Side Impact Air Bag System Description (AJ7)

The side impact air bag system consists of the following additional components that interface with the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM):
1. Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Sensor (SIS), located in the lower LH B pillar
2. Inflatable Restraint Side Impact Module, located in driver's seat back

The inflatable restraint side impact sensor (SIS), the inflatable restraint side impact module, and the connecting wires make up the side impact deployment loop. The function of the side deployment loop is to supply current through the side impact module, which will cause deployment of the driver side air bag. Deployment occurs when the SIS detects a side impact severe enough to warrant deployment.

The SIS contains a sensing device (accelerometer) that converts acceleration into an electrical (analog) signal. This signal is converted by a microprocessor in the SIS into acceleration and velocity data. This data is used by a sensing algorithm and compared to various predetermined boundary conditions. When the acceleration value exceeds the predetermined threshold, and the velocity boundary is crossed, the SIS signals the SDM to cause current to flow through the side impact module, deploying the driver side air bag.