EPCOS has developed a new evaporator sensor for air-conditioning systems. NTC elements with glass passivation are coated with a special halogenated hydrocarbon polymer and packaged with a moisture-proof seal. They are then cast into molds in an extrusion process adapted to the encapsulation. Thanks to this new technology and process, these sensors can now withstand 10,000 hours in water immersion tests at 80 °C. The development aim was not only to increase the reliability but also to improve the response time. The new product is five times more reliable than predecessor types and its response time has also been halved to reach values of below 4 seconds in the air stream. It is thus also suitable for the latest CO2 air-conditioning systems.
Another application of this 10,000 h evaporator sensor is to implement sensor systems with long-term stability equipped with an evaluation circuit. EPCOS is also designing highly reliable icing protection switches by integrating the evaluation electronics into the new sensor.
About EPCOS
EPCOS AG, a manufacturer of passive electronic components headquartered in Munich, is market leader in Europe and number two worldwide. With its uniquely broad portfolio EPCOS offers a comprehensive range of products from a single source. The EPCOS Group has design, manufacturing and marketing facilities in Europe, the Americas and Asia.
Passive electronic components are found in every electrical and electronic product – from automotive and industrial electronics through information and communications to consumer electronics. Components from EPCOS store electrical energy, select frequencies, and protect against overvoltage and overcurrent.
In fiscal 2005 (October 1, 2004, to September 30, 2005), EPCOS posted sales of EUR 1.24 billion. At September 30, 2005, the company employed about 16,100 people worldwide.
