ABSTRACT
An electric-potential (EP) sensor detects changes in an electric field. The authors have applied this principle to produce a low-cost turbocharger speed sensor which generates a signal with a high signal to noise ratio across the elevated speed ranges found in automotive applications. A range of packaging and signal processing approaches have been investigated for application in the hostile automotive environment. The sensor has also been tested with a damaged compressor wheel to simulate a turbocharger failure. The paper concludes with details of how the sensor can improve engine control and diagnostic algorithms.
