Pressure sensors are devices used to take pressure measurements of gases or liquids. There are many types of pressure sensors, including a pressure transducer. They have various applications, including measuring tire pressure, determining the pressure of gases in piping, monitoring altitude in aircraft and satellites, etc.
What is a Pressure Transducer?
As already mentioned, a piezoresistive pressure transducer is a specific type of pressure sensor. It converts pressure into a continuous voltage output. The reason for voltage output is that it’s a standard electrical measurement that can be easily analyzed and monitored. It fluctuates as the pressure being measured changes.
Pressure transducers are used in various tasks, including medical diagnosis, industrial process control, and automotive engineering. They can generate accurate and reliable pressure measurements.
How do pressure transducers work?
The working principle behind pressure transducers is all about the piezoresistive effect. Basically, certain materials generate an electric charge when a mechanical force or pressure is applied and vice versa. These include quartz, polyvinylidene fluoride, and lithium niobate.
So, in pressure transducers, there is a sensing element made of piezoresistive materials. There’s also an amplifier and a flexible membrane called a diaphragm. The diaphragm forms a barrier between the environment and the pressure-sensing element.
The diaphragm material is chosen so that it’s resistant to the pressure being measured. That way, it protects the pressure-sensing element from damage.
In pressure transducers, the sensor generates a voltage output in response to the applied pressure. Of course, the output is weak, so the amplifier boosts its amplitude without affecting its fidelity and accuracy. Finally, the voltage output is converted into an electrical signal for an external device.
Applications of pressure transducers
Pressure transducers have various applications because they are designed to detect a wide range of pressures, ranging from just a few inches of water column to thousands of psi.
They are used in industrial process control to measure the pressure of gases and liquids and output electric signals proportional to the measured pressure. The signal helps monitor the temperature, pressure, and flow of liquids and gases.
They are also used in medical fields to measure equipment liquid levels, patient blood pressure, etc. There’s an advantage to converting blood pressure measurements into electrical signals. They are easy to understand, even by patients themselves, allowing them to know when their blood pressure is out of the safe range.
In the automotive field, pressure transducers are used in systems that help monitor and manage a vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Wrap-Up
Pressure transducers are essential tools in various industries. They are designed to detect a wide range of pressure measurements and generate proportionate electrical signals, which can be used to monitor and control various processes. They produce accurate and reliable readings. Microsensor Cooperation is one of the top manufacturers of high-quality pressure sensors for different applications. We have over 50 years of experience in the field and have provided innovative systems to diverse sectors such as oil and gas, industrial automation, energy, communication, and the medical field. Contact us here for help finding a suitable pressure transducer for your project.
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