In process measurement technology—from chemical and pharmaceutical plants to semiconductor manufacturing—continuous, high-precision measurements of pressure, temperature, and other process parameters are required. Piezo-junction sensors measure multiple parameters simultaneously, thereby reducing system complexity, lowering maintenance costs, and increasing reliability. In power plants—particularly in gas and steam turbines as well as in energy storage systems—they enable the simultaneous measurement of pressure and temperature under extreme conditions, thereby contributing to increased efficiency and safety.
In the oil and gas industry, these sensors are ideal for monitoring production lines, pumps, pressure vessels, and drill heads, as they simultaneously measure pressure, temperature, and vibration, enabling comprehensive condition monitoring. In the aerospace sector, they offer lightweight, robust measurement solutions for wings, engines, space propulsion systems, and inertial navigation systems that operate in extreme environments and provide high measurement resolution.
The completed PJS research project focused on investigating the piezo-junction effect. Piezo-junction sensors are based on pn junctions or more complex bipolar lateral and vertical silicon structures. They are characterized by high sensitivity to pressure, mechanical deformation, and temperature, while simultaneously enabling the precise measurement of multiple parameters with a single device. Using the modular sensor development tool, developers can quickly create prototypes for customized measurement solutions that are robust, compact, and versatile.
The research and development sector benefits from the platform’s flexibility, which enables the creation of prototypes for new measurement methods in fluid mechanics, materials research, and digital twins.
Other niche markets include the automotive industry (engine and vehicle sensors), the construction industry (structural monitoring of bridges and high-rise buildings), and the mining industry (stress and pressure measurements in boreholes and conveyor systems).
Through collaborations with measurement technology manufacturers, the project results can be applied in customer-specific development projects.
The research and development work described here was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) as part of the research project “Piezo-Junction-Effect-Based On-Chip Multi-Sensors” (PJS).
Funding code: 49MF220217
