TRW Automotive has launched its next generation electric parking brake (EPB) system on the new Audi A6. The system, a step-up in electrical braking systems, handles emergency stop and conventional parking brake applications.

The A6 system offers enhanced features such as drive away assist for hill starts without roll back and emergency braking via the vehicle stability control system.

The EPB system is composed of two electro-mechanical actuators integrated into the rear disc brake calipers and a controller with redundant connections to the power supply. The system interfaces with the vehicle's controller area network (CAN) for continuous monitoring and feedback.

The A6 EPB system also allows the driver to select personal preferences, specific to the way you want your electronic handbrake to work, like drive-away assistant and emergency braking.

TRW Automotive has contracts for its EPB systems with a number of vehicle manufacturers; previous launches include those on the Audi A8 and Lancia Thesis.

“The EPB system is part of TRW Automotive's ongoing commitment to enhance overall brake system performance and driver comfort and convenience. The system functions as a conventional hydraulic brake for standard service brake applications and as an electric brake for parking,” says Josef Pickenhahn, vice-president braking engineering, TRW Automotive.