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.
Endevco Absolute Pressure Transducer Addresses High-Sensitivity Applications
August 30, 2010 by Randy Frank
Filed under Featured, Pressure
Meggitt Sensing Systems Endevco model 8530B is a high-sensitivity absolute pressure transducer in a compact 3.86-mm face diameter package. The active four-arm strain gage bridge in silicon design is offered in ranges of 200, 500 and 1000 psia with 300 mV full scale output and high resonant frequencies of 750 kHz (200 psia). In addition, 1000 kHz versions are available in 500 and 1000 psia.
The pressure sensors have a 10-32 UNF-2A mounting thread and integral cable. An optional metric M5X0.8 mounting thread is available on special order. Target applications include hydraulic and pneumatic pressure measurements, automotive airbag testing and transmission testing applications.
For more information on Meggitt Sensing Systems Endevco model 8530B 1000 series, click here.
Sensirion SDP600 Differential Pressure Sensors Now Include Failsafe Versions
August 24, 2010 by Randy Frank
Filed under Featured, Pressure
Already used successfully in medical and HVAC applications, the newest Sensirion differential pressure sensor models, SDP620, SDP621, SDP630 and SDP631, allow verification of the measured values.
The failsafe sensors
can be configured to provide special test patterns for error checking by an external microprocessor. With the right test pattern configurations, it is possible to measure differential pressure and mass flow values to Class C safety level, complying with Directives EN 12067-2:2004 and EN 13611:2007 for gas burners and gas burning appliances.
The mass flow temperature compensated SDP621 and SDP631 target mass flow measurements and the SDP620 and SDP630 sensors output the true differential pressure value. With failsafe certification, it is not necessary to use two redundant sensors to meet high safety requirements so total design cost can be reduced.
For more information about Sensirion SDP600 series differential pressure sensors, click here.
For more information about Sensirion failsafe differential pressure sensors, contact info@sensirion.com.
Measuring and Analyzing Engine Combustion Pressures
August 20, 2010 by Randy Frank
Filed under Featured, Pressure
One of the more complex, yet increasing important pressure measurements is combustion pressure. For carmakers to meet emissions and fuel economy regulations, measuring the subtle variations in combustion pressure is critical. David R. Rogers has written a book specifically addressing the topic called, Engine Combustion: Pressure Measurement and Analysis. Published by SAE, the text is a comprehensive handbook for technicians and engineers involved in engine testing and development. The book discusses features and functions of pressure measuring equipment, the best practices for successful measurements and how to recognize and diagnose problems
For more information and to order Engine Combustion: Pressure Measurement and Analysis, click here.
Summer Discount for Pressurex® Sensor Film
MADISON, N.J. – To spur research and development efforts, Sensor Products Inc. is offering a 10% discount on its versatile Pressurex® pressure-indicating sensor film during this summer. Over the past decade, hundreds of White Papers have been written using the sensor film. Pressurex ® measures surface contact pressures between 2 — 43,200 PSI (0.14 – 3,000 g/cm2). The 10% discount is available to researchers until November 30, 2010. To receive the discount, researchers must order the film during the registration period and work for an accredited academic institution. A complimentary sample may be obtained by contacting Sensor Products Inc. at 1.973.884.1755 (USA), emailing info@sensorprod.com, or visiting www.sensorprod.com/sample.
Pressurex® reveals pressure distribution and magnitude between mating or impacting surfaces. When placed in the interface, the film changes color in direct proportion to the actual pressure applied. The result is an instantaneous and permanent “topographical” image of pressure magnitude and distribution across the contact area. Precise pressure magnitude is easily determined by comparing color variation results to a color correlation chart (conceptually similar to interpreting Litmus paper).
The film is routinely used to trouble shoot assembly problems, aid in research and design, and reveal defects during quality control. It is flexible, conforming to curved as well as straight surfaces and can be hand or laser cut to virtually any size or dimension. New applications for Pressurex® are being discovered daily. Common applications include contact pressure measurement of nip rollers, gasket and bolted joint interfaces, connectors, heat sealers, heat sinks, biomechanics, lamination, wafer polishing and bonding, composite lay up, and plastic molding, to name just a few.
About Sensor Products Inc.
www.sensorprod.com
MEMS Piezoresistive Low Pressure Sensing Die
May 5, 2010 by Randy Frank
Filed under Featured, Pressure
Morgan Hill, CA – All Sensors Corporation announces the introduction of a low pressure sensor die for high volume applications requiring pressure measurement to as low as a quarter inch of water full scale. This introduction of a new pressure sensor die marks the fifth major silicon pressure sensor die topology to be introduced over the past fifty years.
Die Features
The MEMS Piezoresistive Low Pressure Sensing Die utilizes an open bridge configuration, measuring 2mm x 2mm square. Industry best sensitivity specifications are made possible by break though process technology in combination with innovative MEMS topology. The new die design features maximum pressure response while maintaining low package stress susceptibility. By utilizing a boss-less structure the position sensitivity is minimized (typically 0.1% inH2O/g).
History
In the 1960’s Bell Labs developed and Honeywell commercialized the first silicon pressure sensor using longitudinal and transverse strain sensitive resistors with square micromachined diaphragms. This design provided acceptable performance to as low as one psi.
In the 1970’s Motorola introduced a shear strain silicon pressure sensor with performance targeted for automotive manifold absolute pressure (MAP) applications. These sensors incorporate shear strain sensitive resistors with square micromachined diaphragms with superior performance at 15 psia.
Also, in the 1970’s several companies developed and commercialized silicon variable capacitance structures designed to detect either parallel plate changes in capacitance with pressure or changes in edge effect variable capacitance with changes in pressure. These sensors provided excellent response to pressures less than one inch of water. These sensors where either too large or too expensive for many applications.
In the 1980’s several companies, most notably Silicon Microstructures, introduced longitudinal and transverse strain sensors with enhanced silicon microstructures to provide excellent pressure sensing to as low as several inches of water. Honeywell and others have been able to use this structure in conjunction with Honeywell patent 6,023,978 to extend the range to below an inch of water full scale.
This year All Sensors has developed, introduced and will commercialize a next generation silicon pressure sensor that provides superior performance to fractions of an inch of water full scale. This sensor combines elements of features found in pressure sensors dating back to bonded strain gage sensors of the 1950’s to enhanced, state of the art, silicon micromachining of silicon on insulator (SOI) wafers.
All Sensors
www.allsensors.com
Booklet Focuses On Water Pressure & Position Transmitters
American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) has released a six page booklet outlining their pressure and position transmitter capabilities for the water industry. The booklet focuses on four categories of applications; including water pumps, sub-sea and desalination equipment, filtration monitoring, and well and sewage level monitoring. The Water Pumps section covers the main factors to consider for water pressure measurement. The Sub-sea and Desalination page focuses on the media compatibility concerns and packaging of a sensor. Filtration monitoring is a simple explanation of monitoring a filter with a differential pressure sensor with an example of the calculation. Finally, the Well and Sewage Lift Station section covers how hydrostatic level sensors work with an overview and diagram.
The Water Pressure Capabilities booklet highlights specific AST products that work in each application, helping guide the reader to a solution.
Millivolt Low Voltage Pressure Sensors from All Sensors
Morgan Hill, CA - All Sensors Corporation has announced a new line of Millivolt Low Voltage Pressure Sensors. The new Millivolt Low Voltage Pressure Sensors (MLV Series) are based upon All Sensors’ CoBeam2™ Technology. CoBeam2™ Technology helps reduce package stress as well as greatly improves position sensitivity when compared with competitive sensors. The MLV Series device has a temperature compensated output signal and is calibrated for zero and span. By offering a compensated and calibrate output signal, many errors associated with pressure measurement are corrected, offering an accurate and stable signal. The MLV Series device provides 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 MLV Series afford design engineers a new compensated millivolt pressure sensor capable of low pressure measurement with improved energy efficiency. The Millivolt Low Voltage (MLV) Series is available in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 inH2O pressure ranges.
The MLV Series is offered in a pc board mountable package. Several packages and port configurations are available including gage and differential devices. The MLV Series employs All Sensors’ CoBeam2 TM Technology. The device provides a compensated and calibrated mV output signal. The MLV Series device is specified at 5 volt excitation with just over 2mW power consumption.
Ideal applications for this device are; portable devices, battery operated devices, medical breathing, medical devices associated with low pressure, remote sensing, HVAC, and industrial controls.
All Sensors Corporation
www.allsensors.com
Pressure Sensor Measures Blood Pressure From Inside Arteries
Vacuum panels are particularly good for insulating buildings – as long as the vacuum does not leak. A tiny pressure sensor constantly checks the condition of the vacuum and indicates whether the insulation effect is still present.
Mrs Miller is happy. Since she moved to the new apartment building she has not had any nasty surprises on her heating bills. This is because the building is insulated with a new material which exhibits particularly low thermal conductivity and therefore high energy efficiency. Vacuum insulation panels consist of a tightly sealed shell and porous core material made of silicic acid. This serves to support the vacuum in the insulation panel. Because a vacuum is a very good thermal insulator, the insulation value of the vacuum panels is five to ten times higher than that of conventional panels, for instance those made of polystyrene.
The panels are sensitive, however. Over the years the airtight film loses its insulating effect and the vacuum leaks. Experts put the increase in gas pressure at 1 millibar per year. Another problem is that because the film is very thin it can be damaged during transport. Before being installed the panels therefore have to be checked to see whether the vacuum and insulating effect are still present. So that the condition of the panels can be determined at any time, research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS in Duisburg have developed a tiny pressure sensor. »The pressure sensor is placed in a recess inside the panel. On the board next to the microchip there is a transponder with a coil which transmits the measured data through the film without any hard wire connection. A reader on the outer wall of the panel receives the measured data and supplies the transponder with energy using a second coil,« explains Dr. Hoc Khiem Trieu, head of department at the IMS. »The sensor consumes very little energy and is extremely small, measuring only around 20 square millimeters. A further special feature of the tiny sensor is that it draws its energy from the reader’s radio signal even through thin metal layers. It is therefore also suitable for measuring the vacuum in refrigerators, where low thermal conductivity is likewise essential.«
The sensor is used in the medical field, for instance to measure blood or eye pressure. It has now been developed further for the construction sector. »The sensor is presently at the prototype stage. The aim is to put it into series production in one to two years’ time,« states Trieu. The IMS will be showcasing the sensor at Euro ID, the trade fair for automatic identification, in Cologne from May 4 to 6 (Stand A12).
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.
