Sensor Challenges in Future Markets

As pioniers in industrial precious metal processing, and specialists in platinum-based temperature measurement, you can count on YAGEO Nexensos for extensive expertise. Our customers are invited to utilize our innovative technology and vast experience in the field of platinum thin-film technology.

Situations often arise that require precise measurements over a relatively wide temperature range. One good example is measuring the temperature in the exhaust line of modern vehicles to reduce emission levels. A more efficient emission control system requires very precise temperature data with a low error tolerance if the cleaning process is to yield the desired result. Meanwhile, the required measurement range is particularly broad, from approximately −196 °C to 1,000 °C, because of course the system must function reliably both during a cold midwinter start and during operation when the exhaust line is quite hot. Other examples include modern self-cleaning pyrolitic ovens and high-temperature industrial processes.

Specially developed platinum sensors cover a measurement range from −196 °C to 1000 °C and beyond. They are the best choice wherever high temperatures and a wide range of temperatures must be precisely measured.

Processes in continuous operation always pose special challenges for an application and the material used, and not every sensor is appropriate. The sensor must have high mechanical strength, high resistance to corrosion and often the ability to withstand intense vibrations. If the situation also involves high temperatures or extreme temperature fluctuations, it is important for the materials used in the sensor to be perfectly coordinated.

Platinum thin-film sensors are particularly well suited for these conditions, because sensor elements with coordinated materials systems are optimized for longevity under extreme temperature variations. As a result, they measure with the utmost precision, have minimal drift, and offer precision and safety even under extreme requirements. They provide for smooth operation, which helps minimize costly downtimes and maintenance times.

Platinum is an extremely durable and high-quality material. Furthermore, the reliability of the sensor is often crucial for the longevity and hence for the economic success of a device. This means meeting the customer’s expectations regarding function, especially because quality defects lead to costly service issues and dissatisfaction. Reliable quality also ensures that the device won’t be discarded after a short time – not only wasting a society’s resources, but becoming a burden in the form of trash.

On the one hand, reliable temperature measurement can be essential to the implementation of an application, such as a baking oven, a heat meter, or the exhaust line of an automobile. But that is only one aspect of the issue. Even more common is protecting a component, especially where measurements are taken in locations subject to high stress, as in the turbocharger of a car or in particularly sensitive electronic components. The proliferation of electronics in general is making this more and more important.

Furthermore, in many applications the electrical capacity is on the rise. Examples include electric cars, elevators and air conditioning systems. As soon as high power and currents are involved, electronic components heat up. They must be monitored so that critical operating temperatures are not exceeded and damage or fire caused by overheating is avoided. Here too, sensors in the SMD format are the component of choice, because of their precision across wide temperature ranges.

Protecting components is not only important for longevity as such, but also an aspect of overall system performance. For example, a wind turbine can be operated safely at close to capacity if the fine line between operating at the maximum possible power and the threat of overheating is monitored and a balance is maintained.

For more complex facilities that entail a considerable investment, and also for top-quality devices that come with high end-user expectations, replacement parts must be available even after several years.

The standardized characteristic curve of platinum sensors is a decisive advantage for the sustainability of the entire control system. Because of standardization, they can be used through many series and flexibly exchanged for alternatives without any need to modify the electronic device itself. Additionally the platinum sensor can worthwhile be used, because it helps to keep development and adaptation costs low. It is definitely an advantage if the manufacturer must offer a guarantee and possibly provide service for several years.

Especially in the electronics sector, but also in other industries, cost efficiency is a significant factor. If the application permits it, the sensor technology is ideally part of the electronics and can be automatically integrated like other electronic components. For this to happen, the sensors must meet industry standards (e.g., automotive and electronics industries) so that they fit in the automatic pick-and-place machines and can be processed by them at low cost.

For the next generation of complex development projects, sensors must be specifically adapted to the requirements and perform exactly as needed. To achieve this, you need qualified partners who will accompany you from the product idea to cost-optimized mass production and can respond quickly to your needs.

This requires deep expertise in platinum thin-layer technology and mounting technologies. This combination and a wide selection of various solutions are what make a top partner for the development of new sensor solutions. Also required are good ideas and the ability to take these into mass production. Ultimately, a prototype should end up as a product that can be manufactured in series.