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

Pressure sensors serve as measuring elements and convert the physical quantity pressure into an electrical variable. WIKA defines a pressure transmitter as a pressure sensor with standardised electrical and mechanical interfaces and a standardised output signal. Pressure sensors are generally used to measure absolute pressure as well as gauge pressure and differential pressure with little effort and in a short time. WIKA manufactures pressure sensors using the three most-common pressure measurement principles from industrial measurement technology - thin-film sensors, thick-film sensors and piezoresistive pressure sensors.

How do pressure sensors work?

Pressure sensors are generally differentiated by their measuring ranges, the pressure connection thread, the output signal and the electrical connection. The standardised pressure connection directs the pressure being measured onto the pressure sensor element. The electronics of the pressure sensor converts the signal into a scaled signal, which is passed on to the subsequent signal evaluation via a standardised connector or cable.

How does a piezoresistive pressure sensor work?

A piezoresistive pressure sensor has a silicon-based diaphragm. The functional principle of a piezoresistive pressure sensor is based on the piezoresistive effect for pressure measurement. The piezoresistive effect specifies that the electrical resistance in semiconductor materials, such as the silicon diaphragm, changes due to tension or compression.

In our overview of the different pressure sensors at WIKA, you can learn more about the different pressure sensor types, application areas and how to select the right pressure sensor.

What are differential pressures used for?

A differential pressure sensor measures the difference between two absolute pressures and displays it as differential pressure. They are used in the monitoring of filters, pumps or compressors, such as the differential pressure sensor A2G-50 from WIKA. They also play a major role in pharmaceutical industry.