Kavlico offers either a ceramic capacitive or isolated thin-film sensing technology for power steering measurement applications. These sensors are offered with various packaging options with electrical and pressure media configurations to meet application specific criteria. Integral signal conditioning utilizes a custom designed ASIC for a stable signal over wide operating temperatures. Kavlico sensors are compatible with all power steering fluids available on the market today.

Single and dual sensing capability adaptable to various electronic suspension configurations can be specified. Kavlico’s broad array of sensing technologies are ideal for active suspension applications. Whether the requirement is for 150 or 3,000 psi, Kavlico’s ceramic capacitive, sealed PRT with oil-fill or isolated thin film sensors will meet the measurement requirement.

Hydraulic brake systems operate at pressures up to 3,000 psi and often have very demanding pressure measurement requirements. New Active Stability Control systems as well as traction control and brake-by-wire make accurate measurement of hydraulic brakes more critical. Kavlico offers custom-designed solutions for many of these applications that are based on either isolated PRT or thin-film sensing technology.

Kavlico has designed and developed a CMOS based, single-chip sensing element that is compatible with RF transmitters. This sensing technology is capacitive-based so the power consumption is low while providing a very robust sensor. A temperature element has been incorporated into the sensor to allow temperature compensation of tire pressure measurements. The Kavlico sensor requires an extremely low energy to accomplish a pressure reading and will operate on supplies as low as 1.8 volts. This allows use in systems powered by an inductive antenna as well as batteries.

Typically operating at pressures ranges of 500 psi, this measurement can be performed by using either Kavlico’s ceramic capacitive or thin-film sensing technology. The next step in air conditioning technology will utilize Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as the working medium and these systems operate at pressures upwards of 2,000 psi. It is critical that in these systems, to measure media temperature with a fast-response sensor. Kavlico’s uniquely designed thin-film pressure & temperature sensor combines a fast-response temperature sensing element with a pressure sensing element that is hermetically sealed in a simple, low cost package.

Kavlico has developed sensor technology that is capable of accurately measuring the weight of the right-side passenger. This information, along with other sensor outputs, allows the air bag deployment to be customized to the occupant in crash conditions. The seat weight sensor systems consists of four pressure sensors that measures fluid pressure in compact load cells that are mounted between the seat and the vehicle floor. Even though these sensors are sensitive enough to provide the required information they are strong enough to withstand the most severe crash forces.

In order to meet existing and future evaporative emission requirements there is increased emphasis on zero-maintenance fuel level sensors. The Kavlico solution is based upon proven capacitive sensing technology and has the potential to accurately measure fuel level regardless of the concentration of ethanol, methanol and other fuel additives.