#Passivesafety #airbag #controlunit #airbagdeployment #occupantprotection

Airbag control unit for heavy commercial vehicles

Delivering precise crash detection and instant restraint deployment

Advanced occupant protection is not limited to passenger cars – airbags are a key safety feature in heavy commercial vehicles as well. Bosch’s purpose-built airbag control unit brings this capability to the segment, combining high-precision crash sensing with robust system performance. Developed to meet the specific demands of heavy-duty applications, it ensures reliable activation of restraint systems when it matters most. With full support for 24‑volt systems, it integrates effortlessly into modern truck and bus architectures.

Enhanced

occupant protection

through advanced safety systems for heavy commercial vehicles

Reduced

injury severity

through the rapid and reliable deployment of restraint systems

Reliable

detection

of side collisions and rollover events with integrated high-voltage isolation

Global

market coverage

considering country-specific requirements such as event data recorder

Operation principle of the airbag control unit

Peripheral sensors continuously provide data to the airbag control unit, enabling fast and reliable deployment decisions.

In heavy commercial vehicles, occupant safety systems must meet particularly demanding requirements – delivering reliable protection under high loads, across long operating lifecycles, and in highly diverse driving conditions. Bosch’s airbag control unit is engineered to meet these challenges, combining robust system design with advanced sensing and intelligent safety functionalities.

At the heart of the system, peripheral sensors work seamlessly with the airbag control unit as the central decision-making hub. By continuously analyzing incoming data, the system determines the characteristics and severity of an impact and ensures that restraint systems – such as seatbelt pretensioners and airbags – are deployed precisely when needed. Its scalable architecture allows flexible configurations, including multiple firing loops, peripheral sensor interfaces, and rollover detection, making it adaptable to a wide range of vehicle platforms.

Enhanced side impact protection with integrated high-voltage safety

Bosch’s safety system combines advanced side-impact protection with integrated high-voltage safety for enhanced occupant protection.

Safety becomes even more critical in electrified heavy-duty vehicles – especially in and after complex crash scenarios. Bosch addresses this with advanced side impact detection combined with integrated automatic high-voltage disconnection. In the event of a side collision, the airbag control unit rapidly interprets sensor data to assess impact direction and severity within milliseconds. At the same time, it can trigger the safe isolation of the high-voltage system, actively reducing potential electrical risks. This synchronized response not only enhances occupant protection but also safeguards first responders and surrounding infrastructure – bringing an additional layer of safety to modern electric trucks and buses.

Event data recorder for deeper crash insights

Beyond immediate protection, transparency and continuous improvement are essential for next-generation safety systems. Bosch’s airbag control unit therefore integrates an event data recorder as a key capability. The event data recorder captures and stores critical system and vehicle data before, during, and after a crash event.

This provides valuable insights into vehicle dynamics, impact conditions, and system responses. The recorded information supports detailed accident analysis, helps meet regulatory requirements, and enables ongoing optimization of safety technologies.

Technical data

24

Max. number of firing loops

14

Max. number of external sensors

8.5 – 32 V

Operating voltage

2 × 4,2 mF

Energy reserve (firing in autarky possible)

System benefits

PRODUCT BENEFITS FOR MANUFACTURERS

Reduced system complexity through centralized architecture
Compatibility with electrified, high-voltage vehicle platforms
Support for regulatory compliance and homologation thanks to the event data recorder
Precise integration into the vehicle's existing E/E architecture

PRODUCT BENEFITS FOR Occupant

Accurate and situation-dependent deployment of restraint systems, reducing the injury risk of the occupant
Enhanced protection in side and rollover scenarios
Enhanced occupant safety through immediate high-voltage isolation after a crash

Holistic mobility solutions across all domains and vehicle segments.

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Bosch Mobility

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