Patent ID: 7609068
Filing Date: 2009-10-27
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A particulate sensor system, comprising: a particulate sensor having (i) a substrate; (ii) first and second sensing electrodes disposed on said substrate and arranged with respect to each other to detect deposited particulates; and (iii) a heater electrode configured to heat said substrate so as to remove any deposited particulates, said heater electrode being electrically isolated from first and second sensing electrodes; a heater driver configured to selectively energize said heater electrode, said heater driver being further configured to produce a stimulus signal on said heating electrode; a particulate measurement circuit coupled to said first and second sensing electrodes by way of respective first and second leads; and a detector configured to detect said stimulus signal on said first and second leads and generate a diagnostic signal indicative of verified electrical conductivity over said leads to said sensing electrodes.