Pressure Sensor
A pressure sensor is an electronic device that measures the force exerted by a gas or liquid and converts it into an electrical signal. These devices are also referred to as pressure transducers or transmitters, and they are used in a wide range of applications, including industrial process control, the automotive industry, and medical equipment.
Key Features of a Pressure Sensor
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Sensing Element
The core component that reacts to pressure changes. Common types include:
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Piezoresistive: Resistance changes with applied pressure.
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Capacitive: Capacitance changes as pressure deforms the diaphragm.
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Piezoelectric: Generates an electric charge when stressed by pressure.
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Diaphragm
A flexible membrane that deforms under pressure, actuating the sensor elements.
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Amplifies, conditions, and processes the raw electrical signal from the sensing element.
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Output
The electrical signal (e.g., voltage, milliamp current, or digital) that represents the measured pressure.
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Housing
A protective casing made of materials like stainless steel to shield the internal components from the environment and provide mechanical connections.
Performance Characteristics
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Accuracy: The degree to which the sensor's output matches the true pressure value.
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Sensitivity: The smallest change in pressure that the sensor can reliably detect.
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Pressure Range: The minimum and maximum pressure levels the sensor is designed to measure.
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Response Time: How quickly the sensor can react to and report a change in pressure.
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Temperature Dependency : How much the sensor's readings are affected by ambient temperature changes.
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Drift and Noise: Unwanted fluctuations in the output signal over time or due to electronic interference.
