Texas Instruments Chooses AppliedSensor for Air Quality Control Product Development and Supply Deal

Global Manufacturing Leader and Sensor Firm Target Automotive Industry

ATTLEBORO, Mass., Oct. 15 -- Texas Instruments (TI) a leader in the automotive and HVAC/R pressure sensing market, has announced that it has finalized an important development and supply agreement with AppliedSensor, a global expert in advanced sensor technology based solutions. TI plans to develop an Air Classification Module (ACM) using AppliedSensor's unique gas sensor expertise, to activate controls of air intake in automobiles. TI's intent is to market the sensors system to the global automotive industry, with a projected availability by Model Year 2006.

Air Classification Module Provides High Sensitivity, Stability

The ACM (Air Classification Module) will be mounted in the air intake of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air conditioning) unit. The ACM provides an output signal classifying intake air quality and internal diagnostic validation. The technology is based on MEMS sensing elements to determine NOx, CO and volatile organic compounds (VOC's, associated with unpleasant odorous compounds like manure, compost, asphalt, etc.). In order to reduce the intake of undesired levels of unhealthy and unpleasant gases to an acceptable minimum, TI's Air Classification Module in MEMS design will provide high sensitivity, high stability and a response time significantly lower (several seconds) than driver or passenger recognition by using state-of-the- art sensitive materials/processes. The TI ACM features a microprocessor-based signal conditioning using smart algorithms and flexibility on output protocols.

With the Air Quality Sensor/Air Classification Module Texas Instruments plans to offer a product that is differentiated from currently available products.

Advantages of the Applied Sensor Technology

AppliedSensor's proprietary chemical sensor offerings have been chosen by Texas Instruments Sensors & Controls as the preferred product on the market today for the detection of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, NOx (nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide combination), and hydrocarbons as they enter a car cabin, from sources such as streets, tunnels, garages, and other vehicles. An additional feature is the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOC's), which enables the sensor to react to a broad scale of unpleasant odors.

AppliedSensor's Metal-Oxide (MOS) sensor technology offers in a unique manner the combination of proprietary metal oxide layers in concert with state of the art MEMS technology. The latter, combined with advanced signal processing, allows for the reliable detection of the above-mentioned toxic gases which triggers the blocking of external air intake and switching to recirculation. AppliedSensor's technologically advanced sensor component enables the chip to detect accurately and consistently incoming complex gases and odors at very low concentrations.

Strong Partnership For Future Growth

"By having strong contacts with all major decision making units of the global car makers as well as with the global air-conditioning system houses, TI plans to achieve a market leading position as a key business objective," states Geert Braaksma, Managing Director of Texas Instruments Holland B.V. "AppliedSensor stands out as a development partner as they share the same confidence as TI in the application of micro-machined substrates. Their product alignment with the Air Classification Module application, their technical expertise, as well as the access to extensive research facilities have been identified as an important factor. Their broad experience in other sensing element applications has been a major reason to involve AppliedSensor in the mutual development of the ACM."

"We are very pleased to be partnered with Texas Instruments, a name which is highly regarded in the field of automotive technology and innovation," commented Tom Aiken, head of AppliedSensor's U.S. operations. "As the market leader for pressure transducers in the automotive marketplace, TI offers AppliedSensor all the benefits of their leadership position. TI's market position is strong and their corporate vision is closely aligned with ours. This partnership fits perfectly with AppliedSensor's ability to bring sensor solutions to OEMs for their commercial applications."

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at www.ti.com.

About AppliedSensor

AppliedSensor is a leading provider of chemical sensor components and modules, targeting Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the development of sensor solutions for air quality, safety and control. These sensors have functionality in a broad range of industries and applications, from automotive, heat-ventilation-air-conditioning (HVAC), to environmental and air quality control. For more information, including references and diagrams, please visit www.appliedsensor.com, or contact Joan Polcari at 650.964.5344, or by e-mail at joan@salescoachservices.com

   Harry Nijenhuis                        Tom Aiken
   Texas Instruments                      AppliedSensor, Inc. (US)
   Phone:+31546879311                     Phone: 973.887.6900
   Fax:+31546870535                       Fax: 973.887.5900
   Email:h-nijenhuis@ti.com               Email: Tom.Aiken@appliedsensor.com