AppliedSensor Introduces Air Quality Sensors for
Monitoring Low Levels of Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide and Volatile Organic Compounds in Automotive HVAC

Warren, New Jersey – November 3, 2006 – Every year, automakers entice new car buyers with more powerful engines, better handling, concert-quality sound systems and a full array of automatic features.  Now they can go one step further by offering not only performance and luxury, but also cleaner in-cabin air. This is made possible in part by a new sensor developed by AppliedSensor, a leading provider of chemical sensor components and modules.

The new sensor features two separate sensing elements that enable it to detect the presence of diesel and gasoline exhaust gases faster and more reliably. When integrated into a module mounted in the air intake of a car’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC), the sensor enables the module to signal the vehicle to automatically activate its recirculation function in time to prevent noxious traffic-related gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, as well as a wide variety of volatile organic compounds (the source of many unpleasant odors) from entering the passenger cabin. In addition, the sensor module consistently tracks the duration of the presence of these gases, thus allowing for the recirculation valve to be opened and closed at exactly the right moment.

Raising Awareness of In-Cabin Air Quality
While most consumers are aware of the importance of reducing air pollution outside of the vehicle, AppliedSensor is confident that implementation of in-cabin air sensor modules will raise awareness of the health benefits of clean air inside of autos, homes and commercial buildings.

“The automotive industry is just the beginning,” said AppliedSensor Marketing Director Tom Aiken. “We’re extremely sensitive to the specialized cost constraints of mass market industries, where costs are measured in fractions of a cent and products must be available in massive quantities. By using micromachining to improve the production and packaging, we can produce high volumes of low-cost sensors for air quality control for homes and buildings, as well as sensor technology for packaging and food control, medical devices, security systems, process control, and more.”

Advanced Technology Makes Sensor a Master ‘Air Detective’
The air quality module operates by providing an output signal that classifies intake air quality and provides internal diagnostic validation. Advancements in technology is based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) sensing elements for extremely high sensitivity and stability, and on MOS sensor technology.

The sensor module is composed of thick films deposited onto silicon micro-machined substrates (microsensors). The substrate is equipped with electrodes that enable extremely accurate measurement of the resistance of the sensing layer, and heating elements to ensure quick, sensitive and selective detection.

In a vehicle, the sensor module operates by sending a signal to the fresh air inlet door to close when certain gases are detected and to reopen automatically when the quality of the outside air returns to an acceptable level. And it does this in a response time several seconds faster than driver or passenger recognition. While a driver could open and close the air inlet manually, this action would not only be distracting, but could also cause the windows to fog or the oxygen level to lower in the cabin if the driver forgets to reopen the air inlet. Plus, many of the most harmful gases are odorless, making them virtually undetectable to the driver.

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About AppliedSensor
AppliedSensor (www.appliedsensor.com) is a leading provider of chemical sensor solutions for air quality, safety and control. With a 25-year legacy of research and development, the company brings its expertise in chemical sensor systems to a broad range of industries and applications, from automotive, heat-ventilation-air-conditioning (HVAC), to safety and air quality control.  AppliedSensor operates facilities in Sweden, Germany and the United States. 

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