Can you tell me more about how car sensors work?

When it comes to how car sensors work, virtually every sensor has its own unique working principle and way of working. Here is a brief description of how several common automotive sensors work:

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): A TPS typically uses a variable resistor or Hall effect sensor to monitor the throttle opening. The sensor generates a corresponding resistance value or voltage signal according to the position change of the throttle valve. This signal is passed to the ECU, and the ECU determines the position of the throttle valve by interpreting the signal.

Oxygen sensor (O2 Sensor): The oxygen sensor measures the oxygen content in the exhaust gas. It contains an oxygen sensing electrode and a reference electrode, and the reaction between the two is carried out through an oxygen ion conducting solid electrolyte. When the oxygen concentration changes, oxygen ions move in the electrolyte, causing changes in the potential difference. This changing potential difference is converted into an electrical signal for use by the ECU.

Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF Sensor): The MAF sensor uses a hot wire or hot film to measure the mass of air entering the engine. The hot wire or hot film in the sensor is cooled by the air flow, and the air flow is determined by measuring the degree of the cooling effect, which is then provided to the ECU.

Speed sensor (Crankshaft Position Sensor, CKP Sensor) and camshaft position sensor (Camshaft Position Sensor, CMP Sensor): These sensors usually use the Hall effect or the magnetoresistance effect to detect the engine speed and camshaft position. They sense special gears or marks on the engine and determine RPM and camshaft position by monitoring changes in the gears or marks.

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS): Vehicle speed sensors usually use magnetoresistance or Hall effect sensors to measure the rotational speed of the wheels. They detect gears or magnets on the wheels and determine vehicle speed by monitoring the rotation of the gears or magnets.

These are just a few examples of how common sensors work. Different types of sensors may use different principles and technologies to achieve measurement and detection. Generally speaking, the working principle of automobile sensors is based on physical effects or electronic effects, converting measured physical quantities (such as position, speed, temperature, etc.) into electrical signals for use by the vehicle's ECU or other systems to achieve vehicle performance, Control and safety monitoring and adjustment.