Space & Aerospace
ESCC-qualified temperature sensors
Sensors that are used in space have to fulfill a number of special characteristics that qualify them for space missions. Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG offers ESCC (European Space Components Coordination) qualified thin-film Pt temperature sensors, applicable from -200 °C to +200 °C. The qualified sensor series completed four years of evaluation and qualification tests, before it got the certificate from the European Space Agency (ESA). The certified sensors are also suitable for other High Reliability (Hi-Rel) applications, such as aerospace.
HiRel temperature sensors
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IST AG is currently the only supplier providing ESCC qualified Pt temperature sensors. The RTD’s are available with different resistances ranging from Pt100 to Pt2000. They can be used in a temperature range from -200 °C to +200 °C and are classified as tolerance class B (IEC 60751 F0.3). The temperature sensors are available both as Engineering Model (EM) or as Flight Model (FM). We also offer adaptations of the sensors, e.g. extended wires (with an ESCC qualified wire). Compared to traditionally used wire-wound sensors, thin-film sensors show various advantages. Most importantly, they offer less vulnerable surface that can be damaged when the sensor is exposed to constant thermal cycles and occasional vibrations. The risk of failures is a lot bigger for wire-wound sensors than for thin-film sensors. The thin-film technique, where the platinum resistance structure is firmly connected to the ceramic surface of the sensor, makes the sensor very robust and suitable for applications with frequent temperature fluctuations and vibrations. |
Space missions with IST-sensorsRosetta, Euclid, JUICE, ExoMars, PLATO, FLEX or Solar Orbiter. Other launches with IST-sensors on board are already planned.
Putting the sensor through its paces
Putting the sensor through its paces
The completed tests show, that the sensors are suitable for space applications. They provide stable measuring results at 70,000
cycles from -200 ° C to +200 ° C, which proves that the sensors are resistant against thermal cycles. Also, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) experienced only irrelevant changes during the tests and the sensors proved to be very drift-stable.
Further advantages of the sensors are the small size (L x W x H: 2.2 x 2.0 x 1.1 mm), the light weight and the robustness due to the lack of moving parts.
Benefits of using ESCC qualified parts
- The ESCC system is internationally recognized, so use of QPL parts allows for simpler approval in space projects
- ESCC QPL/QL parts are preferred parts in ESA programs
- The parts have been evaluated for reliability for space applications
- Their technologies, design and manufacturing processes are well defined and controlled
- The manufacturer's supply chains have been audited by the ESCC Executive
Source: ESCC Executive Document ESCC/GRP/001
Product webinar: ESCC-qualified PT Temperature Sensors for space applications
