Automotive Powerplant Transducers - Fact or Fiction?

Most transducers offered commercially are suitable for laboratory, aerospace, or industrial process applications but do not meet additional, stringent automotive requirements. A need exists, both present and future, for various types of transducers in automotive powerplant control systems. Possible electronic systems and subsystems requiring transducers are discussed, and the types of transducers needed for these systems are described along with a discussion of a general set of specifications with respect to accuracy, reliability, and durability. Substantial transducer development is needed to enhance the advancement of certain automotive electronic systems. This paper points out these requirements to the electronics industry in an effort to encourage a mutual industry development that will advance the technology.