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PRESSUREWhat is a pressure sensor?A pressure sensor is a device that generates an electricalsignal as a function of the pressure measured in a media (i.e.gas or liquid). Various technologies can be used to measurepressure, for example piezoelectric, piezoresistive straingage, capacitive or electromagnetic, etc.Pressure sensors are commonly divided into five types,according to the relative way in which they measurepressure, which also implies the environment to which one orboth sides of the pressure sensor element is exposed to:An absolute pressure sensor measures relative to a perfectvacuum, which is the environment in a sealed chamber onone side of the sensing element.A gauge sensor measures pressure relative to atmospheric(ambient air) pressure, by having one side of the sensorelement which allows ambient air to enter, while measuringpressure from a port on the opposite side. Most mechanicalpressure gauges work this way, such as you would use tocheck the pressure in your tires, hence the name ‘gauge’.A differential sensor measures the pressure’s differencebetween two fluid ports. For example, measuring thepressure drop across a ventilation duct can be used tomonitor airflow through that duct.A sealed sensor is combination of a gauge and absolutepressure sensors; using a sealed chamber like the absolutesensor, which contains a calibrated gas pressure of exactly1 standard atmosphere (about 100 kPa) instead of vacuum,so it measures like a gauge sensor except its output doesn’tchange due to local air pressure variances.A vacuum sensor is intended to measure pressure relativeto and below atmospheric pressure, which is typicallya specialized form of either absolute or sealed pressuresensors.Important selection parametersSensing RangeMeasured in kPa or PSI, the sensing range indicates themaximum pressure range the device can measure.Pressure TypeAs described above, different type of pressure sensors canbe selected depending on the application and pressuremeasurement requirements.AccuracyAccuracy is defined as percentage of full scale output range.ApplicationCasesAtmospheric pressureor AltitudemeasurementEngine control,pneumatic andhydraulic machinesProcess monitoringand controlMedical DevicesHVAC in CommercialBuildingsReal Life ExamplesBarometers, weather balloons,altimeters (aircraft)Automobile engines, fuel andbrake systems; Aircraft, Industrialmachinery, construction &miningCompressor controls, coatings,and paint sprayers; Tank liquidlevel monitoringWrist and arm-cuff bloodpressure instrument, Infusionpump, hospital beds, respiratoryequipmentHVAC&R compressors, air ductflowPRESSURE77www.FutureElectronics.com/Sensors
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