Pressure transducers convert the mechanical energy of pressure into a proportional electrical signal. This signal can be read as a measurement of pressure in a pressure sensor, and transmitted in the form of an electric current. These devices have long been used in industrial applications to measure air and gas pressure.

A common form of pressure transducer is the pressure gauge or strain gauge. Strain occurs when forces like pressure or torque are applied to an object, causing displacement or deformation. This simple principle has long been the basis of countless forms of pressure transducers.

Depending on what kind of external pressure is applied, materials will react, or resist, in a certain way. This reaction is called strain, and it is measured with a transducer that will provide a visual indication of pressure. There are several types of strain, including poisson strain, bending strain, and shearing strain.

Strain Measurement

Strain is measured by comparing a material post-pressure-application to its pre-application state. This can be accomplished using a variety of means, including optical and mechanical. The most widely used measurement technology in advanced strain gauges, however, is electrical.

As pressure is applied to an object, its electrical resistance will change. Modern strain gauges will measure this change with varying resolution and accuracy. There are various forms of strain gauges available for industrial and non-industrial applications.

Pressure Sensor Accuracy

There are many factors that affect the performance of strain gauges and other pressure sensors. Since these devices are typically designed to detect resistance, it's important to distinguish between resistance that occurs from pressure applied and resistance that occurs from the instrument itself. Operating temperature and type of adhesive used to bond the device to the material are just a couple of factors that can affect the accuracy of a resistance measurement.

There are other factors that may affect the potential of a pressure sensor for a particular application. For example, there is much possibility for external interference by nearby electronic devices and magnetic fields. However, there are plenty of models available with shields designed specifically to combat this sort of problem.

With so many specialized features available on various models on the market, it pays to do a little research before choosing the right pressure sensor. It's important to note how the device will be connected to the target object and if this method will be appropriate for the desired measurement. Another factor to take into consideration is the operating pressure range of the device, since it will vary greatly according to the application.