Patent ID: 6517702
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A sensor for analyzing a stream of components in an exhaust gas, comprising:a first limit current pump having a first limit current, the first limit current pump reducing reducible gases; a first diffusion resistor positioned within an orifice which permits the stream of exhaust gas to enter the first limit current pump; a second limit current pump having a second limit current, the second limit current pump oxidizing oxidizable gases, wherein a second diffusion resistor is positioned in an orifice which permits the stream of exhaust gas to enter the second limit current pump; a first electrode associated with the first limit current pump, wherein the first electrode includes an electrode material that does not catalyze a reaction between the oxidizable gases and the reducible gases; a second electrode associated with the second limit current pump; a substrate on which are mounted the first limit current pump and the second limit current pump, wherein the first limit current pump and the second limit current pump share a common electrode that is exposed to the exhaust gas; and a circuit arrangement coupled to the first limit current pump through a first conductor path to the first electrode and to the second limit current pump through a second conduction path to the second electrode, wherein the circuit arrangement applies a first voltage across the first limit current pump via the first conduction path and applies a second voltage across the second limit current pump via the second conduction path, and farther wherein the circuit arrangement measures the first limit current passing across the common electrode and through the first conduction path and measures the second limit current passing across the common electrode and through the second conduction path.