Sensor development in the microcomputer age

The proliferating applications of LSI circuitry require inputs from sensors which are both high in performance and low in cost. The need for improved sensors is especially acute in microcomputer-based control systems, where sensor development is expected to pace system applications. This paper reviews the sensors needed for real-time automotive engine control and compares the present status of a number of competing approaches. The problems and potential of sensors using integrated-circuit processes technology age examined. Sensor comparisons must be viewed in the context of the total system, including the output data format and type of microcomputer interface required. For automotive applications, the time-analog format is shown to have advantages. Finally, the additional design freedom and changing emphasis in sensor design as the result of adding on-chip circuitry to silicon-based sensors is described.