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One of the major benefits of having a linear response that passes through the origin is that sensor
calibration (gain) can occur at one point anywhere on the slope. By measuring tp, two-point
calibration is required not only to set the gain but also to remove the zero offset.
It should also be noted that the response of both tp and td are represented by a dotted line as they
approach zero O2 pressure (ppO2). This is because the sensor by definition requires at least some
ambient ppO2 in order to operate. If the ppO2 is zero, the sensor, due to the applied constant current
source, will try to pump the O2 within the ZrO2. This will, in time, damage the ZrO2 and degrade
sensor performance. It is therefore imperative that the sensor is not used for prolonged periods in
very low oxygen environments (less than 1 mbar ppO2), especially in reducing atmospheres (an
atmosphere in which there is little free oxygen and oxygen is consumed).
NOTE: Calculating tp is only recommended for very basic applications where high accuracy is not
necessarily required; for this reason, SST recommend calculating td as per the following sections.
Sensitivity/Slope
Sensitivity or Slope is defined as the Cycle Time (td) in milliseconds divided by the ppO2 in mbar of
the known calibration atmosphere.
When calculating td (only one calibration point), sensitivity is defined as:
(9)
Sensitivity/Slope for a nominal sensor, when calculating td, is typically 1.05ms/mbar. Though due to
many factors that may influence the sensitivity (chamber volume, ZrO2 thickness, etc.), there is a
production tolerance of ±15%. This makes calibration a necessity to ensure good sensor to sensor
repeatability.
4.1 Recommended Values for Use in Normal Atmospheric Pressures
When using the sensor to measure ppO2 of approx. 1 – 1000mbar (0.1 – 100% of typical barometric
pressure), the following values are recommended:
td (TC = 0 mode)
Constant Current Source: i = 40μA
Pump Reversal Voltages: V1 = 40mV and V5 = 90mV
Sense Voltages: V2 = 45mV, V3 = 64mV and V4 = 85mV
When using the sensor in higher O2 pressures alternate values can be recommended on request.
NOTE: Due to the many benefits of operating the sensor in TC = 0 mode (calculating td), this is the
recommended mode of operation.
Typical Measurement Procedure
1. Oxygen sensor heats up until the correct operating temperature is reached, minimum 60s
from cold.
2. In order to begin the electrochemical pumping the cell is first evacuated by applying the
constant current source between PUMP and COMMON.
3. The Nernst Voltage across SENSE and COMMON increases until V
5
is reached.