Digital controller for an oxygen sensor
US10386329B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/41
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided for digitally controlling an oxygen sensor. The apparatus comprises a computer and digital circuitry coupled to the oxygen sensor to convey information between the oxygen sensor and the computer. The oxygen sensor includes a pump cell and at least one Nernst cell configured to indicate the difference in oxygen content in a test medium relative to a reference medium. A pump control circuit operates the pump cell according to signals received from the computer based on output signals from the Nernst cell. A reference voltage circuit enables the computer to determine impedances of the oxygen sensor as a function of sensor temperature and pressure. A Nernst read circuit transmits output signals from the oxygen sensor digitally to the computer. Digital signals received by the computer are compared with stored reference information so as to determine the oxygen content of the test medium.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.