High Pressure Sensors for Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Optimize Engine Performance

September 1, 2008

MOORPARK, Calif. – Kavlico, a global business unit of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST), has expanded its range of pressure sensors for passenger vehicles and light trucks with its newly released Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) sensors which utilizes a thin film titanium oxynitride (TiON) isolated sense element. As gasoline prices continue their rise, automotive manufacturers are continuing to expand the use of gasoline direct injection systems to increase fuel economy and overall engine efficiency.

Overall fuel efficiency can be improved as much as 8% or more when a GDI system is implemented on an engine and fully optimized. These fuel injection systems monitor and control the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber versus the intake port. Regulating the amount of highly pressurized fuel within the combustion chamber is the function of Kavlico’s GDI sensors.

Robust by design, Kavlico’s small-footprint GDI sensors have a 17-4 stainless steel pressure diaphragm. The sensor operates on 5 Vdc and provides a 0.5 to 4.5 Vdc linear amplified analog output proportional to pressure as standard with other custom output options available. The sensors can measure pressures from 2,000 to 40,000 psi. The high accuracy devices are fully temperature compensated and have a media operating temperature range of -40 to +180°C. Capable of operating in harsh, high-vibration environments, Kavlico GDI sensors are impervious to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI).

Flexible by design, custom packaging for high volume applications is available; pressure ports, electrical connections, output, and materials of construction are design parameters that can be tailored to application-specific requirements.

About Kavlico

Kavlico is an operation of Custom Sensors & technologies (CST) and is a global business unit of Schneider Electric. Kavlico is a leading manufacturer of pressure, position (LVDT & RVDT), force, level, tilt, media quality, and other specialty sensors, and transducers for the transportation, industrial and aerospace & defense markets. www.kavlico.com

About Custom Sensors & Technologies

Headquartered in Moorpark, CA – Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST) is a global business unit of Schneider Electric and is comprised of industry-leading brands including Crouzet, Kavlico, Crydom, and former divisions of BEI Technologies – Newall and Systron Donner. CST provides sensors, controls, and actuation products for the Transportation, Industrial and Aerospace & Defense markets. www.cstsensors.com

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