Exploring the cutting-edge modern car sensors

Car sensor, types, and functions

No one can deny that Car sensors play a significant role in ensuring modern cars' safety, efficiency, performance, and comfort during the rapidly progressing technology starting from the tracking and monitoring of the performance of car engines to the luxury system including the collision warning and parking process.

In previous articles, we explained the meaning of sensors generally and discussed their roles in the control system. In this article, we will explore modern car sensors' definitions, functions, advantages, and utilization. Let us dive in and take a closer look at how modern cars work safely and efficiently.

Car sensors

What are the car sensors and what are their functions?

Car sensors are electronic devices that measure modern car parameters to monitor and evaluate its operation, efficiency, and safety performance that used for monitoring and measuring various parameters related to the vehicle's performance, safety, and efficiency. They also collect data for the car’s computer system to perform the needed adjustments for best performance.

What are the types of sensors used for modern cars?

There are four types or groups of sensors used for modern cars which are:

1. Engine sensors. Which is a group of sensors that monitors and measures the engine parameters like temperature and oil pressure and sends it to the car computer unit which controls and monitors the engine conditions and performance.
2. Safety sensors. Which is a group of sensors used to ensure the safety of men, women, and children inside the cars as well as the car’s safety.
3. Environment sensors. This is a group of sensors used for measuring gasses that come from the car to avoid environmental damage, especially for CO2.
4. Luxury sensors. Which is a group of sensors that enable the car’s driver and passenger to feel more comfortable and enhance the car's ability in various conditions.

Engine sensors

• Engine Speed Sensor. used for measuring the rotation speed of the engine's RPM.

• Mass Airflow Sensor. Measures the engine entering air for the calculation of the air-to-fuel mix ratio.

• Crankshaft Position Sensor. It senses the speed and position of the engine crankshaft for monitoring and adjusting the engine timing.

• knock sensor. It detects and senses abnormal combustion when the air-to-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber is not adjusted if not addressed promptly.

• Engine Temperature sensor. Used to measure the inside engine temperature.

• Throttle Position Sensor. Used to monitor the throttle’s position to control the amount of fuel entering the engine and track the engine's performance.

• Camshaft Position Sensor. This sensor detects the camshaft position for engine performance optimization.

• Engine Coolant Sensor. It Monitor the engine’s cooling system performance and operation.

• Oxygen Sensor. It is used to measure the oxygen content in the exhaust gases for adjusting the air-to-fuel ratio for best combustion.

Safety Sensors

• Parking Sensors: these sensors use ultrasonic or radar sensors to sense and detect any obstacles around the car during parking.

• Airbag Sensor: this sensor senses and detects sudden collisions to deploy airbags.

• Front collision Sensor. It uses radar sensors to detect and keep a safe distance from the car ahead. It adjusts the car’s speed automatically to reduce the risk of collisions.

• Blind Spot sensor. It detects car drivers' blind spots and warns by visual or audible alerts to avoid possible collisions when trying to change lanes.

• Lane sensor. This sensor uses a camera sensor to follow the road lane markings and warn the driver of any lane drifting which helps in accident prevention.

• Tire Pressure Sensor. It monitors tire pressure and announces to the driver when the pressure in the tire is low. That helps prevent tire damage and increases car safety.

Environmental Sensors

• Air Quality Sensor. This sensor analyses the exhaust gas contents to enable the ECU to optimize and modify the car engine parameter to decrease the hazardous gasses in the exhaust and minimize the emission of environmental pollutants. in air. It also measures the interior cabin air quality to activate air filters if needed.

• Ambient Temperature Sensor: It measures the temperature outside the car and submits the data to the cabin temperature controller to adjust the cabinet heating or cooling settings.

• Humidity Sensor, this sensor is included in the cars to prevent the build-up fogging on windows due to the different moisture levels between the car's inside and outside air.

• Rain Sensor. It senses the moisture on the windshield to operate the windshield wipers automatically at an appropriate speed related to the rainfall intensity which improves the driver’s vision.

Luxury Sensors

• Biometric Sensors. This sensor detects the facial, voice, and fingerprint to authenticate the driver enable him to start the car, and personalize the car setting it is also used to increase the level of car security and prevent others from using the car if stolen.

• Massage Seat Sensors. These sensors are used with car seat functions like kneading, rolling, and tapping to increase the comfort level of the passengers.

• Ambient Lighting Sensors: This sensor adjusts the intensity. Color. And distribution of the interior lighting based on predefined settings and operation modes like time of day.

• Soft-Close Door Sensor. This sensor detects the position of the doors in case of not completely closed and pushes them more smoothly to confirm the fully closed position for more security and inside cabin condition.

• Active Noise Cancellation Sensor. This sensor detects the surrounding noise inside the cabin and adapts the sound system to deal with these noises by emitting sound waves that eliminate these noises and make the cabin quieter and silent.

• Smart Air Suspension Sensor. It detects and measures the car's height and controls the damping characteristics according to the road conditions, driving dynamics, and driver preferences to enable a smooth and comfortable ride.

summary

Throughout this article, we discussed the various types of car sensors. Each group of sensors serves a specific function to optimize car performance, safety, and comfort. Engine sensors detect, measure, and monitor engine parameters and optimize combustion efficiency. 

Safety sensors provide more advanced driver help features to prevent accidents and optimize road safety. Environmental sensors measure the surrounding environment conditions and enable more comfort to the driver and passengers. luxury sensors found in high-end cars offering more features for a luxurious. These sensors work together to create a seamless and technologically advanced driving experience in modern cars.