Date: 22/11/2008

Smart automotive exhaust sensors jointly by Innovate Technology and CoorsTek

Innovate Technology and CoorsTek announced an agreement to produce next-generation wideband oxygen and NOx sensors for automotive exhaust sensing and controlling applications. The agreement combines Innovate's DirectDigital sensor technology with CoorsTek's global high-volume manufacturing capacity.
Under the agreement, CoorsTek will produce the high-temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC) elements that are at the heart of the sensors, while Innovate will produce the application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that provide the sensor control and signal-conditioning functions. Final packaging and test will be performed by external contract manufacturers certified to ISO/TS16949:2002 standards.
The product from this combined technology is aimed at smart engine controls to contain the emission and increase the fuel efficiency in automotives.
Innovate's DirectDigital measurement technology applies advanced digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms to zirconia sensing elements, delivering improved response times, self-calibration to compensate for sensor drift, and advanced diagnostics.

Advantages of the Innovate/CoorsTek sensors are expected to include improved sensor response times, enabling individual-cylinder measurements with a single sensor; self diagnostics; and self-calibration capabilities which compensate for sensor aging and/or changes in barometric pressure. Other advantages include sealed designs, which require no reference air, and thus can function in harsh environments that include dirt, grease, or other contaminants. Due to certain advances in materials and fabrication, the sensor is anticipated to be offered below the cost of existing emissions sensors.
Patrick Thompson, president of Innovate said, "CoorsTek's significant expertise and manufacturing scale in technical ceramics is a perfect fit for our signal-processing and ASIC capabilities. Automakers worldwide are looking to expand adoption of smart exhaust sensors; we believe that Innovate can deliver performance and intelligence at a low cost, dramatically changing the sensor/emissions market. Also, emerging markets like China and India want to leapfrog directly to the smartest electronics available, so we think there are plenty of opportunities."