Externally controlled ignition unit with integrated electronic system for triggering a restraint system

Ignition unit for triggering an active system, in particular a restraint system, comprising

• an ignition charge that is disposed in a housing and is partly surrounded by a housing insert,
• a support element that is disposed in the housing and on which are disposed an ignition bridge for igniting the ignition charge and an electronic ignition system connected to the ignition bridge, and
• at least one contact pin that is electrically connected to the electronic ignition system and that is led out of the housing,
• characterized in that the support element and the electronic ignition system are at least partly embedded in an envelope made of a shock-absorbing material, which envelope essentially leaves only the ignition bridge exposed, the cushioning properties of the housing insert being different from those of the envelope so that the envelope reduces impact acting on the electronic ignition system during ignition so as to maintain serviceability of the electronic ignition system even after triggering.