Seat Belt Tension Sensors & Rotary Position Sensor
Bumper to bumper capabilities
As a diversified manufacturer of automotive sensors, switches and electromechanical assemblies, the engineering professionals at D&R Technology have the capability to incorporate the full range of available sensing technologies to fit your packaging requirements. We offer special expertise in Hall sensor technology for automotive applications. Contact us for further information on any of the sensor technologies listed below.
- Capacitance
- Hall Sensor
- Inductance
- Magneto-Resistive (MR)
- Photodiode
- Phototransistor
- Piezoelectric
- Piezoresistive
- Resistance (potentiometer)
- Temperature
Seat Belt Tension Sensors Capacitance
Capacitance is formed from two conductors separated by a nonconductor. This technology works by changing the spacing between the conductors, the area of the conductors or altering the properties of the non-conductor. Capacitance sensors require sensing electronics to operate. Some also require drive electronics.
Typical applications:
- Occupancy
- Oil Pressure
- Position
- Pressure
- Seat Position Sensor
- Fuel Level
- Fuel Pressure
- Pedal Position
Hall Sensor
Based on the Hall effect, utilizing a thin sheet of semiconductor material (called a Hall plate) with a fixed current passing through it. When the Hall plate is subjected to a magnetic field, a voltage is generated perpendicular to the direction of current flow due to the force exerted on charged particles in motion subjected to a magnetic field. The Hall plate outputs a voltage proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. Hall sensors require amplification and signal conditioning of the Hall plate signal, which is usually contained inside an integrated circuit package which forms the Hall effect sensor.
Typical applications:
- Camshaft Position
- Crankshaft Position
- Current Sensor
- Occupancy
- Oil Pressure
- Pedal Position
- Position
- Pressure
- Seat Position Sensor
- Speed
- Steering Angle
- Steering Wheel Position & Torque
- Suspension Position
- Throttle Position
Inductance
Detects changes in inductance due to proximity of a ferrous object, or detects movement of a ferrous core. Sensing and drive electronics are required to operate.
Typical applications:
- Camshaft Position
- Crankshaft Position
- Pedal Position
- Position
- Steering Wheel Position & Torque
Magneto-Resistive (MR)
A material that changes resistance 2-3% in the presence of a magnetic field. Typically composed of a nickel-iron thin film deposited on a silicon wafer and patterned as a resistive strip. The output of a magneto-resistive sensor requires signal processing. Giant Magneto-Resistive (GMR) materials change resistance on the order of 10%-20%. Typically composed of more complex materials, such as a series of Fe/Ag/CoxFe1-x sandwiches, with the possible addition of Niobium, Silicon, Tantalum and other elements.
Typical applications:
- Camshaft Position
- Crankshaft Position
- Current Sensor
- Fuel Pressure
- Occupancy
- Oil Pressure
- Pedal Position
- Position
- Pressure
- Seat Position Sensor
- Speed
- Steering Angle
- Steering Wheel Position & Torque
- Suspension Position
- Throttle Position
Photodiode
A photodiode is composed of semiconductor material forming a PN junction. Electron-hole pairs are generated in quantities proportional to the amount of light falling on the junction.
Typical applications:
- Cabin Humidity Sensor
- Occupancy
- Position
- Seat Position Sensor
- Speed
- Steering Angle
- Steering Wheel Position
Phototransistor
A design similar to a photodiode and consisting of multiple junctions acting as a transistor, phototransistor sensors are capable of amplification. Light falling on the base region generates proportional amplification of the current passing through the device. 10x – 1000x more sensitive than a photodiode.
Typical applications:
- Cabin Humidity Sensor
- Occupancy
- Rotary Position
- Seat Position Sensor
- Speed
- Steering Angle
- Steering Wheel Position
Piezoelectric
Materials characterized by their ability to output an electrical voltage in response to a stress applied to the material. Typically composed of quartz or polycrystalline ceramics.
Typical applications:
- Fuel Pressure
- Pressure
Piezoresistive
Silicon semiconductor that changes resistance when subjected to strain.
Typical applications:
- Fuel Pressure
- Occupancy
- Pressure
Resistance (potentiometer)
Partially conductive material deposited in a strip or arc, with a conducting wiper contact. Resistance is proportional to the length (distance) the wiper travels from either end of the partially conducting strip.
Typical applications:
- Fuel Level
- Pedal Position
- Rotary Position
- Steering Angle
- Throttle Position
Temperature Sensing
Several technologies, including thermocouples and thermistors, can be utilized in constructing a temperature sensor to suit your needs.
Typical applications:
- AC Temperature
- Air Charge Temperature Sensor
- Ambient Air Temperature
- Engine Coolant Temperature
- Evaporative Air Off Temperature
- Fuel Rail Temperature
- Heater Air Off Temperature
- In Car Temperature Sensor (ICTS)
- Mass Air Flow
- NPEF Temperature
- Oil Temperature
- Outside Temperature