The CTS Corporation will be exhibiting a new RF sensor technology at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress set to take place in Detroit, Michigan - USA from 4 to 6 April, 2017. CTS’ presentation will highlight a new method for directly diagnosing the state of diesel and gasoline emission control systems on-board the vehicle using radio frequency (RF) technology.
CTS’ RF sensor provides an alternative to conventional methods to meet on-board diagnostics (OBD) requirements for particulate filters. Originally developed for diesel applications, particulate filters are now being implemented for gasoline vehicles to reduce soot emissions as well. They provide multiple sense functions in a single device to simplify and improve both the control and diagnostics of particulate filters.
Developed in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy and National Science Foundation, these RF Sensors present the ability to directly measure soot and ash levels, enabling more accurate control of aftertreatment system operations. Recent advancements have also enabled the detection of upstream engine system malfunctions to prevent filter failure.
This technology employs low-power radio frequencies (RF) to transmit and receive RF signals through a particulate filter. Soot and ash accumulation levels, as well as filter failures, are directly measured by the change in response of the RF signal. The sensor provides flexibility to engine and aftertreatment system designers when attempting to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations and fuel efficiency standards.
The paper by CTS on this technology will be be presented at the SAE World Congress (in conjunction with Oak Ridge National Laboratory). it is titled 'On-Board Particulate Filter Failure Prevention and Failure Diagnostics using Radio Frequency Sensing'. The publication includes laboratory evaluations with gasoline and diesel engines as well as real-world fleet data for DPF and GPF applications. CTS continues its collaborations with industry leaders to develop innovative technologies around the categories of Sense, Connect, and Move, enabling further advances in on-board emissions monitoring, fault diagnostics and improved controls.
