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Lambda sensors, also known as oxygen sensors or O2 sensors, are critical components in the exhaust system of vehicles with internal combustion engines. They measure the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust gases, and provide feedback to the engine management system to help maintain the ideal air/fuel ratio for optimal combustion efficiency.
There are two main types of lambda sensors: the zirconia (or narrowband) sensor and the titania (or wideband) sensor.
Zirconia/Narrowband Sensor: This is the most common type of lambda sensor. It consists of a ceramic element coated in a layer of platinum and surrounded by a metal casing. The ceramic element is heated to around 700 degrees Celsius by an electrical current, which allows it to produce a voltage signal when exposed to the exhaust gases. The sensor compares the oxygen content of the exhaust gases to that of the surrounding atmosphere, and generates a voltage signal that fluctuates rapidly between 0.1 and 0.9 volts as the air/fuel mixture changes from rich to lean. The engine management system uses this signal to adjust the fuel injection and ignition timing to maintain the optimal air/fuel ratio.
Titania/Wideband Sensor: This type of lambda sensor is more advanced than the zirconia sensor, and is capable of providing more accurate and precise feedback to the engine management system. It consists of a porous ceramic element coated with a thin layer of titania, which reacts with the exhaust gases to produce a voltage signal. The titania sensor operates at a much lower temperature than the zirconia sensor, which means it can be more easily integrated into the exhaust system. Unlike the zirconia sensor, which produces a voltage signal that rapidly switches between rich and lean, the titania sensor produces a continuous voltage signal that varies linearly with the oxygen content of the exhaust gases. This allows the engine management system to more precisely control the air/fuel ratio for optimal combustion efficiency.
Both types of lambda sensors are essential components in modern engine management systems, and play a critical role in ensuring optimal performance, fuel economy, and emissions control.
Refer the ppt below for more information.
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