Questex’s Sensors Converge and Fierce Electronics announced Robert Bosch GmbH as the winner of the Best Automotive & Mobility Solution category at the 2025 Best of Sensors Awards for its SMP290 tire-pressure sensor module with an integrated Bluetooth Low Energy interface.
The awards ceremony took place during the 40th annual Sensors Converge 2025 event in Santa Clara, California, recognizing the most cutting-edge technologies across the sensors, electronics, and embedded systems landscape. Industry judges evaluated entries based on innovation, market value, and ability to address critical challenges in the sensor ecosystem.
The SMP290 represents a significant advancement in tire pressure monitoring systems by combining multiple sensing capabilities with wireless connectivity in a single, compact package. This fully integrated solution includes a microcontroller, Bluetooth Low Energy interface, pressure sensor, 2-axis acceleration sensor, temperature sensor, and battery voltage sensor, all housed in a 3.5 x 4.5 mm DFN package. The device can measure pressure up to 9 BAR for passenger cars and 15 BAR for commercial vehicles with an accuracy of ±5 kPa, while its 2-axis accelerometer provides measurements up to 960g for enhanced vehicle dynamics monitoring.
What sets the SMP290 apart is its integration of Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, making it the first single-chip solution with BLE for tire pressure monitoring systems on the market. This wireless capability enables bidirectional communication between the sensor and vehicle systems, allowing for real-time data transmission and over-the-air software updates. The Bluetooth functionality also supports advance features like autolocation algorithms and tire inflation monitoring notifications sent directly to drivers’ smartphones.
The sensor’s ultra-low power consumption architecture ensures a battery life of up to 10 years, while its encrypted communication protocol complies with ISO 21434 cybersecurity standards. The device can operate in temperatures up to 125°C and includes battery health monitoring with ±50 mV resolution. Its bill of materials requires only 12 passive components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing system complexity.
Beyond technical specifications, the SMP290 addresses broader automotive architecture challenges by enabling system integration with existing vehicle components. The sensor can share communication infrastructure with keyless access systems and other BLE-enabled components, reducing redundancy and simplifying vehicle wiring harnesses. This approach allows manufacturers to leverage synergies across different systems while maintaining high performance standards.
When presenting the award, judges noted that the SMP290 demonstrates “true innovation using BLE, which is energy efficient, into a legacy system coupled with MEMS. Well-integrated technical solution with credible market traction owing to its integration with Pirelli.” The sensor’s real-world validation comes through Bosch’s development cooperation with Pirelli, announced in September 2024, which combines Bosch’s sensor expertise with Pirelli’s Cyber Tyre technologies for intelligent tire solutions.
The SMP290 is suitable for various applications, including valve-based tire pressure monitoring in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and two-wheelers, as well as advanced in-tire monitoring systems that can detect tread depth and facilitate timely tire replacements. The product launched at Car-Ele Japan 2024 and is expected to be available in Q4 2025.
Robert Bosch GmbH, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is a global leader in technology and services with operations spanning mobility solutions, industrial technology, consumer goods, and energy and building technology. The company has been at the forefront of MEMS sensor development and continues to drive innovation in automotive electronics through integrated solutions that enhance vehicle safety, efficiency, and user experience.
To discover other innovative sensor technologies and see the complete list of 2025 Best of Sensors Award winners, visit the awards announcement.