Behind the Circuits: Jeffrey Knossalla - Head of Product Development Sensors

After training as an electrician, Jeffrey pursued a degree in electrical engineering with a focus on power engineering. He initially worked in high-voltage technology before transitioning to electronics development. Moving from megavolts to millivolts was not a career shift but a logical progression - both fields require expertise in circuit boards, signal evaluation, and precision measurement challenges.

As head of department, Jeffrey Knossalla is responsible for designing new sensor concepts and enhancing existing systems. His interdisciplinary team consists of experts in hardware, firmware, mathematical modeling, and mechanical design. He oversees development processes systematically, promotes the use of modern software tools, and continuously improves workflows. For Jeffrey Knossalla, technological progress is not just about product innovation - it’s also about refining the way his team operates.

Jeffrey Knossalla’s team is currently working on multiple gas sensor projects. One key focus is CO₂ sensors for incubators, where digital emitter control increases precision, and optimized components reduce production costs. Another area of development is an NDIR gas sensor with a folded optical path for detecting toxic and explosive gases. This compact design enhances measurement accuracy while maintaining a small footprint.

The team is also advancing inertial sensor technology. A newly developed, highly compact acceleration sensor meets stringent requirements for durability and long-term stability - essential for extreme environmental applications. Jeffrey sees technical progress as a continuous process, where every detail matters. Existing systems must be regularly reviewed and improved to remain competitive in the long run.

The development team collaborates closely with sales and product management to integrate customer requirements early in the process. In addition to standard solutions, they design specialized sensors for gas detection and gas analysis, customized to fit unique applications. One example is the optimization of an existing CO₂ sensor through enhanced circuit board design, advanced electronic components, and refined digital control algorithms to maximize performance while reducing costs.

A major advantage for customers: Micro-Hybrid is an all-in-one supplier in NDIR technology. From the design and manufacturing of emitters and detector chips to complete system solutions, all components come from a single source. This ensures consistent quality, optimal component compatibility, and long-term supply security.

At Micro-Hybrid, sensor development is closely linked with other departments. In particular, strong coordination with production is essential to ensure that sensors are not only technically perfected but also efficiently manufactured at scale. Additionally, global market trends play a key role - gas measurement technology is experiencing rapid growth, especially in Asia, influencing the strategic expansion of the product portfolio.

Continuous internal development is equally important. Jeffrey fosters a dynamic work environment, encouraging his team to experiment with new tools and methodologies while continuously expanding their knowledge. Cross-team collaboration is essential for increasing efficiency and accelerating innovation.

A significant trend is the growing intelligence of sensors. Modern sensor technologies not only collect data but also monitor their own functionality, detecting potential failures before they occur. This self-monitoring capability enhances sensor reliability and extends operational lifespan - an innovation that Jeffrey’s team is actively advancing.

At the same time, Micro-Hybrid’s commitment to being an all-in-one supplier remains a key strategic advantage. The seamless integration of design, manufacturing, and system development creates synergies that optimize both development time and production costs.