Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward sensors and associated methods, including surface condition sensors. For example, in certain embodiments sensor can be configured to sense the surface conditions on a road surface and/or an airport surface. One aspect of the invention is directed wet/dry sensors. Other aspects of the invention are directed toward conductivity sensors. Still other aspects of the invention are directed toward sensor packages that include a combination of active and passive sensor technology. Yet other aspects of the invention are directed toward communication systems and methods associated with various sensors.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a surface sensor system comprising a wet/dry sensor assembly, an electrically isolated passive sensor assembly, a thermally adjustable active sensor assembly, at least one temperature sensor, and a data processing device coupled together as a unit positionable adjacent to a surface, such as an outdoor surface. The unit is configured to determine the presence a surface material containing water or a water-based mixture on the surface and the solid or liquid phase of the surface material.