Fast simulation of automotive capacitive sensor with quasi-electrostatic approach

This paper presents simulations of capacitive seat sensor performance. Quasi-electrostatic approach, based on Method of Moments is used. Method is enhanced in order to take into account lossy dielectrics. Fast iterative solution is developed, which utilizes Adaptive Cross Approximation approach for matrix compression. Method is validated against analytic solutions. Simulations of seat sensor impedance in the car model for different conditions of the seat foam and three cases of occupancy of the seat (empty seat; adult on the seat; infant on the seat) are performed.