Thick Film Sensors

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCB

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCBs, also called Oil Pressure Sensor Ceramic PCBs, are key components in modern automotive engine management systems, monitoring oil pressure within the engine's lubrication system to ensure it stays at optimal levels for reducing friction, dissipating heat, and preventing engine wear by converting mechanical pressure from the engine oil into an electrical signal, with changes in the diaphragm’s deformation altering the resistance of the thick-film resistors, which is then converted into a voltage signal readable by the engine control unit (ECU), providing real-time oil pressure data.

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCBs are constructed starting with a ceramic substrate, which is chosen for its excellent thermal and mechanical properties. The ceramic substrate is coated with a layer of silver-palladium paste, which is screen-printed onto the substrate to form the conductive circuit tracks. After this, the paste is sintered at high temperatures to create durable, wear-resistant conductors. Thick-film resistors are then applied to the substrate and precisely trimmed using laser technology to ensure accurate resistance values. This combination of ceramic and thick-film technology provides the necessary durability and precision for accurate pressure sensing.

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCB

Oil Pressure Sensor Ceramic PCBs offer several advantages, including exceptional durability, high precision, and the ability to perform reliably in harsh environments. The use of ceramic substrates ensures excellent thermal resistance and mechanical strength, enabling the sensor to function reliably under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. The integration of thick-film technology allows for precise control of resistance values, which is crucial for accurate oil pressure measurements. Additionally, the high resistance to wear and corrosion ensures that the sensor performs reliably over a long lifespan, even in challenging operating conditions.

Oil Pressure Sensor Ceramic PCBs play a vital role in automotive engine management systems. They are used to monitor oil pressure in engines, providing real-time data to ensure efficient and safe engine operation. These sensors are crucial for preventing engine damage by alerting the driver or ECU to any oil pressure irregularities. Furthermore, they are increasingly utilized in other high-performance machinery, such as industrial engines and heavy-duty equipment, where maintaining optimal lubrication is essential for performance and longevity.

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCB

Features of Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCB :

● Ceramic Substrate: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCBs are constructed with a ceramic substrate known for its excellent thermal and mechanical properties, providing a stable and durable foundation for the sensor components.

● Thick-Film Technology: Utilizing thick-film processing, the circuitry is created through a series of screen-printing and sintering steps, resulting in a robust and precise conductive pattern.

● Corrosion Resistance: Engineered to resist corrosion from diesel and gasoline, ensuring long-term reliability in harsh engine environments.

● Wear Resistance: The sensor exhibits high wear resistance, critical for maintaining performance over time in environments with continuous friction and wear.

● Precision Laser Trimming: The thick-film resistors are laser-trimmed to achieve accurate and precise resistance values, ensuring high measurement accuracy.

● Compatibility: Designed to be compatible with various engine management systems for a wide range of applications.

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCB

● Robust Design: The sensor is built to withstand the rigors of the engine's operating conditions, including high temperatures and pressures.

Advantages of Oil Pressure Sensor Ceramic PCB :

● Enhanced Durability: The use of a ceramic substrate and thick-film technology contributes to a longer service life compared to traditional sensors.

● High-Precision Measurement: The precision of the laser-trimmed resistors allows for highly accurate oil pressure readings.

● Chemical Resistance: Oil Pressure Sensor Ceramic PCB's resistance to diesel and gasoline provides a reliable operation without the risk of damage from fuel exposure.

● Low Maintenance: The robust construction of the sensor reduces the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.

● Reliability: The absence of delicate mechanical parts makes the sensor more dependable in consistent performance.

● Temperature Stability: Oil Pressure Sensor Ceramic PCB maintains its performance across a wide temperature range, crucial for engines that operate in varying thermal conditions.

Oil Pressure Sensor Ceramic PCB

● Seamless Integration: Easy integration with existing engine monitoring systems for a hassle-free installation.

Ratings of Oil Pressure Sensor Ceramic PCB :

● Operating Temperature Range: Oil Pressure Sensor Ceramic PCBs are designed to operate effectively within a wide temperature range of -40℃ to +85℃, ensuring functionality in various environmental conditions.

● Substrate Materials: The substrate is made of high-quality material with 96% Alumina (Al2O3), known for its excellent thermal and mechanical properties.

● Conductor Material: The conductive paths are made from Silver/Palladium (Ag/Pd), which offers strong adhesion to the substrate, ensuring the durability and reliability of the sensor.

● Wear Life Resistance: Oil Pressure Sensor Ceramic PCBs exhibit exceptional wear resistance with Beryllium bronze contacts able to withstand 2 million cycles in air or 5 million cycles in gasoline or diesel without degradation in electrical resistance.

● Resistance Tolerance: The precision of the sensor's resistance is maintained with a tight tolerance of ± 1% or ± 0.5Ω, ensuring accurate pressure measurements.

Oil Pressure Sensor Ceramic PCB

● Temperature Coefficient (TCR): The sensor has a low temperature coefficient of ± 250 ppm/℃, indicating minimal resistance change with temperature fluctuations, which is crucial for maintaining accuracy across different operating conditions.

Manufacturing of Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCB :

● Substrate Preparation: A high-quality ceramic substrate is selected for its thermal stability and mechanical strength.

● Conductive Path Formation: Silver-palladium paste is screen-printed onto the substrate to form the conductive paths of the circuit.

● Sintering: The printed circuit undergoes a high-temperature sintering process to cure the conductors and create a durable and stable circuit.

● Resistor Application: Thick-film resistors are applied and precisely laser-trimmed to achieve the desired resistance values.

● Integration: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCBs are integrated with other sensor components, such as the pressure-sensitive diaphragm and signal processing circuitry.

● Testing and Calibration: Each Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCB is rigorously tested and calibrated to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCB

Applications of Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCB :

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCBs have several typical applications across various sectors of the automotive industry, ensuring the reliable operation and maintenance of engines. Here are some of the key applications:

● Vehicle On-Board Diagnostics (OBD): Used in OBD systems to monitor and diagnose issues related to engine oil pressure, helping to prevent engine damage.

● Engine Management Systems: Integrated into engine control modules to ensure optimal engine performance by maintaining appropriate oil pressure levels.

● Warning and Alert Systems: Provides critical alerts to drivers when oil pressure drops, indicating potential issues that require immediate attention.

● Automotive Maintenance: Assists in scheduled maintenance by tracking oil pressure and helping to determine the need for oil changes.

● Performance Vehicles: Used in high-performance and racing vehicles to ensure that engines operate within precise pressure parameters for maximum efficiency and power.

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCB

● Heavy Equipment and Machinery: Employed in off-road vehicles, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery where engines are subjected to harsh conditions and heavy loads.

● Automotive Test and Development: Utilized during the testing and development phase of new engine designs to ensure they meet performance and safety standards.

● Vintage Car Restoration: Installed in classic and vintage cars to ensure that their engines are properly monitored and maintained.

● Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Although these vehicles may have electric powertrains, the internal combustion engine components still require oil pressure monitoring.

● Industrial Applications: Used in industrial engines and power generation systems where consistent oil pressure is critical for machinery operation.

● Aftermarket Upgrades: Offered as an aftermarket component for vehicles, providing enhanced monitoring capabilities for those seeking to improve or customize their engine's performance.

● Automotive Safety Systems: Part of a broader safety system that can trigger engine shutdown or other safety measures if oil pressure falls below safe operating levels.

Characteristic of Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCB :

Test Item

Standard

Test Method

Wear Life (Durability)

Contact wiper without break, and the resistance value must be still within the requirement.

The sliding contact (wiper) made of beryllium bronze in the conductor layer area maintains contact with the conductor layer under a pressure of 0.25 N ± 0.05 N, rubbing back and forth with each cycle. The test requires a minimum of 2 million cycles in the air or 5 million cycles when immersed in gasoline or diesel oil.

Resistance to Organic Solvents

The solvent temperature is maintained at (23±5)°C, and the soaking time is (10±1) hours.

The test uses a solvent mixture of 85% diesel (or 92# gasoline) and 15% ethanol. The corrosion index (△R/R) must be ≤1%.

High Temperature Welding

Resistance to soldering heat (△R/R) must be ≤1%.

The soldering PAD is fully immersed in a tin bath at 270°C ± 5°C for a duration of (5±1) seconds. Recovery time is (24±4) hours.

Temperature Coefficient

Follows IEC60115-1 4.8.

Must be within the specified T.C.R across the temperature range of +25°C/-55°C/+25°C/+125°C/+25°C.

Rapid Change of Temperature

Resistance change (△R/R) must be ≤1% as per IEC 60115-1 4.19.

The test involves cycles of -40°C for 30 minutes, normal temperature for 5 minutes, and 85°C for 30 minutes, with 5 cycles in total.

Short Time Overload

Resistance change (△R/RI) must be ≤1% as per IEC60115-1 4.13.

The test applies 2.5 times the rated voltage or the maximum overload voltage (whichever is lower) for 5 seconds.

Endurance at 70°C

Resistance change (△R/R) must be <1%.

The test involves maintaining 70°C ± 2°C for 1000 hours with the rated voltage on for 1.5 hours and off for 0.5 hours continuously.

Steady State Damp Heat

Resistance change (△R/R) must be ≤1% as per IEC60115-1 4.24.

The test is conducted at 40°C ±2°C and 93% ±3% RH for 1000 hours.

Low Temperature Storage

Resistance change (△R/R) must be ≤1%.

Pressure Sensors PCB is placed in a low-temperature storage chamber at (-55±1)°C for 1000 hours.

High Temperature Storage

Resistance change (△R/R) must be ≤1%.

Pressure Sensors PCB is placed in a high-temperature storage chamber at (125±1)°C for 1000 hours.

For more information, Please refer to Thick Film Sensors.
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor PCB