Pressure Transducers
A pressure transducer is a device that converts pressure into an analog electrical signal. These devices are commonly used in industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) applications for control and monitoring of gases and liquids. The type of transducer used varies depending on the type ofapplication, with different devices having various levels of precision, accuracy and output signals.
Pressure transducers are typically used to measure many physical characteristics, such as fluid density, pressure, flow rate, level, and temperature. In ISM applications, they are commonly used to monitor and control the pressure of gases and liquids. Additionally, they can be used to measure atmospheric pressures in automotive and aerospace test environments, as well as in harsh conditions in the oil and gas industry.
The main components found in pressure transducers are a sensing element, a circuit interface, and a signal processor. The sensing element, which is the heart of the transducer, is simply a diaphragm or strain gauge that is sensitive to pressure. When pressure is applied, it causes the strain gauge to deform, thus changing its electrical output.
The circuit interface is the “intelligence” of the transducer, and is responsible for converting the signal from the sensing element into an electrical signal that can be processed by the signal processor. In addition, it helps to condition the signal and provide protection against most electrical interference.
Finally, the signal processor is the “brain” of the transducer, and is responsible for providing a variety of features, such as amplification, linearization, filtering, and linear-to-log conversion. It is also responsible for interpreting the data from the circuit interface and sending it to the output device, such as a display, PC, or data logger.
One of the key factors to consider when selecting a pressure transducer is the accuracy of the device. The accuracy of the device will determine how precise and reliable the output data is. Generally, it is best to select the most accurate transducer possible for the application. Additionally, other factors such as size, output signal, electrical interface, environmental conditions, and cost should be considered when determining what type of pressure transducer is best for the application.
In conclusion, pressure transducers are essential devices used in many ISM applications for measuring physical characteristics, such as fluid density, pressure, flow rate, level, and temperature. When choosing the right transducer for an application, it is important to consider the accuracy of the device, as well as other factors such as size, output signal, electrical interface, environmental conditions, and cost.
