Gas sensor control apparatus designed to ensure accuracy of measurement in gas sensor
US8052863B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/4175
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The gas sensor control apparatus develops a first voltage based on a first reference voltage at a negative terminal of a gas sensor device through a resistor and a second voltage based on a second reference voltage at a positive terminal of the gas sensor device. A controller samples through the resistor a sensor current, as created upon the development of the first and second voltage for measuring the concentration of gas. When the impedance of the gas sensor device is measured, the controller alternates the first voltage across the first reference voltage. The value (i.e., a zero-point) of the voltage applied to the gas sensor device when the sensor current is zero (i.e., 0 mA) depends upon the first and second reference voltages. The zero-point is corrected by regulating the second reference voltage to match an applying voltage characteristic to the gas sensor device correctly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.