Teledyne Analytical, a early pioneer in the development of galvanic oxygen sensors, manufactures a variety of sensors for different applications. The R-22 models are all characterized by the same physical dimensions and 3-pin Molex connector; the R-17 models are similar but with an 3.5 mm mini-jack connector. They output approximately 10 mV in ordinary air at one atmosphere (i.e. 0.21 ATA partial pressure of oxygen) and room temperature with an average lifespan of about 36 months. In elevated oxygen pressures the mV output is much higher and the lifespan is much shorter. The various models differ internally in order to support specific applications such as automotive (R-22A/R-17A), medical (R-22MED/R-17MED), and gas analyzers (R-22S/R-17S). Early versions of modern rebreather designs incorporating oxygen sensors used those models (because it was what was available), but the sensors are sensitive to the high levels of humidity found in rebreather loops. Teledyne later offered "D" versions for the diving market (R-22D/R-17D) that improved their resistance to moisture.

In the 2000's, Teledyne Analytical had to defend the sensors in several (frivolous?) lawsuits associated with rebreather fatalities. Although the sensors were never found to be at fault, Teledyne ceased manufacture of the diving grade models because the litigation costs to defend the sensors exceeded the value of the very small rebreather sensor market at the time. Several other competing manufacturers began to offer plug-compatible replacements for the now discontinued R-22D/R-17D models. Over time those other manufacturers have made significant improvements to the original design, although the physical and connector specifications have remained the same. They are often still generically referred to as "22D type compatible" or "17D type compatible" after the original Teledyne model number, although Teledyne has not resumed branded production of diving grade sensors.

The primary difference between the "S" type sensor and the "D" type sensor is the presence of a hydrophobic membrane on the face of the diving grade sensor. The membrane improves resistance to moisture, but slows the response of the sensor to changes in oxygen partial pressures by several seconds. In practice, for use in diving gas analyzer applications the slightly slower response time of diving grade sensors is little consequence with the benefit being the design is more resistant to moisture found on the face of tank valves. If the diver or fill station operator fails to wipe or blow away any moisture present on the valve outlet, that moisture can enter the stream of gas being analyzed and affect the accuracy of the analysis. Some prefer to use the D type sensors even in analyzers because of their resistance to moisture, others prefer the S type sensors for their slightly faster response time in analyzers - especially in frequent use applications. Both types will work in gas analyzers but the S type must never be used in rebreathers.