The Timken Company (USA; NYSE: TKR) is among 23 finalists for the 2008 Automotive News sponsored PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Awards.

Timken was nominated for its MPS160 ASIC Hall-effect encoder.

Specifications here: ASIC encoder sheet
[2 pages; PDF format]

MPS160 ASIC is a complete system on a chip, a fully-integrated magnetic sensor and processing system, employing Hall-effect sensors. To feed the data requirements of modern control systems, it is directional, with high resolution and zero-speed sensing.

The system outputs a high resolution programmable decimal or binary signal by indexing against special magnetized targets as they go by. Termed a multiplying encoder, the resulting output is up to 160x the magnetic pole pair count on the target.

Automotive applications include bearing speed and reference, electric power steering systems, and positioning sensors for electric motor-powered ancillary equipment.

PACE award winners will be announced April 14, 2008.

PACE Award website