Which component is commonly called "the sensor" in ABS?

In an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), the component often referred to as "the sensor" is the pickup. Its primary role is to monitor the speed of the wheels. The sensor detects the rotation of the wheels and sends this information to the electronic control unit (ECU). By measuring wheel rotation speed, the pickup helps the ABS determine whether a wheel is about to lock up during braking. This allows the system to modulate brake pressure appropriately to prevent skidding and maintain vehicle control.

While other components like the modulator valve, exciter, and electronic control unit play crucial roles in the functioning of the ABS, they do not serve the same purpose as the pickup. The modulator valve regulates brake fluid pressure, the exciter creates a magnetic field to work with the sensor, and the electronic control unit processes the information received from the sensor and makes decisions based on that data. The unique function of the pickup as a speed sensor is why it is commonly referred to simply as "the sensor" in the context of ABS systems.