A method for detecting particles of a measurement gas in a measurement gas chamber, and a sensor device for detecting particles of a measurement gas in a measurement gas chamber

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for detecting particles of a measurement gas in a measurement gas chamber using at least one sensor element 110. The sensor element 110 comprises at least one electrode structure 112, which electrode structure 112 comprises at least two electrode devices 114. The method comprises the following steps: a) actuating the sensor element 110 in at least one measurement mode, i. Applying at least one measurement voltage to the electrode structure 112, ii. The electrode structure 112 detects at least one measurement signal, in particular a measurement signal that quantifies the measurement current flowing between the electrode devices 114, the measurement signal being able to be affected by the particles. Operating the sensor element 110 in at least one measurement mode; And b) operating the sensor element 110 in at least one diagnostic mode, i. At least one diagnostic voltage is applied to the electrode structure 112, and the diagnostic voltage is less than the measured voltage, ii. The electrode structure 112 detects at least one diagnostic signal, in particular, a diagnostic signal that quantifies the diagnostic current flowing between the electrode devices 114, and iii. Sensor element (110) in the at least one diagnostic mode, comprising evaluating the diagnostic signal by comparing the diagnostic signal to at least two diagnostic thresholds and generating at least one information regarding a fault condition of the sensor element (110). To operate.