Pressure sensors are important for monitoring and controlling pressure in a variety of industries and applications. Sensor Tips can help you stay informed of the latest industry news and trends. Scroll through the articles below for more information.
Pressure Sensors Built For Industrial Use
Bestech Australia has released the AST4000 industrial grade pressure sensors for a range of applications.
With a one-piece stainless steel sensing element, the sensor is used in rugged environments where a high cycle life and media compatibility.
The sensor features a wide operating temperature range, is compatible with a range of liquids and gases, has no oil, welds or internal O-rings and ranges up to 10 000 psi.
It is designed for use in water management, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, HVAC equipment and for industrial OEM equipment.
The pressure sensor’s accuracy is below ±0.5% and it has an environmental protection rating of IP-66.
The analog outputs include 4-20 mA, 1-5/1-6 VDC, 0-50 mV and 0.5 to 4.5 ratiometric.
The AST4000 comes with a variety of threads, pressure ranges, outputs and electrical connections in order to make system integration seamless.
AST Updates CE Approval For Its Pressure Sensor
American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) has updated and expanded its CE approval for its pressure sensor, transducer, transmitter and switch product families. AST products with the CE logo conform to EMC Directive 2004/108/EC for Electromagnetic Compatibility.
Tested by the independent laboratory, TUV Rheinland in Newton, CT, each product was evaluated for performance against radiated emissions, electrostatic discharge (ESD), radiated immunity, electrical fast transient (EFT), surge immunity, conducted immunity, and power frequency magnetic field immunity.
Products were tested and approved to the following standards:
| EN61326-1:2006 | EN61326-2-3:2006 | EN61000-6-1:2007 | EN61000-6-3:2007 | EN55011:2007+A2:2007 & FCC Part 15 , ICES-003 | EN55011:2007+A2:2007 & FCC Part 15 (Radiated Emissions) |
| EN61000-4-2:1995 + A1:1999 +A2:2001 | EN61000-4-3:2006 | EN61000-4-4:2004 | EN61000-4-5:2005 | EN6100-4-6:2007 | EN61000-4-8:1993 + A1:2001 |
Products approved to the new standards include:
AST2000, AST20HA, AST4000, AST4200, AST4300, AST43LP, AST4310, AST4400, AST44LP, AST4410, AST4500, AST4510, AST4520, AST4600, AST46HA, AST4700, AST4710, AST47LP, AST47HP, AST47SM, AST4900, Model1000 and Model5000.
Ultra-Thin Absolute Pressure Sensor
San Juan Capistrano, CA – Meggitt Sensing Systems announces the debut of Endevco® model 8515C, a miniature, high-sensitivity piezoresistive pressure transducer, designed for surface air flow and other aerodynamic measurements requiring high output in a small, lightweight package.
The ultra-low profile design of Endevco® model 8515C has an overall thickness of 0.030 inch (0.76mm) and diameter of 0.250 inch (6.3mm). Units are available in ranges of 15 and 50 psia, with 200 mV full scale output, and frequency responses of 180 kHz and 320 kHz, respectively. The transducers offer stable performance over an temperature operating range of -65 to +250°F (-54 to +121°C), with combined non-linearity, non-repeatability and pressure hysteresis error of less than 0.50% FSO. In addition, model 8515C is designed to survive 10,000 g shock and 10,000 g acceleration, with minimum 5X burst pressure, making it the best performing pressure transducer of its kind in the industry.
Model 8515C is supplied with an integral cable, and is typically surface mounted onto curved surfaces, for minimal effect on laminar air or hot gas flow. A flush mounted fit may also be achieved by recessing both transducer and lead wires into the mounting surface, while using a supplied protective screen to prevent particular impingement. For airflow smoothing requirements within flight test applications, an optional rubber fairing is available. Modified versions of model 8515C are also available for wider temperature compensation. All units are shipped in special electrostatic discharge (ESD) packaging, for added protection during product shipment and handling.
Because of its uniquely high overload capability, high frequency response, very low base strain sensitivity and excellent temperature performance, model 8515C is ideally suited for small-scale wind tunnel testing models, helicopter or turbine blade surface pressure measurements, as well as aerodynamic surface measurements required during flight test. For detailed specifications, drawings or additional information about Endevco® model 8515C or other products, visit www.endevco.com.
Meggitt Sensing Systems
www.meggitt.com
Basic Low Voltage Pressure Sensors from All Sensors
Morgan Hill, CA — All Sensors Corporation announces a new line of Basic Low Voltage Pressure Sensors. The new Basic Low Voltage Pressure Sensor product family consists of two product series, the Basic Low Voltage (BLV) Series and the Basic Low Voltage Reference (BLVR) Series. Both the BLV and BLVR are based upon All Sensors’ CoBeam2 TM Technology. CoBeam2 TM Technology helps reduce package stress as well as greatly improves position sensitivity when compared with competitive sensors. The BLV Series device utilizes a single die technology while the BLVR Series utilizes a dual die reference technology to reduce all output offset or common mode errors. The BLV and BLVR Series devices provide a high output signal at a low operating voltage. This is the result of an extremely sensitive sensing element capable of operating at low supply voltages. Lower operating voltages result in improved errors due to warm-up shift. The BLV and BLVR afford design engineers a new basic pressure sensor capable of low pressure measurement with improved energy efficiency. The Basic Low Voltage (BLV) Series is available in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 inH2O pressure ranges. The Basic Low Voltage Reference (BLVR) Series is also available 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 inH2O pressure ranges.
The sensors are offered in a pc board mountable package. Multiple port configurations are available including gage and differential devices.
The BLV and BLVR employ All Sensors’ CoBeam2 TM Technology. Both devices provide a basic, uncompensated mV output. The BLVR Series device employs a dual die reference technology to reduce all output offset or common mode errors. The BLV Series device is specified at 1.8 volt excitation with 1mW power consumption. The BLVR (dual die) is specified at 3.3 volt excitation with 7 mW power consumption. Low operating voltage offers increased energy efficiency.
All Sensors
www.allsensors.com
Pressure Sensor Designed For Pneumatic Applications
Ifm’s compact PQ Series pressure sensors are designed for pneumatic applications typically found in robotics and material handling applications. The sensors precisely measure the full range of pressure and vacuum typical in these applications.
The cube-shaped pneumatic pressure sensor easily retrofits traditional pressure switches at a fraction of the price. Measuring only 32mm x 30mm x 42mm, the compact sensor can be installed in areas with limited mounting space.
Application parameters are established using two pushbuttons. The bright, four-digit display indicates system pressure and can be clearly seen from long distances. The sensor features two programmable switching outputs or one switching and one diagnostic output. In addition, the values can be programmed to change color depending on the switching output status (e.g., red if output 1 is switched; green if output 1 is not switched).
The technology is based on a piezo-resistive measuring element. The silicon measuring cell is insensitive to liquids (e.g. condensed water) and deposits that might occur in the system. The cell changes resistance when pressure is applied. The stress induced in the cell is transformed into an electric signal that is proportional to the pressure. The silicon measuring cell guarantees a high overload resistance as well as an accuracy of ± 0.5%.
For mounting purposes, the PQ pressure sensor can be fixed to flat surfaces and profiles using the sensor’s two M4 drill holes located in the front of the sensor. The PQ can be mounted to a DIN rail or connected to plates or manifolds using ifm’s robust DIN rail bracket. The sensor can be connected to air lines through the G-1/8 port using a 6mm or 8mm tubing adapter or a 1/8″ NPT adapter.
Two models are available. PQ7809 has a measuring range of -14.5 to 14.5 psi and the PQ7834 has a measuring range of -14.5 to 145 psi. Electrical connection is made through an M8 Pico DC connector.
Multi-Touch ‘Resistive’ Touchscreen Controller Chip
As the latest high-tech devices such as smartphones, mobile internet devices and netbooks adopt multi-touch touchscreens to support increasingly sophisticated ‘apps’ and games,STMicroelectronics has introduced a multi-touch ‘resistive’ touchscreen controller chip to optimize the Bill of Materials of the electronics supporting this advanced capability. The STM32TS60 is the first member of ST’s new STMTouch family, which offers a broad portfolio of solutions including multi-touch devices and proximity and touch-key sensors.
The new multi-touch controller detects up to ten simultaneous touches with fingers, nails or stylus, enabling application designers to replace complex menu sequences with more direct and natural user controls. Actions made easier with multi-touch capabilities include browsing and selecting options, handwriting and data entry, arranging and sizing windows, picking up and dragging images, and fast and intuitive game play. Other abilities include drawing pictures, using touch pressure to adjust line thickness.
Employing resistive touch-panel technology, the STM32TS60 controller offers customers a real alternative and complements the recent industry trend for using capacitive touch technology. Resistive technology is a cost effective and mature high-volume solution that has seen dramatically improved performance over the past few years in terms of durability and display transparency. In addition, it easily overcomes EMI (electromagnetic interference) noise issues, which can be an inherent limitation with alternative touch technologies. Resistive technology is already widely used in PDAs and similar touch-enabled devices and the screens are readily available in standard LCD sizes and at competitive prices.
The new chip combines the company’s STM32 microcontroller architecture with PMatrixTM Multi-Touch technology from ST‘s partner Stantum to achieve fast response times while minimizing system complexity and component count.
The STM32TS60 single-core microcontroller is an added-value solution compared to other expensive multi-core processor or digital signal processors (DSPs) requiring specialized programming expertise.
The STM32TS60’s high EMI immunity makes it suitable for use in multi-function wireless products such as cellphones, notebook PCs, netbooks and mobile Internet devices. Moreover, its low power consumption helps to maximize operating times and recharge intervals, and is a direct benefit of the STM32’s energy-saving design features and ARM® Cortex™-M3 processor conceived for power-sensitive embedded applications. In addition, very-low-power idle mode with ‘wake-up on touch only’ helps further extend mobile battery life.
The STM32TS60 is housed in a 7 x 7mm 144-pin UFBGA package, and is now sampling to lead customers. Volume production is expected for Q2 2010.
Differential Pressure Sensor for Wet Media & Low Pressure Ranges
American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) has recently created the 
AST5100 Wet / Wet differential pressure sensor (also termed differential pressure transducer or transmitter) for differential pressure measurement ranges as low as 0 to 5 inches of water column (0 to 0.18 PSI) and up to 0 to 15 PSID.
AST uses a Macro Sensors LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) to measure the movement of bellows and digitally amplifies the signal with new AST electronics. The LVDT is known throughout the sensor industry as a measurement device with accurate, repeatable measurements as low as a few millionths of an inch. The AST5100 is compensated from 0 to 55°C (30 to 130°F) using the same advanced electronics as the AST20HA pressure transducer. With its advanced linearity correction and thermal compensation, the AST5100 series meets the demanding performance characteristics industrial applications require.
The AST5100 is available with 1/8″ NPT female pressure ports and two mounting holes for easy installation. With an optional 4-20mA or 0-5V output signal, the AST5100 is compatible with most PLC’s and controllers. Each product is packaged with an M12×1 Eurofast electrical connection. AST also supplies the mating cable assembly in either a four foot or ten foot length.
Built to withstand a line pressure up to 200 PSI, the AST5100 series is designed for a variety of applications including; filter monitoring, flow calculation across an orifice and level measurement. By positioning the high pressure side (or upstream side) of the AST5100 before the filter and the low pressure side (or downstream side) after the filter, the cleanliness of the filter can be measured. As the pressure decreases, the output signal will increase. Pneumatic systems for clean rooms or water filtration equipment commonly utilize this type of device. With the use of an orifice, the AST5100 series can be used to measure flow rates of liquids or gases based on the size of the orifice. Level measurement of sealed tanks can be measured by mounting the high pressure side to the bottom of the tank, with the low pressure side connected into the top of the tank. The AST5100 series can also be used as a gauge pressure sensor. By leaving the low pressure side of the differential pressure sensor open to atmosphere, the AST5100 series will measure the differential pressure between the high side and atmosphere.
Pressure Transmitters Have Sensors, Switches & Display All-in-One
Impress Sensors & Systems is introducing the DS range of pressure transmitters with the benefit of integrated pressure sensing, switching and display functions, thereby reducing installation and equipment costs.
The DS transmitters provide a combination of a pressure sensing with signal conditioning that provides a current or voltage output signal, one, two or four independent PNP transistor switch outputs, as well as a freely scalable and programmable LED rotating display.
Impress Sensors & Systems says the transmitter is suitable for a wide range of applications, including air, oil and hydraulic pressure applications. Pressure ranges start from 10mbar on the DS210 up to 600bar on the DS200. Several options are available within the DS range, including: optional ATEX certification; one, two or four switch points; analogue output in either 4-20mA, voltage or none; electrical connection; and various types of process connections.
There is also a three-wire, 4-20mA configuration that enables users to recalibrate the output signal. The digital LED display is also scalable and can be freely rotated through two axes to suit the installation. The brightness of the display can even be adjusted to suit the environment.
Six versions of DS transmitter are available. The DS 210 is a precision electronic pressure switch with silicon sensor that is suitable for measuring gases, compressed air and thin, non-aggressive liquids, including pneumatics and vacuum technology. Pressure range is from 10mbar up to 1000mbar.
The DS 201 is an electronic pressure switch with a chemically robust ceramic sensor, making it suitable for measurements in viscous or lightly contaminated fluids. Pressure range is from 600mbar through to 600bar. An optional PVDF pressure port is available for aggressive media, where stainless steel is inadequate. There is also an oil- and grease-free version for applications with oxygen. The DS 201 is suitable for use as a gauge or absolute pressure sensor or absolute pressure switch.
Similar to the DS 201 ceramic version, the DS 200 is a piezoresistive, stainless steel sensor that offers higher resolution and over-pressure protection. Nominal pressure range of the DS 200 is from 100mbar up to 600bar. The sensor can be used in a wide range of pneumatic and hydraulic control applications, offering long-term stability and high precision. The sensor can be used with any liquids or gases that are compatible with stainless steel and the O-ring material.
The DS 230 is an OEM digital pressure switch with ceramic sensor and digital display for hydraulic applications. Suitable for use with a wide range of gases and liquids, the lower-cost DS 230 is targeted at OEMs requiring less accuracy and no transmission of output from the device, simply a pressure switch with pressure display. Preferred areas of use are machine tools, hydraulic presses and test benches, pumps and plastic processing machines.
Finally, the DS 201 P and DS 200 P are aimed at machine builders supplying the process industries including chemicals, food processing and pharmaceuticals. Stainless steel flush diaphragms are available, as well as recognised process connections, including inch fittings, Tri-clover and dairy clamp connections.
Kavlico’s Common-Rail Pressure Sensor
Moorpark, CA – Kavlico has designed a sensor to measure common-rail pressure in diesel engines. The advantages of monitoring common rail pressure are many; including increasing engine power & torque, improving fuel economy, reducing engine noise, and improving vehicle drive-ability while creating cleaner exhaust emissions. With today’s restrictive emissions standards, keeping exhaust particulate emissions within the mandated levels is a must… and Kavlico’s common-rail sensor is an essential element of the common-rail injection system.
Pressure is regulated and monitored by the Electronic Diesel Control Unit (EDCU) which receives an electronic input from the Kavlico pressure sensor. The sensor operates on 5 Vdc and provides a 0.5 to 4.5 Vdc linear amplified analog output proportional to pressure to the EDCU. The highly accurate and ruggedly designed sensor uses a thin film TiON sense element which provides highly reliable and repeatable measurements.
The cost-effective sensor is EMI/EMC protected, has low power consumption, and is capable of operation in high vibration environments. Fully temperature compensated across the entire measurement range, the sensor has an operational temperature of -40ºC to 125 ºC.
Pressure ranges are available from 0 to 3,000 Bar or 40,000+ PSI. The sensor can be customized to accommodate a wide array of pressure ports and electrical connector options dependent upon each OEM application-specific requirement. Alternative pressure ranges and output formats are also available upon request.
Kavlico
www.kavlico.com
Custom Sensors & Technologies
www.cstsensors.com
Nitric Oxide Sensor Provides Up to 10 ppb Accuracy
City Technology has developed a new nitric oxide sensor that provides unparalleled sensitivity, repeatability, stability and speed of response. The NO sensor has been developed specifically for medical applications; in particular, it will supplement existing City products monitoring patients in intensive care and premature babies in neonatal units who are receiving Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy to assist with breathing difficulties. It will also be deployed in instruments measuring NO in the breath of patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, where the sensor’s performance with differing breath conditions obviates the need for large and expensive sample conditioning. It will allow the manufacturers of breath monitoring equipment to develop smaller instruments, making their devices more widely available; for example, they could be installed in doctors’ surgeries where they will enable patients to be given sophisticated tests without, as would previously have been the case, requiring them to attend hospital as an out- or in-patient.
The sophisticated design of the sensor, which does not require the sample of exhaled breath to be adjusted to a particular temperature and pressure to achieve a reliable reading, will enable lower cost instruments to be developed, allowing their use to be extended into an increased number of more mainstream establishments.
The device itself requires only ten seconds exposure to achieve a reliable reading of the NO content of the exhaled breath. It resolves down to 10 parts per billion, at least twenty times better than any other sensor available on the market today. The design of the sensor gives excellent stability in the presence of transient humidity changes, further reducing the complexity required of the instrument; it has a 10 to 30°C operating range and is packaged in the company’s industry-standard compact 7 Series encapsulation. It is rated for more than 2000 exposures and operates on a catalytic, non-consumable principle.
