If you need to measure the pressure of your water supply, or if you’re trying to figure out how hard rain is hitting your rooftop, then it’s likely that you’ll have to use a pressure sensor/transducer, or both! In this article, we’ll discuss the following topics in detail: what exactly are pressure sensors and transducers, how they work, when they should be used, and what types of situations they work best in.
What is a Pressure Transducer?
By converting pressure into an electrical signal, a pressure transducer measures the condition of a fluid, either liquid or gas. The pressure transducer measures the force the fluid would exert. Signals are read by pressure gauges or other type of readout device. Psi (pounds per square inch) and kPa (kilopascals) are the pressure units. The sensors may be able to measure pressure at one point in time, but are unable to measure pressure continuously. Pressure transducers are used to measure dynamic pressures as they are able to monitor changes in pressure over time.
What is Pressure Gauge?
Pressure gauges measure the force exerted by fluids (liquid or gas). Pressure is converted into an analog electrical signal by a pressure transducer. Sensors use pressure in order to convert it into an electrical signal, and there are many different types of pressure sensors/transducers with their own benefits and disadvantages. As pressure increases on piezoresistive sensors, their resistance changes. Pressure is usually measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), bar, megapascals (MPa), inches of water column, etc.
What is a differential pressure sensor?
A differential pressure sensor is an instrument that measures the difference in pressure between two points. It is typically used to measure the pressure of a fluid, such as water or air. Differential pressure sensors can be used to measure the pressure of a gas or a liquid. The most common type of differential pressure sensor is the piezoresistive pressure sensor. These types of pressure sensors are usually made up of quartz crystals or ceramic materials. Quartz crystals have the ability to resist changes in shape when they are subjected to pressure while ceramic materials do not.
What are some applications for pressure sensors?
Pressure sensors are used in a variety of applications including monitoring blood pressure, measuring tire pressure, and checking the level of propane in a tank. In each of these cases, the pressure sensor converts the pressure into an electrical signal that can be read by a gauge or other device. A pressure transducer is an electronic component consisting of two different pressure-sensitive diaphragms (plates) with piezoresistive material sandwiched between them. When pressure is applied to one side, it causes changes in the resistance across it.
Final Thoughts
Though they may seem like similar devices, pressure sensors and transducers serve different purposes. A pressure sensor is an instrument for measuring the condition of a fluid, while a pressure transducer converts pressure into an electrical signal. Pressure gauge are often used in conjunction with these devices to help interpret the data collected.
