Pressure Sensors for Automotive

Heat pump systems play a crucial role in improving the electric vehicle's efficiency, performance, and comfort. They have multiple functions, from heating and cooling the cabin (HVAC) to keeping the battery and other electronic components, directly or indirectly, at optimal temperatures for efficient performance and long battery life. Several combined pressure and temperature (PT) sensors monitor the refrigerant cycle, enabling the control unit to regulate the system via different valves.

TDK offers a range of PT sensors suitable for commonly used refrigerants, including R1234yf, R134a, R290, R32, and R410A.

Pressure-temperature (PT) sensor

Technical features

• Compact and light weight design  
• Pressure range of 0 to 15 bar (LPS) or up to 44 bar (HPS)
• Pressure response time <10 ms
• Operating temperature range between -40 to +140 °C
• Temperature response time <3 s
• Electrical interface: LIN or analog output signal from 0.5 to 4.5 V, automotive MLK connector (3- or 4-pin configuration)
• Mechanical interface: Aluminum housing, HEX24, M10 (others upon request)

Product inquiry

Thermal management in electric vehicles is important for maintaining the temperature of battery packs within the specified range for efficient performance and long battery life. 

Liquid cooling systems are far more efficient than air cooling systems as they have higher heat transfer capacities. The flow of liquid within the cooling system must be controlled accurately for effective heat transfer.

Thermal management systems can include a battery coolant pressure sensor for indirect flow measurement of liquid or detection of leaks by accurately sensing the pressure changes within the liquid cooling system. 

Battery pressure sensor

Differential pressure monitoring (p2, p1) for flow measurement and leakage detection.

Technical features

• Pressure ranges from -10 to +10 kPa up to -100 to +100 kPa 
• Proof pressure up to 300 kPa to withstand pressure peaks during first filling 
• Operating temperature range from -40 up to +140 °C (+150 °C short-term) 
• Output signal: Analog from 0.5 to 4.5 V or digital SENT, including relative pressure and temperature signals

Product inquiry

Modern Battery Management Systems (BMS) assure an efficient and safe operation of lithium-ion cells in electric vehicles. 

Besides temperature and current sensors, the BMS can include a battery pressure sensor to track working conditions and events that might occur from overheating or overcharging. 

Pressure sensors in the battery pack provide valuable information of working pressures and unusual pressure increases as input for the BMS. 

As the pressure signature of a thermal event occurs faster than the local temperature increase, pressure sensors can accurately detect thermal events within sealed lithium-ion battery cell earlier than temperature sensors alone.

Battery coolant pressure sensor

Pressure sensing within sealed battery packs to monitor pressure increase during cell venting and release of gas.

Technical features

• Pressure ranges from -5 to +5 kPa or up to 40 kPa 
• Operating temperature range from -40 to +140 °C (+150 °C short-term) 
• Output: Analog from 0.5 to 4.5 V or digital SENT, including temperature signal
• Fast response of <2 ms for fast detection of slightest pressure peaks 
• High accuracy <1% FS

Product inquiry

The fuel vapor pressure sensor  is a vital tool for several on-board diagnostic tasks of modern vehicles to fullfil the latest emission regulations. Pressure sensors can be used at various positions within the vehicle fuel and EVAP system to measure slightest changes in pressure at these locations, e.g. directly inside the fuel tank, within the fuel-, vent- or purge line or as part of other EVAP components such as the carbon (charcoal) canister, fuel tank isolation valve or leakage detection module.

TDK offers pressure sensors with highest signal accuracy and stability over a lifetime under harsh fuel and fuel vapor environment. 
The pressure sensors are resistant against all fuel types and allow multiple design options for housing, connector and mounting interface to meet application specific requirements.

Fuel vapor pressure sensor

Technical features

• Pressure ranges from -5 up to 5 kPa or -10 up to 50 kPa 
• Operating temperature range from -40 up to +125 °C 
• Output signal: Analog from 0.5 to 4.5 V or digital SENT acc. SAE J2716, with additional temperature output
• Output signal accuracy: Down to ±0.3 kPa within specific pressure and temperature range 
• HC emissions <1 mg/24 hours 

Product inquiry

Fuel supply pressure needs to be controlled and measured in the fuel supply line between tank and engine. The pressure sensor measures the pressure in the fuel supply line (diesel and gasoline) to control the fuel supply pump located in the tank or on the tank module.

TDK offers pressure sensors with highest signal accuracy and stability over a lifetime under harsh fuel and fuel vapor environment.
The pressure sensors are resistant against all types of fuel and allow multiple design options for housing, connector and mounting interface to meet application specific requirements.

Fuel supply pressure sensor

Technical features

• Gauge or absolute pressure measurement 
• Pressure ranges up to 1500 kPa / Burst pressure up to 3000 kPa 
• Operating temperature range from -40 up to +130 °C 
• Output signal: Analog from 0.5 to 4.5 V or digital SENT acc. SAE J2716  
• Output signal accuracy: Down to ±1% FS span within specific pressure and temperature range 
• HC emissions <1 mg/24 hours 

Product inquiry

The crankcase of internal combustion engines is pressurized during operation, making crankcase ventilation necessary. Leakages in this ventilation system can be measured with a pressure sensor.

Vehicles require particulate filters in the exhaust system to comply with emission regulations. The clogging level of the filter is measured with a differential pressure sensor.

Secondary air injection is a proven method of reducing harmful emissions during a cold start. A pressure sensor is required to verify the correct function of the system.

Exhaust pressure sensor

Technical features

• High media resistance against contaminated air of fuel, oil, exhaust gas (blow-by) and iodine
• Gauge or absolute pressure measurement 
• Pressure ranges from -10 to 10 kPa or up to 400 kPa (abs.) / Burst pressure up to 800 kPa (abs.) 
• Operating temperature range from -40 up to +140 °C (+150 °C short-term) 
• Output signal: Analog from 0.5 to 4.5 V or digital SENT acc. SAE J2716 
• Output signal accuracy: Down to ±1% Full-scale span within specific temperature range 

Product inquiry

As a promising drive technology hydrogen can be used via a fuel cell to generate electricity. In order to maximize energy density, pressurized hydrogen tanks are required. This leads to high demands regarding tank casing and filling systems. Hydrogen needs to go through different stages of pressure changes that require pressure monitoring. Additionally, hydrogen is an evasive gas requiring pressure sensors to support leak detection.

TDK offers solutions for monitoring pressure at the outlet of the pressure regulator (decompression), inlet of the fuel cell stack, and the air control and cooling loop (H2, air, water).

H2 MPS / LPS series

Technical features

• Pressure ranges from 1 to 16 bar
• Operating temperature range from -40 up to +140 °C 
• High accuracy and signal stability over lifetime 
• Additional temperature output upon request
• Light and robust design 
• Various interfaces 
• Output signal: Analog, SENT 

Product inquiry