Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG
About us
With 35 years of experience, Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG (iST) is a globally leading manufacturers of high-precision physical, chemical and biological sensors. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Ebnat-Kappel, Switzerland, iST employs around 450 experts worldwide.
iST develops and manufactures temperature sensors, thermal mass flow sensors, humidity sensors and modules, conductivity sensors and biosensors for demanding industrial applications. Alongside a comprehensive portfolio of standard products, iST offers customized sensor solutions, from sensor adaptation to the co-development of application-specific technologies in close collaboration with customers.
iST presents sensor solutions that enable precise measurement, reliable process control, and efficient automation across a wide range of industries, including:
- Industrial automation
- Measuring and testing technology
- Medical technology
- Household appliances
- HVAC
- Aerospace
Products
Temperature sensors
iST offers temperature sensors based on platinum, nickel and TSic technologies. Depending on the application and operating requirements, our sensors are manufactured using different sensing technologies to ensure optimal performance. A key focus is the production of high-quality thin-film temperature sensors, which are distinguished by their fast response time, high accuracy, long-term stability, excellent reproducibility, and high interchangeability.
Humidity sensors & modules
iST offers a broad range of humidity sensors and modules for reliable environmental measurement in automation applications. The portfolio includes fully calibrated humidity and temperature modules as well as capacitive humidity sensors. Our solutions stand for high chemical resistance, stable performance at high humidity levels, integrated temperature measurement, mechanical robustness, and extremely low drift, enabling precise, long-term reliable automation and process control.
Flow sensors
iST’s thermal mass flow sensors are designed for flow measurement in both liquids and gases. The sensors enable accurate flow rate measurement and reliable flow direction detection. To meet specific application requirements, iST offers customizable sensor solutions, allowing adaptations in dynamic range, response time, flow direction detection, and resistance to ambient conditions.
Conductivity sensors
Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG develops and manufactures conductivity sensors for the precise measurement of electrolytic conductivity in liquids. The sensors are ideally suited for industrial and environmental applications and are designed for reliable operation under demanding conditions. iST conductivity sensors provide fast response times, high measurement accuracy, and excellent long-term stability. An integrated RTD ensures accurate temperature compensation, while the robust sensor design offers high resistance to a wide range of chemicals, enabling use in diverse media and process environments. Thanks to their compact design and flexible integration options, iST conductivity sensors can be adapted to specific application requirements, including measurement range and environmental conditions. Typical applications include industrial process monitoring, water and liquid quality measurement, analytical instruments, and conductivity measurement in chemically demanding environments.
Micro-Heaters
iST develops and manufactures Micro-Heaters that deliver the required heat energy quickly, reliably, and efficiently. Designed for demanding applications, they operate across a wide temperature range from –50 °C to +800 °C. Thanks to their compact footprint and excellent thermal properties, iST micro heaters enable precise heating of solids, liquids, and gases. Typical applications include medical devices, humidifiers, automotive side mirror de-icing and defogging, and automotive Head-Up Displays (HUDs). Benefits and Characteristics: - Fast heat-up times within seconds for rapid system response - Precise and localized heating enabled by compact design and excellent thermal properties - Wide operating temperature range from –50 °C up to +800 °C - High temperature and long-term stability for reliable operation - Customizable heating track designs for controlled and application-specific heat distribution - Compact footprint for easy integration into automation systems - Reliable performance in demanding industrial and automotive environments
Force sensors
Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG complements its sensor portfolio with force sensor solutions developed and manufactured by Senstech AG. With the integration of Senstech into the iST Group, we strengthen our strategic focus on force and load measurement technologies. iST Senstech specializes in thin-film–based force sensors and load cells for the measurement of static and dynamic forces. The sensors are designed for high measurement accuracy, good long-term stability, and robust mechanical performance, ensuring reliable operation in demanding industrial environments. Thanks to their compact design and flexible integration options, the force sensors can be adapted to application-specific requirements, including measuring range, mechanical interfaces, and environmental conditions.
Biosensors
Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG complements its sensor portfolio with biosensor solutions developed and manufactured by Jobst Technologies GmbH. With the integration of Jobst Technologies into the iST Group, we strengthen our strategic focus on biosensing and microfluidic-based sensor technologies. The biosensors enable the analysis of complex biological media and are used for the measurement of glucose, lactate, glutamine, and glutamate in aqueous solutions. They are designed for high analytical performance and reliable operation in demanding environments. iST Biosensors offer fast response times, excellent long-term stability, and long shelf life. In addition, they are compatible with gamma and beta sterilization, making them suitable for applications with high hygiene and reliability requirements.
Thermal infrared emitters
Since February 2022, Innovative Sensor Technology IST AG has expanded its product portfolio to include thermal IR radiation sources for infrared (IR) analysis and near-infrared (NIR) applications. The high-performance infrared emitters are developed and manufactured by Infrasolid GmbH, a subsidiary of IST AG. This close relationship allows iST to complement its sensor expertise with reliable and application-specific IR emitter solutions. The IR emitters are designed for use in NDIR gas analysis and IR spectroscopy and are applied in a wide range of fields, including: - Environmental protection - Exhaust gas measurement - Explosion and fire protection - Building services engineering - Medical technology
News
Maximum control over machines – with iST's moisture-in-oil sensor
Oil is much more than just a lubricant – it is the lifeblood of modern industrial plants. It cools, lubricates, insulates, and transmits power. But how healthy is this “blood” really?
Screw-in humidity sensor for dew point monitoring
Many industrial gas-supply systems rely on precise low humidity control to prevent water contamination. Water levels are maintained below a setpoint to avoid condensation, which in turn could lead to biofilm, corrosion, or material damage.