We make custom sizes and shapes of sensors based upon Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) powder. This is a ceramic in which the crystal structure of zirconium dioxide is made stable by an addition of yttrium oxide. When powders suspended in slurry are formed and dried (in a green state) at modest temperatures, then sintered above 1500°C, and slowly cooled, this material forms a hard tetragonal structure and becomes an electro-ceramic. Subsequent excursions in temperature above about 350°C cause the material to transition from an excellent insulator to a semiconductor. These semiconductors are useful in measuring parts per million impurity concentrations in combustion exhaust gases, and in other gaseous mixtures.
We design custom surface mount printed circuit boards to provide power to the YSZ sensor material and sense changes in electronic properties of the material, which are proportional to impurity concentrations. The printed circuit boards include a microprocessor to convert the sensor electronic signal to engineering units which can be transmitted via a variety of serial digital modalities, suitable for automotive, marine, industrial and medical markets.
We have an ISO9000 modeled quality assurance system. We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring quality products and excellent services, to satisfy our customers.
We are located near the beautiful Cuyahoga valley in Cleveland, OH. It is our hope that in the future this midwest location could become known as a micro-technology leader.
Essential Research, Inc. was founded in 1998 as a NASA Glenn spinoff company. ER Microsensor was founded in 2006 as an Essential Research, Inc. spinoff to manufacture and sell technology developed by Essential Research. ER Microsensor is the exclusive manufacturing, sales and distribution agent for MicroSense™ and MicroAct™ brands of micro-electrical sensors and MEMS devices.
Our facilities include a large class 10,000 clean room, manufacturing, office, and warehouse spaces. Production tools include a full complement of micro-fabrication and test equipment and a complete electronics testing area.
Our qualified staff includes highly skilled engineers and expert scientists, who are dedicated to reliably producing micro-electrical products to your most demanding technical requirements.
Mr. C. William King is the CEO and President of Essential Research. Mr. King received his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University in 1971 and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976. He has over twenty-five years progressively responsible management experience in electronics companies, including operations, product development, marketing and general management functional areas. His experience also includes managing electronics design and development, and new product introductions, bringing over 50 new products to market in the last 20 years with a cumulative value of over $250 million. Mr. King is the author of over 30 publications.
Our board of directors and "guests of the board" include experts in accounting, banking, law, marketing, and nanotechnology.