Texas Instruments chooses AppliedSensor for air quality control product development and supply deal

Citation

(2004), "Texas Instruments chooses AppliedSensor for air quality control product development and supply deal", Sensor Review, Vol. 24 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2004.08724bab.001

Texas Instruments chooses AppliedSensor for air quality control product development and supply deal

Texas Instruments chooses AppliedSensor for air quality control product development and supply deal

Keywords: Environment, Sensors, Automotive industry

Global manufacturing leader and sensor firm target automotive industry

Texas Instruments, a leader in the automotive and HVAC/R pressure sensing market, has announced that it has finalized 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 (HVAC) 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 ACM in MEMS design 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/ACM, TI plans to offer a product that is differentiated from currently available products.

AppliedSensor's proprietary chemical sensor offerings have been chosen by TI Sensors and Controls as the preferred product on the market at present 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 odors.

AppliedSensor's metal-oxide sensor (MOS) technology offers in a unique manner the combination of proprietary metal oxide layers in concert with the 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 odors at very low concentrations.

For further information, visit the Web site: www.appliedsensor.com