NTK launches camshaft and crankshaft sensors

World-leading ignition and sensor manufacturer NGK chose Automechanika Frankfurt for the European launch of its new premium NTK camshaft and crankshaft sensors.

The new sensors – which will be launched in the UK in 2019 – confirms the  company’s NTK vehicle electronics brand as the complete, one-stop shop for replacement sensors.

Opening up further original equipment (OE) replacement opportunities for aftermarket customers, the new European programme comprises 567 part numbers covering 88 percent of the car parc, equivalent to 270 million cars. UK-specific part numbers and vehicle parc coverage will be confirmed over the coming months.

The new launch follows NGK’s introduction of its mass air flow (MAF) and manifold absolute pressure (MAP) ranges at Automechanika 2016 and adds to the company’s oxygen sensors, exhaust gas temperature sensors and NOx sensors portfolio.

Camshaft and crankshaft sensors provide the engine control unit (ECU) with the most essential information needed to run the engine by sending it signals about the rotational speed and relative positions of the crankshaft and camshaft.

Connected to the pistons and the gearbox, the crankshaft converts the linear, vertical movements of the pistons into rotary motion that powers the engine and makes the vehicle move. The crankshaft sensor keeps track of this rotational speed.

The purpose of the camshaft is to open and close the valves. It is connected to, and driven by, the crankshaft and rotates at half of the crankshaft’s speed. The camshaft sensor continually measures the location of the camshaft to ensure appropriate synchronisation.

Both these sensor signals are used by the ECU to determine which cylinder is currently in its power stroke. From this the ECU determines precisely when to inject fuel and when to apply voltage to the ignition coil for perfectly timed spark plug operation and smooth engine control. The importance of sensors to vehicle operation therefore makes selecting a quality supplier even more important.

In another initiative announced in Frankfurt, NGK has enhanced its website. It’s said visitors to ngkntk.com across Europe, the Middle East and Africa can now enjoy an even more inspirational, integrated online experience from any device or location.

The site echoes the Automechanika fair theme ‘brands of choice‘ and offers visitors a simpler structure, clear visuals, multi-platform formatting, easy-access product data and a host of opportunities to watch, read and share engaging lifestyle content.