Oxygen sensor

Oxygen Sensor

The Oxygen Sensor is a device that measures the proportion of oxygen (O2) in the gas or liquid being analysed. It is often used in automotive and medical applications.

History

The concept of the oxygen sensor was first developed in the late 1960s by the Robert Bosch GmbH company, based on the theoretical work of Gustav Robert Kirchhoff and Robert Bunsen. The original use of the oxygen sensor was in the creation of the first successful closed-loop feedback system for fuel injection in passenger vehicles.

Function

The primary function of an oxygen sensor is to generate a voltage signal that is proportional to the existing oxygen concentration. This signal is then sent to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) or other control systems to adjust the fuel injection and ignition timing.

Types of Oxygen Sensors

There are two main types of oxygen sensors: zirconia and titania.

Zirconia Oxygen Sensors

Zirconia oxygen sensors are the most common type of sensor found in cars. They produce a voltage when they detect a difference in oxygen levels.

Titania Oxygen Sensors

Titania oxygen sensors change their electrical resistance in response to changes in the oxygen concentration.

Applications

Oxygen sensors are used in a variety of applications, including automotive emissions control, industrial gas detection, and medical monitoring.

Automotive Emissions Control

In automotive emissions control, oxygen sensors are used to monitor the efficiency of combustion in the engine and to control the fuel mixture.

Industrial Gas Detection

In industrial gas detection, oxygen sensors are used to ensure that the oxygen levels in a process are safe.

Medical Monitoring

In medical monitoring, oxygen sensors are used to monitor the oxygen levels in a patient's blood.

See Also

• Automotive engineering
• Medical technology
• Industrial safety

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