PRESSURE SENSOR

Working Principle of a Pressure Sensor

What is the working principle of a pressure sensor? A pressure sensor works by converting pressure into an analogue electrical signal.

The demand for pressure measuring instruments increased during the steam age. When pressure sensing technologies were first manufactured they were mechanical and used Bourdon tube gauges to move a needle and give a visual indication of pressure. Nowadays we measure pressure electronically using pressure transducers and pressure switches.

Static Pressure

Pressure can be defined as force per unit area that a fluid exerts on its surroundings. The basic physics of static Pressure (P), is calculated as force (F) divided by area (A).

P=F/A

The Force can be generated by liquids, gases, vapours or solid bodies.

The most commonly used pressure units are;

1. Pa - [Pascal] in 1 Pa = 1(N/m²)
2.  Bar - [Bar] in 1 bar = 105 𝑃𝑎
3. psi: (pound(-force) per square inch)

Working Principle of a Pressure Transducer

Pressure transducers have a sensing element of constant area and respond to force applied to this area by fluid pressure. The force applied will deflect the diaphragm inside the pressure transducer. The deflection of the internal diaphragm is measured and converted into an electrical output. This allows the pressure to be monitored by microprocessors, programmable controllers and computers along with similar electronic instruments.

Most Pressure transducers are designed to produce linear output with applied pressure.

What are pressure sensors used for?

Pressure sensors are used in a range of industries, including the automotive industry, Biomedical Instrumentation, aviation and the marine industry, to name a few.