Motorsport Sensor Technology

This paper reviews several sensor designs created to meet the special requirements of motor racing. All of the parts described are being used in professional motor sport applications, including Formula One. These components are small, operate at high temperatures, are insensitive to high vibration and shock loading and are designed to be 100% reliable during a race weekend. The paper focuses on very small potentiometers, non-contact position sensors, high temperature amplified pressure sensors and high temperature Hall-effect and inductive speed sensors: parts used for critical control functions. The salient features of these parts, how they are built, tested and applied are explained.