The use of sensor systems in harsh environments

Up to now, the field of usage for sensors has been limited to rather soft environments. Some markets and some industries are now demanding "sensor systems" out of the "comfortable areas" for technical or cost reduction reasons. Automotive, oil exploration, industrial processes, avionics and space are demanding new solutions. This paper tries to give an overview of the global problem. An oil-geothermal exploration case is used as a demonstrator. The harsh environment was mainly temperature, in the 200-225 /spl deg/C range, and mechanical shocks. People involvement and training are addressed as well as methodology.