All pressure sensors, though manufactured by different pressure sensor manufacturers have typical sizing and specifications. There are many common technical specifications. Though they might vary in terminology, and according to the type of sensor, a basic understanding of these specifications is important.
Important technical specifications needed when ordering a pressure sensor include the following:
1. Sensor type: This defines the type of pressure the sensor is meant to measure. This includes absolute pressure, compound pressure, differential pressure, gauge pressure, and vacuum pressure.
2. Operating pressure range: This is the range of pressure over which the sensor can safely operate and an output signal.
3. Maximum pressure or burst pressure: This is the maximum value of pressure that can be withstood by the sensor without damaging itself. If the applied pressure is more than this maximum pressure value, it might result in device failure or inaccurate signal output.
4. Output type: This is the type of output of the pressure sensor. It could be Millivolt, Ratiometric, Current loop, or Digital .
5. Full scale: This is the difference between the maximum pressure that the sensor can measure and zero pressure.
6. Operating temperature range: This is the temperature range between which the sensor can operate reliably and provide an output signal. High temperatures require special adjustments
7. Accuracy: Accuracy is a measure of the deviation in measurement between the pressure level as defined by the sensor output versus the actual output generated by the sensor. Accuracy is often expressed as a +/- range of pressure unit or as a +/- percentage error.
8. Supply voltage: This is the power supply required to power the pressure sensor, typically measured in volts.
9. Resolution: Resolution: It is the nature of the sensor that represents even the smallest difference in the output signal.
10. Drift: It is the measure of the gradual change in the calibrated state of the sensor over time.
