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Redirected from: Trusted Platform Module

Definition: TPM


(1) See TP monitor.

(2) (Transactions Per Minute) The number of transactions processed within one minute. See TPS.

(3) (Trusted Platform Module) A security chip from the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) that is built into PCs. Introduced in 2009, TPM provides a secure boot operation and checks the system's integrity. It also provides hardware-based encryption by generating a private key that is stored in the chip and cannot be divulged to hackers. In order to use Windows 11, a computer with TPM 2.0 (2014) is required; however, non-compliant PCs can be made to run (see TPM 2.0 bypass). See TCG, Secure Enclave and Samsung KNOX.

(4) (Tire Pressure Monitoring) The real-time monitoring of a vehicle's tire pressure. The TPM sensors are inside each tire, and when the pressure falls below a set threshold, the wireless transmitter sends a signal to the dashboard to turn on an alert light. The sensor contains lithium batteries that will eventually lose their charge and require replacement. Although TPM sensors were optional in some car models in the 1990s, they became standard in U.S. cars in 2008. See automotive safety systems.




A TPM Sensor
The sensor resides inside the tire attached directly to the valve stem, and it can be damaged if the tire goes entirely flat. Like parts for all cars, TPM sensors differ depending on make and model. This one is for an older Porsche 911. (Image courtesy of Parts Geek.)