A novel technology for airbag and belt pretensioner initiators is presented. Based on nano- porous silicon, filled with an adequate oxidant, and ignited by a thin film ignition element, the initiator will be realized in standard silicon wafer processes. This novel initiator technology yields advantage over common ones. Apart from low processing cost, it yields great opportunities towards the integration of electronic components directly on the pyrotechnic active device as for example an ignition bus ASIC. Results from basic research on nano- porous silicon / oxidant systems, micro-system technologies for processing the complete initiator, and test results in near serial inflators are presented. The potential for further applications is outlined.
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