Germany – First Sensor Company Introduction
Company Overview
First Sensor AG is a leading German supplier of sensor system solutions. Its predecessor was the East German optoelectronics manufacturer "Werk für Fernsehelektronik," and the company was officially established in 1991, headquartered in Berlin. In 2020, the company was acquired by TE Connectivity, a global leader in connectivity technology, becoming a subsidiary. Today, it employs approximately 1,000 people and operates branches in 14 countries, including Germany, the United States, and China. The company focuses on the R&D and production of sensor technologies for the industrial, medical, and transportation sectors, offering full‑value‑chain services from chip design to complete systems. Its products are renowned for "Made in Germany" precision and reliability.
Core Products and Technological Advantages
Core Product Lines
Optoelectronic Sensors:
Avalanche Photodiodes (APD): For example, the Series 9, optimized for LiDAR applications, supporting 905 nm wavelength, offering high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and fast response time for autonomous driving and industrial distance measurement.
PIN Photodiodes: Covering UV to near‑IR spectra, suitable for optical communications and safety protection.
Pressure Sensors:
Industrial STARe series chips, supporting high‑precision pressure detection for medical applications such as ventilators and dialysis equipment.
LHD ULTRA series differential pressure sensors, integrating dual sensing elements and 24‑bit resolution, designed for high‑dynamic‑range measurements.
Flow and Level Sensors: Utilizing thermal mass flow and differential pressure measurement technologies, applied in industrial automation, environmental monitoring, and medical devices.
Technological Advantages:
Packaging Technology: Microelectronic packaging ensures high reliability and stability; cleanroom manufacturing complies with ISO 8 to 5 standards, supporting the full production chain from wafers to intelligent systems.
MEMS and STARe Technology: Based on micro‑electromechanical systems (MEMS) and piezoresistive sensor technology, achieving high sensitivity and low power consumption, suitable for complex industrial environments.
Customization Capability: Offering personalized solutions from chip design to system integration, meeting emerging market needs such as automotive LiDAR and smart agriculture.
Application Fields
Industrial: Automation control, energy management, aerospace (e.g., pressure detection and flow monitoring).
Medical: High‑precision sensors in ventilators, endoscopes, and dialysis equipment, certified to EN ISO 13485 medical standards.
Transportation: Core component supplier for automotive LiDAR and advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS), collaborating with ADI to develop compact LiDAR signal chains.
Environmental & IoT: Sensor solutions for water quality monitoring, smart agriculture, and other scenarios.
Development History and Milestones
1991: Founded, initially focusing on optoelectronics, with roots as an East German optoelectronics manufacturer.
2011: Acquired the Sensortechnics Group, expanding pressure sensor and fluid control technologies; sales increased from €65.1 million to €111.9 million.
2020: Acquired by TE Connectivity, integrating global resources to accelerate innovation and market expansion.
2025: Launched the LHD ULTRA series differential pressure sensors, reinforcing its technological leadership.
Corporate Vision and Market Strategy
Vision: Aiming to "shape the future of sensor technology," leveraging TE Connectivity's global network to drive the development of IoT, autonomous driving, and green technologies.
Global Presence: Through TE's network covering 140 countries, with local support in China provided by distributors such as Shanghai Centao Trading Co., Ltd.
R&D Investment: Millions of euros invested annually in innovative R&D, with key focus areas in 2025 including quantum communication and miniaturized sensor modules.
Summary
With its full‑industry‑chain integration capability (from wafers to intelligent systems), global footprint, and customization services, First Sensor has become a benchmark in sensor technology for industrial, medical, and transportation applications. Its products are distinguished by high precision and reliability, particularly holding a leading position in photodetection (APD) and pressure sensing.
First Sensor website:www.first-sensor.com
Shanghai Laser Opto Co.,Ltd supplies First-Sensor products. For more details, please contact us! info@laser-opto.com