FS7 Series by IST AG – Thermal Mass Flow Sensors for various gas flow applications

The Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG thin film mass flow sensors were developed to offer solutions for a wide variety of flow applications with considerable advantages. Thermal mass flow modules and measuring systems are well-known devices that are offered in a wide range of applications by a handful of suppliers in the marketplace. Most of these designs are compact, ready to use systems with a channel and a passive or active output. These modules are sufficient for many general-purpose applications where component price and size are less significant, but they are not well-suited for price-sensitive and space limited flow control solutions.

The FS7 flow sensors are based on a function of the flow speed and utilize heat transfer principles to determine the flow velocity. As flow passes across the sensor, heat is carried from the sensor to the medium. As flow increases, so does the amount of heat that is transferred. By knowing the heat transfer, the flow rate can be determined from the amount of voltage compensation needed to maintain a constant temperature differential.

The FS7 flow sensor manufactured by IST AG has a symmetric heater design and improved sensitivity. The sensors can be applied in various gases and liquids. They have a wide operating temperature range and flow measuring rate. Flow channels guarantee the best possible adaptation of our sensors to the requirements of your application, whether in terms of dynamic range, response time or ambient conditions. The FS7 flow sensors are optimal for limited space system integration and can be upgraded into finish developed systems simply. Furthermore, customer specific designs of the chip and housing/channels are possible as well as implementation in customer defined and supplied housings.

Some of the main benefits of the FS7 sensors are the simple signal processing and the possibility to work well as a highly sensitive flow switch, bubble detector in liquids or thermal liquid level sensor. Those benefits, together with the simplified construction with no moving parts and the stable platinum technology, contribute to improve the sensor characteristics and provide excellent long-term stability, enhanced sensitivity and fast response time.

The FS7 series offer two standard versions of FS7 thermal mass flow sensor – the FS7.0 without housing and the FS7.A with housing for an easy mounting in a channel. Both products have an operating measuring range from 0 m/s to 100 m/s and can operate in temperature ranges from -20 °C to +150 °C. For ambient temperatures up to+400 °C IST developed recently a new FS7.4W gas flow sensor with Symmetrical heater design and heightened sensitivity.

A flow demo board for easy evaluation of all the sensors of FS7 series is also available and can be used as a Plug & Play tool to deliver a fast measurement result without any additional adjustments.