Abstract: An apparatus is proposed for detecting operating characteristics of an internal combustion engine. It has an optical sensor whose output signal is delivered to an amplifier with a variable transmission behavior. As a result, it is possible to have either a stepped or a continuous adaptation of the sensor sensitivity to various operational points of the engine. It is particularly proposed that the amplification for the measurement signal be selected to be high in the case of an opto-electrical combustion chamber observation in a low load range, while it is selected to be low in a high load range, so that relatively equalized measurement results are available for use.

Abstract: To form a temperature sensor, for example suitable in an automotive vehicle, to determine ambient temperatures, or to provide a temperature compensated thin-film circuit, for example for incorporation with an oscillator circuit, two stable thin-film layers are applied to a non-conductive substrate, the layers being capable of being etched.

Abstract: To provide a rugged vibration and shock-insensitive position transducer, a coil is wound on a lamella-like carrier which has a body element of electrically insulating material on which, at least on one surface, a foil of magnetically highly permeable material is positioned; these lamella-foil combinations can be stacked, or a unitary body which foils on both sides can be provided. A short-circuit ring, movable along the core, changes the inductance of the coil wound thereon, the value of which can be determined by energizing the coil with alternating current.

Abstract: A meander-shaped layer of nickel is deposited by evaporation on a ceramic wafer over an intermediate layer of tantalum serving to improve adhesion, and covered by a protective coating of silicon or epoxy resin is used as a temperature sensor in the intake pipe of a supercharged internal combustion engine. The low mass of the sensor element thus provided enables the resistance of the nickel path to follow rapidly, by its variation, the variations of temperature of the intake air. The sensor has a casing made up of two parts, the lower one of which has two connection prongs molded into it, the ends of which are flattened into tabs that are soldered to contact areas of the ceramic wafer. The upper casing portion has a cavity for the ceramic wafer, the lower part of which is filled with a potting compound to protect the solder joints. The width of the nickel paths that provide the temperature sensitive resistance is about 50 .mu.m and the thickness is from 0.2 to 1 .mu.