IP68-rated sealed RTD sensor suitable for use in e-motors

E-motors within EVs, HEVs and other commercial vehicles are being run at increasingly high temperatures, and therefore engineers require sensors that provide a fast response to overheating preventing potentially catastrophic events. Heraeus has introduced a new high temperature RTD sensing element which is ideal for e-motor applications, which will provide reliable and accurate measurement over long operating lifetimes.

Available from ATC Semitec, and with a temperature range of -50°C to +200°C (with a short-term rating of up to 250°C for 50 hours), the device is said to be ideal for such harsh automotive environments. To that end Heraeus is currently applying the EC3032 for AEC-Q200 component approval. In addition, the new Heraeus EC3032 Pt1000 sensor is IP68-rated.

The sensor consists of a Pt1000B element terminated onto 24AWG PTFE wire and then sealed in a tough high-temperature shrink tube that is back-filled. This creates an IP68 rated sensor that has a dielectric strength of 6kV. Their robust encapsulation provides a stable signal over time. The standard EC3032 sensor has 410mm long lead-wires but other lengths are available for high-volume applications.

In addition to the EC3032, its sister sensor the slimmer ‘E-Mod’ sensor is a flattened version of the same temperature sensor which makes it particularly suitable for monitoring hairpin stator windings. The E-Mod’s flatter profile provides good thermal contact enabling it to pick up stator winding temperatures significantly quicker than conventional sensor designs.

As well as e-motor applications, the sensor can be used in rapid charging plugs, industrial motors, automation equipment and high temperature heating elements.