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.