Bosch ceramic technology affords best-in-class performance.
The ceramic element is the most critical part of any oxygen sensor. As the inventor of the automotive oxygen sensor, Bosch leads the industry in the development and manufacturing of oxygen sensor ceramics. Bosch patented materials and processes are your assurance of unparalleled oxygen sensor quality and performance.
Bosch planar ceramic technology
The ceramic element in Bosch planar type oxygen sensors is created by printing multiple layers of protective, insulating, adhesive, and conductive materials, including platinum, on several ceramic layers. These layers are pressed together and fired in a kiln and the resulting element is lightweight and incredibly hard and strong, for best-in-class performance and maximum service life.
| Layer |
Function |
| Heater layer |
Ceramic sheet printed with electrical contacts and the heater pattern itself |
| Air duct layer |
Creates a void for reference air in the finished assembly |
| Sensor Layer |
Ceramic sheet with printed layers for the inner (reference air) and outer (exhaust gas) electrodes, as well as electrical contacts and a porous protective layer over the outer electrode to protect it from the corrosive effects of exhaust gases |
Bosch thimble ceramic technology
In Bosch Premium Thimble Type Oxygen Sensors, the zirconium ceramic thimble projects into the exhaust system. The oxygen sensor's ceramic element becomes electrically conductive at high temperature. Then the O2 sensor element sends voltage signals back to your vehicle's engine management system to regulate the fuel to air ratio, for optimum efficiency.
| Layer |
Function |
| Base ceramic probe of Zirconium and Yttrium |
Forms a tough base that resists cracking from mechanical and thermal shock |
| Patented Platinum Power Grid |
For optimized sensing, delivering best-in-class performance and maximum service life |
| Fine particle filter |
Prevents contamination of the electrode for longer service life |
| Coarse particle filter |
Protects against exhaust gas and other chemical contamination, increasing sensor performance life |
