Product category:
Gas, Chemical, Radiation and Magnetic Sensors
News Release from: Texas Instruments Sensors and Controls
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 09 December 2003
Sensor accord aims for cleaner
automotive air
Texas Instruments has finalised an important development and supply agreement with AppliedSensor, a global expert in advanced sensor technology based solutions.
Texas Instruments has finalised an important development and supply agreement with AppliedSensor, a global expert in advanced sensor technology based solutions TI plans to develop an air classification module (ACM) using AppliedSensor's unique gas sensor expertise, to activate controls of air intake in automobiles
TI's intent is to market the sensor system to the global automotive industry, with a projected availability by model year 2006.
The ACM will be mounted in the air intake of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit.
The ACM provides an output signal classifying intake air quality and internal diagnostic validation.
The technology is based on MEMS sensing elements to determine NOx, CO and volatile organic compounds (VOCs associated with unpleasant odorous compounds like manure, compost, asphalt etc).
In order to reduce the intake of undesired levels of unhealthy and unpleasant gases to an acceptable minimum, TI's air classification module will provide high sensitivity, high stability and a response time significantly lower (several seconds) than driver or passenger recognition by using state-of-the-art sensitive materials/processes.
The TI ACM features a microprocessor-based signal conditioning using smart algorithms and flexibility on output protocols.
With the air quality sensor/air classification module Texas Instruments plans to offer a product that is differentiated from currently available products.
AppliedSensor's proprietary chemical sensor offerings have been chosen by Texas Instruments Sensors and Controls as the preferred product on the market today for the detection of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, NOx (nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide combination), and hydrocarbons as they enter a car cabin, from sources such as streets, tunnels, garages, and other vehicles.
An additional feature is the detection of VOCs, which enables the sensor to react to a broad scale of unpleasant odours.
AppliedSensor's metal-oxide (MOS) sensor technology offers a novel combination of proprietary metal oxide layers in concert with state of the art MEMS technology.
The latter, combined with advanced signal processing, allows for the reliable detection of the above-mentioned toxic gases which triggers the blocking of external air intake and switching to recirculation.
AppliedSensor's technologically advanced sensor component enables the chip to detect accurately and consistently incoming complex gases and odours at very low concentrations.
"By having strong contacts with all major decision making units of the global car makers as well as with the global air-conditioning system houses, TI plans to achieve a market leading position as a key business objective", states Geert Braaksma, Managing Director of Texas Instruments Holland.
"AppliedSensor stands out as a development partner as they share the same confidence as TI in the application of micromachined substrates.
Their product alignment with the air classification module application, their technical expertise, as well as the access to extensive research facilities have been identified as an important factor.
Their broad experience in other sensing element applications has been a major reason to involve AppliedSensor in the mutual development of the ACM".
"We are very pleased to be partnered with Texas Instruments, a name which is highly regarded in the field of automotive technology and innovation", commented Tom Aiken, Head of AppliedSensor's US operations.
"As the market leader for pressure transducers in the automotive marketplace, TI offers AppliedSensor all the benefits of their leadership position.
TI's market position is strong and their corporate vision is closely aligned with ours.
This partnership fits perfectly with AppliedSensor's ability to bring sensor solutions to OEMs for their commercial applications".
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