Abstract: A thermal shock resistant sensor element that includes a sensor element having a gamma alumina coating on at least a portion thereof. The thermal shock resistant sensor element may be thermal shock resistant at temperatures greater than about 600° C. A method of making a thermal shock resistant element that includes plasma spraying gamma alumina onto a sensor element to form a thermal shock resistant element. The thermal shock resistant sensor element may be thermal shock resistant at temperatures greater than about 500° C. A thermal shock resistant sensor element that includes a sensor element having an alumina coating on at least a portion thereof. The thermal shock resistant sensor element may be thermal shock resistant at temperatures greater than about 500° C. and may demonstrate a Si poisoning resistance after exposure to the Gas Burner Test (850° C.) for at least about 60 hours.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the voltage-controlled performance regulation of the heating of an exhaust-gas probe in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The aim of the invention is to provide a method in which the operating temperature of the probe is achieved in the shortest possible time without damage to the probe. To achieve this, the heating voltage during the heating phase of the probe is rapidly brought up to a high temperature in a start phase in relation to a subsequent phase, or a dramatic leap in temperature is achieved, preferably up to the full operating voltage and the heating voltage is then continuously or quasi-continuously reduced.

Abstract: A sensor element is provided for gas sensors, in particular to determine particles in gas mixtures, the sensor element including at least one electrochemical measuring element exposed to the gas mixture to be determined, and at least one temperature-measuring element integrated into the sensor element. The temperature-measuring element includes a resistor track, which has an electric resistance of less than 180 Ohm at 0° C. The resistor track may thus be produced by thin-foil technology, such as screen printing, for example.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the concentration of particulates in gas mixtures is described, a soot sensor in particular, having a ceramic sensor body surrounded by a metallic housing and having a first and a second measuring electrode. In this instance, the first measuring electrode is connected to the metallic housing of the sensor or the metallic housing of the sensor is designed as the first measuring electrode. By additional electrodes on the ceramic body, the sensor is operable also as a lambda sensor.

Abstract: A sensor element is provided for gas sensors, in particular to determine particles in gas mixtures, the sensor element including at least one electrochemical measuring element exposed to the gas mixture to be determined, and at least one temperature-measuring element integrated into the sensor element. The temperature-measuring element includes a resistor track, which has an electric resistance of less than 180 Ohm at 0° C. The resistor track may thus be produced by thin-foil technology, such as screen printing, for example.

Abstract: A thermal shock resistant sensor element that includes a sensor element having a gamma alumina coating on at least a portion thereof. The thermal shock resistant sensor element may be thermal shock resistant at temperatures greater than about 600° C. A method of making a thermal shock resistant element that includes plasma spraying gamma alumina onto a sensor element to form a thermal shock resistant element. The thermal shock resistant sensor element may be thermal shock resistant at temperatures greater than about 500° C. A thermal shock resistant sensor element that includes a sensor element having an alumina coating on at least a portion thereof. The thermal shock resistant sensor element may be thermal shock resistant at temperatures greater than about 500° C. and may demonstrate a Si poisoning resistance after exposure to the Gas Burner Test (850° C.) for at least about 60 hours.

Abstract: A sensor element for determining the oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas has a conductor track applied to a solid electrolyte, which includes an electrode provided in a measuring area of the sensor element and an electrode lead connected to the electrode and situated in the lead area of the sensor element. In a transition area between the measuring area and the lead area, the conductor track has a narrowing. Furthermore, the electrode includes a first electrode section and a second electrode section, the first electrode section being connected to the electrode lead in a transition area between the measuring area and the lead area, and the first and second electrode sections being electrically connected to one another only on their sides facing away from the lead area.

Abstract: A gas sensor, in particular for determining the oxygen content in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, having a housing, a sensor element having a multi-layer design which is situated in the housing, and connecting lines lead to the outside for contacting the sensor element. A contacting element of a connecting line penetrates a layer of the sensor element and part of an insulating element situated outside the sensor element. For contacting the sensor element, such a contact configuration makes it possible to directly contact the contacting element of the connecting line, which may be arranged as a contacting pin, to the printed conductor which is formed inside the sensor element.

Abstract: A ceramic insulating material, in particular for sensor elements for determining the concentration of gas components in gas mixtures, is based on an alkaline earth-containing ceramic. The insulating material contains a hexaaluminate of the alkaline earth metal and at least one mixed compound of the alkaline earth metal with an acid oxide, the molar ratio of hexaaluminate to the sum of mixed compounds in the insulating material being 1.3 to 4.0.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the concentration of particulates in gas mixtures is described, a soot sensor in particular, having a ceramic sensor body surrounded by a metallic housing and having a first and a second measuring electrode. In this instance, the first measuring electrode is connected to the metallic housing of the sensor or the metallic housing of the sensor is designed as the first measuring electrode. By additional electrodes on the ceramic body, the sensor is operable also as a lambda sensor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for the voltage controlled output adjustment of a sensor heater in the exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine. In order that such a procedure, whereby the operating temperature of the sensor is achieved in the shortest amount of time, can be implemented without the sensor being damaged in the process, provision is made according to the invention, that the heating voltage in a beginning phase of the heat-up phase of the heater is brought to a high value either very quickly in respect to a subsequent phase or precipitously brought to that high value, preferably the operating voltage; and subsequently the heating voltage is continuously or virtually continuously reduced.

Abstract: A sensor element constructed in layers for detecting a physical property of a gas or liquid, and in particular for detecting the concentration of a gas component or the temperature of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The sensor element includes a first and second layer as well as at least one contact face, which is disposed in a layer plane between the first and second layers. In the region of the contact face, the first layer includes a recess.