Pressure Sensors

What is a pressure sensor, and what is a pressure transmitter?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a technical difference between the two. A pressure sensor is a primary component that converts physical pressure into a low-level electrical signal, typically measured in millivolts. It usually requires external amplification. A pressure transmitter, on the other hand, includes additional electronic circuitry to amplify and condition that signal into a standardized industrial output, such as 4-20mA or 0-10V. This allows the signal to be transmitted over long distances with high resistance to electrical noise.

How do pressure sensors work?

Most industrial pressure sensors operate based on the piezoresistive effect. The sensor contains a flexible diaphragm that deforms slightly when pressure is applied. Attached to this diaphragm are strain gauges arranged in a Wheatstone bridge circuit. As the diaphragm moves, the electrical resistance of the strain gauges changes proportionally to the pressure. This change is then converted into a measurable electrical voltage. Zinaca Instruments uses high-grade materials like stainless steel and ceramic to ensure these sensors provide long-term stability and high accuracy even in harsh environments.

How does a miniature pressure sensor work?

Miniature pressure sensors utilize MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology to provide high performance in an extremely small footprint. These sensors feature a tiny sensing element etched directly onto a silicon wafer. Despite their small size, they function similarly to larger sensors by detecting the deflection of a microscopic silicon diaphragm. Because the moving mass is so small, miniature pressure sensors offer exceptionally high frequency response, making them ideal for dynamic pressure measurements in wind tunnels, medical devices, and compact OEM machinery where space is limited.