Different Types of Sensors Used in Automobiles

Types of Sensors Used in Automobiles

In today’s modern age, many technologies are used in cars and many kinds of sensors are used in cars. These sensors are arranged inside the engine to solve the problem of different types of problems like car repair due to this sensor. Sensors used in automobiles monitor the performance of the entire vehicle. The owner of the vehicle does not even know how many sensors are in his vehicle.

There are many companies around the world that manufacture sensors for cars, which can offer the customer an innovative solution. Currently, automobile sensors are used to change the position of the inside and outside of the car, as well as to detect it. So that the passenger in the vehicle can proceed in an efficient and safe place. By using such sensor data we can increase the comfort, efficiency, and safety of the passenger.

In today’s article, we will look at how many types of sensors are used in automobiles and the benefits that come from them.

Also Read: Optical Sensor Basics | Types of Optical Sensor | Applications of Optical Sensors

Types of Sensors Used in Automobiles:

Sensors used in the automobile industry are intelligent sensors. These sensors are used to control and process oil, temperature, emission level, coolant level, etc. Thus in automobile industries, many sensors are used. But it is important to know the function of this sensor. To know the function of these sensors, we have made a list of popular sensors used in automobile industries which are as follows.

Sr.No  Types of Sensors Used in Automobiles
#1. Mass Air Flow Sensor
#2. Engine Speed Sensor
#3. Oxygen Sensor
#4. Spark Knock Sensor
#5. Coolant Sensor
#6. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
#7. Fuel Temperature Sensor
#8. Voltage Sensor
#9. Throttle Position Sensor
#10. Vehicle Speed Sensor
#11. Automotive Humidity Sensors
#12. Automotive Parking Sensors
#13. Automotive Rain Sensors
#14. Automotive Reverse Sensors

#1. Mass Air Flow Sensor:

Mass Air Flow Sensor

The MAF or Mass Air Flow Sensor is one of the most essential sensors in the automobile industry. These sensors are used in car engines. These sensors are controlled by a computer and can calculate the air density in the engine.

If for some reason the sensor breaks down or stops working, the vehicle stops moving. In addition, the consumption of petroleum will be higher. These sensors are classified into two types one is a vane meter and the other is the hot wire.

#2. Engine Speed Sensor:

Engine Speed Sensor

In the car, this sensor is connected to the crankshaft. The main purpose of this sensor is to monitor the rotating speed of the crankshaft. So that fuel injection and engine time can be controlled. There are different types of indirect stopping of vehicles and engines. So this sensor will turn it off for car drivers.

Also Read: What is a Motion Sensor | Types of Motion Sensor

#3. Oxygen Sensor:

Oxygen Sensor

One of the different types of sensors in the car is the oxygen sensor. This sensor measures the level of oxygen in the exhaust system of the vehicle. Using the value in the proportions transmitted by the sensor, the car computer calculates the amount of fuel and air needed to achieve the “perfect ratio” for efficient combustion.

Apart from ensuring proper operation of the engine, the oxygen sensor also works best in a catalytic converter. Ensures controls emissions there. The oxygen sensor outputs a voltage. Which depends on the difference between the exhaust gases and the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere.

A low voltage of about 200 millivolts indicates a lean mixture. While the no voltage spike up to about 800 millivolts shows that the fuel is burning rich.

#4. Spark Knock Sensor:

Spark Knock Sensor

This sensor is used to make sure that the fuel is burning easily. Otherwise, it can cause unexpected ignition systems. This ignition system is dangerous if it goes high or low and can damage the car’s engine such as rings, head gaskets, and rod bearings. Fitting this part can be expensive. So this sensor is used to solve the problem related to the engine of the car.

#5. Coolant Sensor:

Coolant Sensor

This sensor is the most significant sensor used in the automobile industry as the computer relies on the input of the sensor to control every action. For example, turn on and off the EFE system retard, spark advance, the flow of EGR, and canister purge.

Usually, these sensors are connected to the sensor board. If the sensor fails it gives some indication of stopping there such as poor fuel mileage, etc. It is, therefore, necessary to periodically check the condition of this sensor and replace it immediately if the sensor appears to be defective.

Also Read: Heat Sensor Circuit | Operating Principle of Heat Sensor Circuit Diagram

#6. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor:

Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor

The manifold is a short-term MAP of full pressure. The function of the sensor in the car is to monitor the load of the engine. Mostly these sensors measure the difference between the manifold pressure. The car’s engine is capable of receiving petroleum based on changes in the inside of the pressure. This can be achieved by external pressure through the car to ensure.

#7. Fuel Temperature Sensor:

Fuel Temperature Sensor

This sensor is used to measure the temperature of the fuel. As it is the maximum use of fuel or not. If the engine fuel is cold then it takes longer to ignite due to its high density. If the fuel is heated in the same way, it takes less time to burn.

The main problem here is the different levels of inflow. So this can injure the other part of the automobile. This sensor will monitor whether petroleum is injected at the right speed and at the right temperature. So that the engine of the car keeps working properly.

#8. Voltage Sensor:

Voltage Sensor is a type of sensor used in automobile industries. The main function of this sensor is to control the speed of the car. This sensor needs to be in our car to make sure that its speed is increased as required.

#9. Throttle Position Sensor:

Throttle Position Sensor

These sensors mainly use feedback carburetors and electronic fuel injection. This sensor gives information to the computer regarding the throttle opening rate and related position. This sensor is a variable resistor used to change the resistance with the throttle opening.

Identifying the features of these sensors is not difficult or complicated. As the speed decreases, the sensor can then identify the defect. It is the main indication of a defective throttle position sensor. You cannot configure this sensor properly whenever you change it.

#10. Vehicle Speed Sensor:

Vehicle Speed Sensor

As its name suggests this VSS sensor has the ability to check the speed of the car’s wheels. It is a type of tachometer. These sensors are housed inside an anti-breaking system known as ABS. Additionally, the output of this sensor is also used for an audiometer to read the speed of the vehicle to control the gears based on the speed of the vehicle.

#11. Automotive Humidity Sensors:

These sensors usually connect two different sensors to one device. One to measure the humidity level and the other the temperature. The values ​​of the two measurements are sent to the climate computer which then activates the auto HVAC to control the interior of the vehicle.

The humidity sensor helps keep the interior of the car comfortable by adjusting the humidity level. It constantly monitors the humidity in the car as well as the temperature of the windows to prevent misting of the windows.

#12. Automotive Parking Sensors:

In today’s modern age of cars, various parking technique is used to make work easier and safer. Parking sensors can be acoustic signals, electromagnetic waves, or real images.

The acoustic parking sensor is an ultrasonic device. Which uses reflective sound to notice obstacles by objects. An electromagnetic parking sensor is a radar device that uses pulses that bounce off an object to detect what’s on the side of the vehicle. image A sensor is a camera that helps relay images of an area close to a vehicle. They can be used in both mainstream and autonomous cars.

#13. Automotive Rain Sensors:

The sensor can be identified by its name or the device that detects the rain. This sensor sends a signal to the ECU when raindrops fall on the windscreen.

The computer then activates the window screen wiper automatically. This is because all these processes are possible even without driver input. The rain sensor is a safety device that ensures that the driver can easily see the front side even in the face of sudden weather reversals.

Such sensors use no internal reflection to work. The beam of infrared light constantly hits the windscreen at 45°. The sensor monitors the intensity of the reflected light. When the windscreen gets wet. Then the amount of reflected light decreases and this sends a signal to the computer.

#14. Automotive Reverse Sensors:

This sensor is fixed in the back of the car. These sensors help alert the driver through the rear objects. And increases its safety when reversing the car. Most of the sensors use a sonic wave for this. While some are image sensors.

Reverse sensors that use sonic beams. It sends signals of reflected waves to the computer as well as changes in the wave spectrum. The computer analyzes the information obtained and determines the distance and size of the object behind the vehicle.

Most Commonly Asked Questions:

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of car sensors are there?

The following is a list of different sensors used in cars:

Sr.No  Types of Sensors Used in Automobiles
#1. Mass Air Flow Sensor
#2. Engine Speed Sensor
#3. Oxygen Sensor
#4. Spark Knock Sensor
#5. Coolant Sensor
#6. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
#7. Fuel Temperature Sensor
#8. Voltage Sensor
#9. Throttle Position Sensor
#10. Vehicle Speed Sensor
#11. Automotive Humidity Sensors
#12. Automotive Parking Sensors
#13. Automotive Rain Sensors
#14. Automotive Reverse Sensors

What are the types of sensors?

The following is a list of different sensors used in cars:

  • Vision and Imaging Sensors.
  • Temperature Sensors.
  • Particle Sensors.
  • Pressure Sensors.
  • Position Sensors.
  • Radiation Sensors.
  • Proximity Sensors.
  • Photoelectric Sensors.

What type of sensor is a vehicle speed sensor?

Vehicle motion sensors are usually inductive or optical sensors. The most common inductive sensor consists of a rod magnet at the top of the magnetic pin. Which is surrounded by a fixed coil. This sensor is mounted at a fixed distance from the ferromagnetic rotor with teeth.

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Hey, I am Vishnu Patil and I'm an Electrical Engineer and Electrical maestro. I have more than 10 years of experience with electricals. Through ElectricalGang I want to spread my knowledge with everyone else.

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