Sensor element of a gas sensor and method for operating the same

摘要

A sensor element of a gas sensor for determining gas components in gas mixtures includes a field effect transistor and/or a diode which has a current flow which changes upon contact with a gas to be detected, and which is positioned in a manner protected, by a protective cap, from direct access by the gas mixture. The protective cap has a heating element, a glass former, and/or an oxidation catalyst.

主权项

1. A sensor element of a gas sensor for determining gas components in a gas mixture, comprising:
at least one of a field effect transistor and a diode having a current flow which changes upon contact with a gas to be detected; a protective cap positioned relative to the at least one of the field effect transistor or the diode in such a manner to protect the at least one of the field effect transistor or the diode from direct access by the gas mixture, wherein the protective cap includes a heating element that removes contaminating particles from a surface of the protective cap by burning the contaminating particles; and a control device that activates the heating element by:
detecting a time delay between (i) one of an occurrence of a gas component in the gas mixture or a change in the concentration of the gas component within the gas mixture, and (ii) detecting by the sensor element the one of the gas component or the change in the concentration of the gas component;comparing the detected time delay with a predefined maximum time delay; andactivating the heating element to heat the protective cap if the detected time delay exceeds the predefined maximum time delay.