Abstract: To determine air mass flows, especially for controlling internal combustion engines, a hot-film air-mass sensor is provided, which may be used especially for sensing air mass flows in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine. The hot-film air-mass sensor has a sensor chip having a sensor frame and a sensor diaphragm having at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors. Furthermore, the hot-film air-mass sensor has a chip carrier for mounting the sensor chip, as well as at least one additional heating element. The sensor chip is able to be heated up using the at least one additional heating element, which is inserted into the chip carrier. Compared to the usual devices, the hot-film air-mass sensor has a lower susceptibility to contamination, especially by oil films.

Abstract: To determine air mass flows, especially for controlling internal combustion engines, a hot-film air-mass sensor is provided, which may be used especially for sensing air mass flows in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine. The hot-film air-mass sensor has a sensor chip having a sensor frame and a sensor diaphragm having at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors. Furthermore, the hot-film air-mass sensor has a chip carrier for mounting the sensor chip, as well as at least one additional heating element. The sensor chip is able to be heated up using the at least one additional heating element, which is inserted into the chip carrier. Compared to the usual devices, the hot-film air-mass sensor has a lower susceptibility to contamination, especially by oil films.

Abstract: With devices and methods for reducing the contamination of a sensor, a sensor or sensor element—preferably a hot film air-mass meter—is deactivated when a software function integrated in the electronic control unit detects a possible contamination or a media carry-in. The sensor is deactivated using a high-side switch in the voltage supply or a low-side switch in the ground connection, wherein the media carry-in detection and the switch control are carried out by the control unit or an evaluation unit in the sensor. After the sensor is deactivated, a substitute signal is optionally generated that replaces the missing output signal of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for reducing the contamination of a sensor with which a sensor or sensor element—preferably a hot film air-mass meter—is deactivated when a software function integrated in the electronic control unit detects a possible contamination or a media carry-in. The sensor is deactivated using a high-side switch in the voltage supply or a low-side switch in the ground connection, wherein the media carry-in detection and the switch control are carried out by the control unit or an evaluation unit in the sensor. After the sensor is deactivated, a substitute signal is optionally generated that replaces the missing output signal of the sensor.