H2 sensors

Overview

Infineon's XENSIV™ TCIx: calibrated thermal conductivity-based sensor with I2C, ultra-low power and 15-years lifetime

Infineon’s XENSIV™ TCIx sensors provide reliable detection of hydrogen (H2) gas in demanding automotive and industrial applications such as FCEVs, H2 combustion engines, H2 refueling stations, BEVs (battery electric vehicles), ESS (energy etorage eystems), H2 electrolyzers and stationary fuel cells.

Key features

  • FUSA QM/ASIL B capable
  • AEC-Q100 up to 105°C
  • Fast response time <100 ms
  • Ultra-low current consumption
  • Robust and proven packages
  • Lifetime of 15 years with low drift
  • Autonomous operating mode for system level power saving

Infineon’s XENSIV™ TCIx gas sensors operate on the principle of thermal conductivity and utilize a full differential MEMS sensor concept. The thermal conductivity is measured by heating up parts of the MEMS structures and measuring the heat transfer through the gas. The target gas concentration can be determined as the heat transport of the gas and its impact on the MEMS changes with the composition of the measured environment. 

Thermal conductivity sensing provides the highest robustness and stability for rough automotive applications. Unlike metal oxide based (MOX) sensors and catalytic combustion (CC) sensors, no chemical reaction takes place in TC gas sensors as they are based on a physical measuring principle. This makes TC gas sensors immune to the risk of poisoning and the tendency to high offset drift shown by chemical sensors.

Infineon’s XENSIV™ TCIx sensors is a reliable and robust automotive grade solution , ensuring compliance with functional safety ISO 26262 ASIL standards up to ASIL B, operating temperature up to 105°C and 15 years lifetime, therefore making these sensors ideal for automotive applications such as:

  • Leak detection in fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
  • Battery thermal runway detection in battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
  • Battery water intrusion sensing and early detection of battery damages (leaking electrolytes) as mandated by UNECE GTR 20 regulations
  • Leak detection and crankshaft leakage detection in hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles

In the hydrogen fuel ecosystem, thermal conductivity gas sensors play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient generation, production, storage, transportation, and utilization of hydrogen gas by minimizing the risk of explosion since they allow to monitor the hydrogen concentration in real time. The TCIx gas sensors may also contribute to minimizing hydrogen losses at all process steps.

  • Electrolyzers and steam methane reforming plants
  • Stationary fuel cell systems
  • Hydrogen storage and transportation
  • H2 refueling stations
  • ESS (energy storage systems) where H2 outgassing can occur in the early stage of a battery thermal runaway

TCIx family - product overview

 

 Product Key benefits Features

TCI
  • No maintenance or replacement costs over a lifetime of 15 years
  • Automotive grade sensor reliability
  • Flexible configuration possible also in the field
  • AEC-Q100 up to 105°C
  • Fast response time <100 ms
  • Ultra-low current consumption
  • Robust and proven packages
  • Lifetime of 15 years with low drift

 

TCI-B
  • No maintenance or replacement costs over a lifetime of 15 years
  • Automotive grade sensor reliability
  • Flexible configuration possible also in the field
  • Cost savings on system level for higher ASIL
  • AEC-Q100 up to 105°C
  • Fast response time <100 ms
  • Ultra-low current consumption
  • Robust and proven packages
  • ISO  26262 FUSA ASIL B capable
  • Lifetime of 15 years with low drift
  • Autonomous operating mode for system level power saving

 

Please be aware that TCIx family is not yet available via Infineon's webpage or distribution partners.

Please contact your local sales office, we will be happy to answer your question.

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