What is a Pressure Transducer?

A pressure transducer is a sensor used for measuring pressure within various matters. They are sometimes referred to as pressure transmitters and are suitable for a range of applications in different areas depending on their specifications.

A pressure transducer converts pressure into an analogue electrical signal. Many of them use internal strain gauges bonded to an internal diaphragm. When pressure is applied through the pressure port, the diaphragm will deflect and the strain gauges will be compressed altering the output signal which will be relative to the amount of pressure being applied.

Pressure is defined as force divided area; the deformation of the strain gauges can be directly related to the force being applied, dividing this by the area of the diaphragm will give the pressure measurement. This is usually in either Bar or PSI.  

Different Types of Pressure Transducer

There are different types of pressure transducer for different applications. For applications in high-risk environments an intrinsically safe pressure transducer or explosion-proof pressure transducer will be best suited.

For underwater applications, a submersible pressure transducer – otherwise known as a liquid level sensor will be selected.

For applications with a safety integrated performance level requirement, a SIL-2 pressure transducer is the best option.

In applications where temperature also requires monitoring, we have a range of combined pressure and temperature transducers, these are designed to save space.

What is a Pressure Transducer Used for?

Pressure transducers are so diverse they are used within almost any industry. Some of the applications we have solved in the past are;

• Oil and Fuel Pressure
• Brake Pressure
• Motorsport Testing Equipment
• HVAC Applications
• Commercial Vehicles and Mobile Vehicle
• Compressors
• Hydraulics
• Agriculture
• Robotics
• Automation
• Industrial Applications

Selecting a Pressure Transducer

When selecting a pressure transducer, it’s important to take the following factors into consideration;

Expected Pressure range of application – understanding the expected pressure range which requires measuring will help with the selection process. For accuracy, it is best to choose a pressure transducer with the smallest measurement range available for your application.

Required Accuracy – different applications will require different levels of accuracy. Accuracy levels can be found on the datasheets of our products, many of our pressure transducers have an accuracy level of +/-0.5% which are suitable for high accuracy applications.

Environment – many external factors could have an impact on the functionality of the pressure transducer. Temperature, shock, vibration, dust, dirt and moisture; it is important to take all of these into consideration as the presence of these can affect the functionality of some pressure transducers.

Required Certifications – if your application is in an intrinsically safe environment or your pressure transducer needs to be explosion-proof certain certifications will be required.  

Features of Variohm Pressure Transducers

As well as offering a range of pressure transducers from our trusted suppliers we also have our own range of pressure transducers. Some of the features of our own pressure transducers are;

• Many have no internal O rings giving them higher accuracy and longer life
• They have a wide operating temperature; many of them from -40°C to 125°C
• Vacuum, absolute and/or gauge pressure
• Up to 5,000 bar range
• High accuracy +/-0.5%
• Analogue and Digital Output

Pressure Transducers from Variohm

We have a wide range of pressure transducers. With our own EPT range along with our ranges from our suppliers ADZ Nagano and TE Connectivity we are confident that our range covers all applications.

We have a range of different sizes, pressure ranges, approvals and outputs.

If you would like more information on our pressure transducers or would like to discuss your application then please contact us.