity changes are severe enough to warrant deployment.

A Diagnostic Resistor is connected in parallel with the switch contacts within each of the Mid-Rail Discriminating Sensors. These parallel resistors supply the ground path for the current passing through the Deployment Loops during normal, non-deployment operation. This current flow results in voltage drops across each component within the Deployment Loops. The DERM monitors these voltage drops to detect circuit or component malfunctions.