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There are several different types of pressure transducers. However, before explaining the types and styles currently available, one question should be answered. What is a pressure transducer?

In its most basic terms, a pressure transducer measures the pressure exerted on its sensing mechanism and change it to an electrical signal. They are most commonly used to calibrate the pressure that a gas or liquid exerts under variable conditions. They are widely used in aeronautics and oceanographic vehicle manufacture. Various types are made with special conditions in mind, such as measuring pressure exerted in a vacuum or when the gas or liquid is exposed to an extreme range of temperatures. The measurements are then recorded onto data loggers.

A strain gage transducer is the most widely used type. As one might infer from its name, strain (in the form of pressure) is applied to gages. This will cause an analog signal to be transmitted that relates to the pressure exerted.

The electrical output can be measured in three different ways. Millivolt transducers, which are least expensive, are most often used over short distances. They require a steady power supply and do not work well in environments where there is heavy electrical noise.

Voltage output pressure transducers are less susceptible to electrical noise. The power supply is also not as important as with millivolt transducers. The final type of output is a 4-20 mA output pressure transducer, sometimes called a pressure transmitter. These types are often used when lead wires must span a long distance. Least susceptible to electrical noise and power fluctuations, these types can utilize lead wires of around 35 yards or more.

Transducers are categorized according to several attributes. The type of sensor used is one such classification. Vacuum readings can be made with absolute sensors, which test under absolute vacuum. Vacuum sensors are similar, but they test pressures that are lower than a standard atmosphere and compare readings to the pressure at a given spot. Gauge sensors measure relative pressure, differential sensors compare the differences between pressure at two or more spots, and sealed sensors are gauge sensors that have already been calibrated to standard sea level.

Pressure transducers are also classified into two basic categories. The first are the force collectors, which use a bellows, piston, or diaphragm. The second category is basically all transducers that are not force collectors, and encompasses thermal and resonant transducers. Strain gage transducers fall in the category of force collectors, as are capacitive transducers commonly used to take readings under low pressures. Piezoelectric transducers, which are often used to test combustion in automobile engines, are also force collectors. The resonant and thermal transducers check the density of a test gas while under pressure, and are often used to take multiple readings over an extended length of time.

In addition to the question “What is a Pressure Transducer?” one must also ask what the purpose of a pressure transducer is. They are used in many different industries. Aircraft and automobile manufacturers use them, as well as manufacturers of weather sensing instruments. Since they can also be used for altitude sensing, they are often used in satellites, aircraft, and weather balloons. They are widely used in submarines to measure depth, and in various industries to check for leaks in a pressurized system.

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