What are the main types of pressure sensors?

 Pressure sensors are widely used in a variety of challenging applications across a wide range of industries and fields. Different types of sensors can contain many variations in core technology, features, and performance levels. The three main types of pressure sensors are absolute pressure, differential pressure, and gauge pressure. What type of sensor to buy in any particular situation depends entirely on the specifics of your application and the type of reading required.

Absolute Pressure Sensors

Absolute pressure sensors are a type of vacuum pressure sensor. They always read relative to zero and the output value is a positive number, while other types of sensors can be positive or negative.

They are ideal for measuring air pressure in barometer-critical applications, such as weather monitoring or navigation altitude detection. Barometric pressure sensors rely on establishing a reference value from an absolute vacuum to obtain reliable readings.

This is critical for barometric pressure detection because the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to temperature. Without a perfect vacuum as a zero reference, the absolute pressure reading will vary due to thermal fluctuations.

Differential Pressure Sensors

Differential pressure sensors measure the change in pressure between two points in a system. This is important for checking the correct operation of various aspects of a system, such as blow-down valves or flow rates.

Differential pressure sensors vary in specifications, but most can measure pressures on either side of a single diaphragm in the sensor element. Depending on how these pressures deflect the diaphragm, the reading on either side can be positive or negative.

Other setups can also be created to measure the differential pressure between two or more separate sensor devices that are located in remote locations and connected by signals from their internal electronics.

Gauge Pressure Sensors

Gage pressure sensors are a type of relative pressure sensor. Typically, they are used to measure the relative difference between the local atmospheric pressure and the pressure level at a given location in another system.

Applications include checking the level of a vent tank, operating a sphygmomanometer, or controlling the required speed and power of a vacuum pump. In both cases, the difference in the real-time atmospheric pressure surrounding the system will affect the required calculations and readings.

Many gauge pressure sensors rely on a diaphragm connected to a resistor or similar electronic component, recording changes in deflection force as an output value.

With years of continuous development, MicroSensor’ production line now offers a diverse array of products that incorporate digitalization, automation, and adaptability. Our sensors are widely utilized in various industries, including differential pressure sensors, oil pressure sensors, water pressure sensors, anti-corrosive pressure sensors, and hydraulic pressure sensors, among others. Choose MicroSensor for accuracy, reliability, and unparalleled customer support in pressure sensing solutions.