Michael Arndt

Review of micromachined thermopiles for infrared detection

During the last few years, thermopiles have come increasingly under the spotlight of commercial infrared sensing. This growing interest has motivated us to write an overview of micromachined thermopiles. The first part deals with the Seebeck effect and discusses the most important physical parameters with their interactions. We also describe the main noise sources and give a derivation of the figures of merit and their relevance for thermopile detectors. In the second part, a number of material systems, techniques and micromachined structures are discussed on the basis of different examples. We explain the motivation behind miniaturized thermopile detectors and give a functional explanation of physical interrelations. Finally, different applications are presented and discussed in terms of their future potential.

Spectroscopic carbon dioxide sensor for automotive applications

In this paper, we present the first spectroscopic carbon dioxide sensor designed for automotive applications. The sensor is based on the well known infrared measurement principle. It includes a new robust infrared gas-detector and a corresponding, newly developed, ASIC. First application studies show its suitability for automatic vehicle ventilation systems and for leak detection in R744 air conditioning systems.

Micromachined thermal conductivity hydrogen detector for automotive applications

In this paper, we describe the design and first experimental results of a hydrogen detector for automotive applications. The detector is based on a micromachined thermal conductivity sensor element. The design considerations of such a sensor element and the associated sensor electronics are also presented.

Thermal and Gas-Sensing Properties of a Micromachined Thermal Conductivity Sensor

This work describes the design of a micromachined thermal conductivity sensor and its characterization with respect to thermal and gas-sensing properties. Optimization of sensitivity, power consumption and thermal response can be achieved by variation of heater and membrane geometry. Theoretical and experimental results of different sensor designs are presented in this contribution.

Verbrauchssenkung durch verbesserte Klimaanlagen-Regelung. Bedarfsgerechte Lueftung mit dem Climate-Control-Sensor

Bosch hat einen Sensor zur Messung der CO2-Konzentration in der Luft des Fahrzeuginnenraums entwickelt, der eine bedarfsabhangige Beluftung des Fahrzeugs ermoglicht. Dadurch kann erstmals uber eine Nutzung bereits klimatisierter Luft der Energieverbrauch der Fahrzeugklimaanlage verringert und so Kraftstoff eingespart werden. Nachdem ein speziell entwickeltes Simulationsprogramm das Einsparpotenzial bestatigte, ist es in einer Versuchsreihe erstmals gelungen, die Senkung des Fahrzeug verbrauchs im praktischen Test nachzuweisen.

System Design and Analysis Concept of a Highly Adaptable NDIR Sensor for Gas Analysis

In this paper we present a novel kind of spectroscopic gas sensor. The infrared sensor system is based on the commonly known NDIR system approach. But in contrast to the specific character of these sensors, we use spectrally overlapping broad-band filters and a modulated infrared source to measure a gas mixture. Due to the particular design, detector channels can be reduced and the sensor can be used more flexible. The theoretical concept of the ANDIR sensor system is briefly introduced before we will concentrate on the analysis algorithm and measurement results.

Reducing fuel consumption by an improved mobile air-conditioning control

Bosch has developed a robust and reliable sensor for measuring the concentration of CO2 inside the vehicle’s compartment. For the first time the Climate Control Sensor CCS opens up the possibility of demand controlled ventilation. As a result, a large proportion of the air that has already been conditioned can be reused. This leads to significantly reduced energy consumption by the mobile air-conditioning system, hence lowering fuel consumption. After a specially developed simulation program had confirmed the potential savings for a wide range of climatic regions, a test series has successfully demonstrated the reduction in fuel consumption.