Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes applying an alternating current having a frequency at a selected voltage to a sensor, wherein the voltage is applied between a reference electrode and a working electrode of the sensor, varying the frequency of the alternating current between a lower frequency and an upper frequency, measuring an impedance of the sensor between the reference electrode and the working electrode as a function of the frequency of the alternating current, analyzing the measured impedance to determine a total impedance of the sensor and the real and imaginary components of the total impedance at each applied frequency of the alternating current, and characterizing the sensor based on the total impedance at the low frequency end of the sensor and on the real and imaginary components of the total impedances.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes applying an alternating current having a frequency at a selected voltage to a sensor, wherein the voltage is applied between a reference electrode and a working electrode of the sensor, varying the frequency of the alternating current between a lower frequency and an upper frequency, measuring an impedance of the sensor between the reference electrode and the working electrode as a function of the frequency of the alternating current, analyzing the measured impedance to determine a total impedance of the sensor and the real and imaginary components of the total impedance at each applied frequency of the alternating current, and characterizing the sensor based on the total impedance at the low frequency end of the sensor and on the real and imaginary components of the total impedances.

Abstract: A method and a sensor for ascertaining at least one malfunction of a conductive conductivity sensor having at least two electrodes applying a first electrical variable to the electrodes measuring at least a second electrical variable on the electrodes and deciding whether a malfunction is present based on measuring the second electrical variable. The second electrical variable is located in a first range when measuring the medium when no malfunction is present, and the second electrical variable is located in a second range in the case of a first malfunction, especially when the conductivity sensor is located at least partially outside of the medium, and the second electrical variable is located in a third range when a second malfunction is present, especially an electrode break or a break in a line to the electrodes.

Abstract: A method and a sensor for ascertaining at least one malfunction of a conductive conductivity sensor having at least two electrodes applying a first electrical variable to the electrodes measuring at least a second electrical variable on the electrodes and deciding whether a malfunction is present based on measuring the second electrical variable. The second electrical variable is located in a first range when measuring the medium when no malfunction is present, and the second electrical variable is located in a second range in the case of a first malfunction, especially when the conductivity sensor is located at least partially outside of the medium, and the second electrical variable is located in a third range when a second malfunction is present, especially an electrode break or a break in a line to the electrodes.