Mass Airflow Sensor: Ambient Temperature Compensation Design Considerations

The direct measurement of the mass of airflow has gained some degree of utilization in the engine control community, but the sensors used to measure this parameter have continued to be scrutinized for their temperature characteristics. The temperature characteristic is one of the most difficult parameters in the design of the airflow sensor to measure and control. This paper addresses some of the design considerations that affect the temperature characteristic in a hot film mass airflow sensor such as various heat transfer mechanisms and electrical power dissipation effects.