Oil Pressure Sensor Based on Multi-Chip-Module Technology for On-Demand Control of Automotive Engine Oil Supply

A MEMS based oil pressure sensor for the regulation of advanced oil pumps in vehicles was developed. The oil pressure sensor detects dynamically the absolute oil pressure and the oil temperature in the oil gallery. With this kind of oil pressure sensor it is possible to realize an on-demand oil supply to set up an optimum lubrication film whereby the energy consumption of the oil pump is reduced at the same time.

The oil pressure sensor is based on multi-chip-module (MCM) packaging technology. A harsh media compliant piezo-resistive pressure sensor cell, dedicated ASIC and passive elements are placed on a structured IC lead-frame and over-moulded via open-cavity packaging technology. The MCM is laser-welded on the device lead-frame. All needed functionality of the oil pressure sensor is concentrated inside the MCM.