Core pressure sensor technologies
Electronic pressure sensors measure a physical reaction to applied pressure by converting the resulting proportional change into an electronic signal. Commonly used phenomena include changes in capacitance, or changes in ohmic resistance of a strain gauge or piezoelectric element, which are proportional to the magnitude of the deflection when pressure is applied.
The sensing principle used can influence accuracy, reliability, measurement range, and compatibility with the target environment. In this section of the guide we'll look at some of the key technologies available to engineers, how they work and the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Click the links below to jump to the section you're interested in.
- Capacitive vs. piezoresistive vs. piezoelectric pressure sensors
- Capacitive pressure sensors
- Piezoresistive strain gauge pressure sensors
- Piezoelectric pressure sensors
- MEMs pressure sensors
- Optical pressure sensors
Looking for more on pressure sensor technology? Check out the further chapters of this guide below, or if you're pressed for time you can download it in a PDF format here.
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Chapter 1
How pressure sensors work
An introduction to pressure sensors covering the different types, how they work, their function, construction, and what to consider in your design choices.
Chapter 5
Types of pressure measurement
What’s the difference between absolute, gauge and differential pressure sensors? And how do you know which one to use?
Chapter 2
Pressure sensor applications
Discover the recent innovations in pressure sensor technology that are enabling smarter, safer, and more environmentally friendly electronics for businesses and consumers alike.
Chapter 7
Pressure sensors for different media types
An in-depth guide to pressure sensors for different media types. Learn about the technology, applications, different options, their specifications and their limitations.
Chapter 3
The different types of pressure sensors
Discover how pressure sensors vary according to the type of pressure measurement, sensing principles, output signal, media, MEMS technology, mounting and more.
Chapter 8
Pressure sensing in harsh environments
An in-depth guide to pressure sensors for harsh environments - designing for extreme temperatures, high pressure, and corrosive and dynamic environments.
Chapter 4
Pressure sensor output signals
Sensors, transducers, or transmitters? The right selection is important for your application. So what's the difference and how do you choose between them?
Chapter 9
Understanding specifications
Explore the datasheet and the different factors affecting the accuracy of pressure sensor readings. Discover how to make the right choice for your application.
New products
| Image | Product | New |
|---|---|---|
 | Amphenol Advanced Sensors LCIS media compatible pressure sensors Amphenol Advanced Sensors NovaSensor division LCIS media-compatible pressure sensors feature a high stability SenStable® backside MEMS piezo-resistive chip placed in a board-mountable package. The ceramic button pressure port isolates on-board elect | |
 | Bourns BPS125 series ultra-low pressure digital pressure sensor Bourns' BPS125 series pressure sensor is based on Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. The BPS125 is 3.3V capable and is calibrated for pressure ranges from 250Pa to 1PSI. Designed for advanced sensor needs in industrial automation, ener | |
 | ALPS HSPPAD143A series water proof pressure sensor The Alps Alpine HSPPAD143A series single sensor measures air and water pressure, and features low current consumption with a dedicated ASIC. Features Broad measurement range from 9,000 metres altitude to 10 metres underwater1.8µA low current con | |
 | Bourns BPS140 series environmental sensors Bourns Sensors & Controls Product Line is introducing a new series of environmental sensors based on Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. Designed for the advanced sensor needs in Industrial Automation, Energy, Building & Home Control a | |
 | Amphenol Advanced Sensors NPA low pressure mount pressure sensors The NPA product series is provided in a miniature size as a cost effective solution for applications that require calibrated performance. Packaged in a SOIC14 pin surface mount, the NPA-Low Pressure Series is available in Gauge or Differential press | |
| Amphenol Advanced Sensors NPA series surface mount pressure sensors The NPA Series of Surface-Mount Pressure Sensors is provided in a miniature size as a cost effective solution for applications that require calibrated performance. Packaged in a SOIC14 pin surface mount, the NPA Series is available in gauge, absolut | ||
 | TE Connectivity MS5840-02BA pressure sensor TE Connectivity (TE) introduces the MS5840-02BA pressure sensor; one of the lowest profile micro altimeters in the market. This ultra-compact gel-filled pressure and temperature sensor is optimized for both altimeter and barometer applications and is | |
 | Bourns BPS110, BPS120, BPS130 and BPS230 series environmental sensors Bourns Sensors & Controls Product Line is introducing a new line of environmental sensors based on Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. The initial products offered in the Bourns® Precision Sensor (BPS) line are three pressure sensor mod | |
 | OMRON 2JCIE-BU01 series USB type environment sensors OMRON has launched a USB type version of its 2JCIE environment sensor, designed to sense a range of environmental conditions. Featuring network connectivity via USB or Bluetooth, the sensor combines VOC, humidity, light, barometric pressure, and soun |