Pressure Sensors

Pressure sensors include all sensors, transducers and elements that produce an electrical signal proportional to pressure or changes in pressure. Pressure sensors are devices that read changes in pressure, and relay this data to recorders or switches. They are commonly used in safety devices such as safety mats, edges and bumpers to actuate shut-off switches. Other pressure devices include transducers, transmitters, elements, indicators, gauges (bellows, bourdon tubes, capsule elements and diaphragm elements) and controllers.

There are five main pressure sensor types: absolute, gauge, vacuum, differential and sealed.  Each of these sensors measures different pressure variables.  The first of these sensor types are absolute sensors.  These devices test for absolute pressure, which is a measurement of pressure, relative to a perfect vacuum.  Gauge sensors are the most common type of pressure sensors.  They can be calibrated to measure pressure with respect to atmospheric pressure at a given location.  Vacuum sensors are used in situations where the pressure level that is being tested for, is lower than the localized atmospheric pressure.  Differential pressure is measured by reading the difference between the input of two or more pressure levels.  Finally, sealed gauged sensors measure pressure relative to one atmosphere at sea level (14.7 PSI) regardless of local atmospheric pressure.

There are numerous technologies by which pressure transducers and sensors function.  Some of the most widely used technologies include piston technology, mechanical deflection, strain gauge, semiconductor piezoresistive, piezoelectric (including dynamic and quasistatic measurement), microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), vibrating elements (silicon resonance, for example), and variable capacitance.

Other variations within pressure sensors include their manners of receiving and displaying data.  Many of these sensors are geared to provide out in analog form, either current, voltage, or AM / FM signals.  Other methods include switch / alarm outputs, parallel or serial output to sensor systems or industrial computers, or, in some advanced pressure sensor models, digital or video displays.

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Part Numbers for Pressure Sensors