Pressure sensors are sensing devices designed to sense the applied pressure of liquids or gases. These sensors consist of pressure-sensitive elements where the measurement's output is converted into an electrical signal that reflects the amount of applied pressure.
Sensor Technologies in Sensor Devices:
There are various sensor technologies used within pressure sensor devices. Depending on the measurement requirements, this can influence their sensing accuracy and reliability. The sensor's mechanical displacement is converted into an electrical output in five ways, as given below.
Optical - Use interferometry for measuring pressure changes in optical fiber. They are ideal for noisy and medical environments without being disturbed by EMI.
Resistive - This sensor uses the variation of the gauge's electrical resistance connected to the diaphragm.
Piezoelectric – These sensors use objects to generate a charge on surfaces upon applying pressure and are designed for fast charging pressures.
Capacitive – These are sensitive sensors that can measure lower pressures (below 10 bar) but withstand heavy overloads.
MEMS - MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) comprise capacitive or piezoelectric pressure sensing mechanisms at a micron-level resolution on silicon.
Types of pressure sensors:
The automation control gear family sensors are classified based on various features, including type, applications, pressure range, temperature range, and measured pressure type. There are four types of pressure-sensors as given below:
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Absolute Pressure Sensor:
This type of sensor measures pressures relative to full vacuum, i.e., zero reference point.
These are also referred to as "relative pressure sensors" and are primarily used to measure atmospheric pressure.
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Sealed Gauge Pressure Sensor:
They are comparable to gauge pressure sensors, with the exception that they detect pressure concerning a fixed pressure rather than the fluctuating ambient atmospheric pressure.
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Differential Pressure Sensors:
These sensors are ideal for measuring pressure drops, fluid levels, flow rates, and the differential pressure connected to either side of the sensor.
Applications of Pressure-Sensors:
These versatile sensors of the sensor transducer kind have a wide range of applications in industries, including:
- automotive
- automation control gear
- medical
- aviation, and
- marine.
