Yageo Nexensos presents platinum thin-film sensor for silicon carbide applications

Yageo Nexensos presents an advanced platinum thin-film temperature sensor designed specifically for high-performance applications in electric mobility and industrial electronics. A new combination of sensor structure, sintered layer, and contacting is intended to enable even more precise and faster measurement under extreme conditions.

Miniaturization meets versatility

At the heart of the portfolio are platinum thin-film sensors in various sizes. The smallest model measures just 0.5 by 0.3 millimeters. The sensors are used in e-mobility applications, exhaust gas sensor technology, household appliances, and medical vaporizers, among other things. They are also used in industrial plants such as BASF, for example for temperature monitoring in pipelines.

The sensors are initially manufactured as so-called “elements” – these are pure chips that are later integrated into housings, immersion tubes, or directly onto circuit boards, depending on the application. Customers either install these chips themselves or use partially integrated probes that Yageo Nexensos offers pre-assembled.

New development for power electronics

The sensor currently being presented was designed specifically for silicon carbide power electronics. Its special feature is the combination of a thin platinum layer, a sintered layer on the back, and contact pads on the front. This allows the sensor to be placed particularly close to so-called power dice, enabling faster and more precise temperature measurement, even at temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius.

These properties are crucial for applications with high power densities. In e-mobility, for example, the sensor supports longer ranges, more dynamic driving modes, and ultra-fast charging. The innovation has been nominated for the AMA Innovation Award.

Series production at two locations

Manufacturing takes place at two locations: The thin-film structures are produced under clean room conditions at the Kleinostheim plant near Aschaffenburg. A second location in Malaysia handles complex manual assembly processes. Yageo Nexensos sensors are used millions of times over – many of them in vehicles, where they must operate reliably for years.

Ready for integration

Depending on customer requirements, the company supplies pure chips or pre-assembled temperature probes with housings and connectors. Additional electronics with software are required for readout – this part is usually provided by the customer. Yageo Nexensos focuses on what the company has perfected: robust, precise, and miniaturized temperature sensors for demanding applications.