Automotive
Precision Pressure Sensing
for Smarter Automotive Systems
Pressure sensors play a vital role in automobiles, ensuring the optimal functioning of various components. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, the demand for precise monitoring and control systems has increased. Air pressure sensors, in particular, are integral to maintaining the efficiency, safety, and performance of multiple applications, from engine management to climate control. These sensors help monitor and regulate pressure levels, providing real-time feedback to vehicle control systems and ensuring smooth operation, fuel efficiency, and emissions control.
One of the most critical applications of air pressure sensors in automotive systems is within the engine’s intake manifold, where they measure the manifold air pressure (MAP). This information is used by the engine control unit (ECU) to calculate the optimal air-fuel mixture, directly impacting engine performance and fuel efficiency. Similarly, pressure sensors are crucial in turbocharged engines, where they monitor the boost pressure to ensure the turbocharger operates within safe limits, preventing engine damage and maintaining performance. In addition, pressure sensors are critical for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, which reduce harmful emissions by controlling the amount of exhaust gas re-entering the engine’s combustion chamber.
Pressure sensors are also used in automotive climate control systems, particularly air conditioning and ventilation systems. Here, they regulate airflow and refrigerant pressure, ensuring the climate inside the vehicle remains comfortable while optimizing energy use. In fuel systems, air pressure sensors monitor the fuel vapor pressure in fuel tanks, essential for maintaining emissions control and preventing leaks. They are also used in tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to ensure proper tire inflation, improve safety, enhance fuel efficiency, and extend tire lifespan.
Pressure sensors are indispensable because they offer real-time data for precise control over critical vehicle functions. Unlike force sensors, which measure mechanical loads, air pressure sensors focus on monitoring gases and airflows in the system, which are vital for maintaining engine performance, reducing emissions, and ensuring overall vehicle efficiency.
Unique Capabilities for Automotive
The NimbleSense architecture was designed to maximize performance while being flexible enough to easily insert application-specific capabilities. The result is a pressure sensor architecture with a very clear signal and practically no noise, leading to incredible accuracy, TEB, and long-term stability. Specific to automotive, we have implemented these additional capabilities:
Multi-Range™ technology
A single sensor can accommodate up to seven different pressure ranges to effectively measure pressure across a wide variety of automotive components and systems
Advanced digital filtering
Multi-order filter that leverages advanced filtering capabilities at the front end to eradicate critical noise caused by fans, blowers, or other sources, before they can impact system performance
Fast response time
Update rates as fast as 2 milliseconds ensures the most accurate pressure readings and maximizes automobile performance
Position insensitivity
Maintains consistent and highly accurate readings regardless of automobile movement; rated with a positional sensitivity to within 0.25 pascal
Integrated closed loop control
Eliminates the need to design an external closed loop control system, which can reduce loop delays by up to 100x, resulting in even faster automobile system response time
Superior’s NimbleSense architecture enables us to develop unique products optimized for different markets. For automotive, we have developed the following products. As our architecture is very flexible, we can also develop custom solutions for your specific application.
