Pressure Sensors: The Design Engineers' Guide

Pressure sensors for different media types

Unlike sensors such as temperature or motion, there are a number of different media types that pressure sensors can measure. Dependent on the application a pressure sensor may come into contact with a variety of chemicals, liquids or gases, or have to function in extremely harsh environments.

Manufacturers will consider operating conditions when designing and fabricating and many offer sensor packages designed for specific media. However, they will also provide warnings on the limitations and restrictions on their sensors, and recommendations on how to overcome these limitations.

This chapter explores the different types of media that pressure sensors can measure, the applications of each type, and the different sensor options for your design. Click the links below to jump to the section you're interested in.


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.

Need some advice on pressure sensors?

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Need a more digestible introduction to pressure sensors? Download the white paper, 'Pressure sensors: Design considerations and technology options'.

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Pressure Sensors Chapter 1 GBL

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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.

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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?

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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.

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Chapter 6

The core pressure sensor technologies

What’s the difference between the different pressure sensor technologies? And how do you know which one to use?

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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New products

ImageProductNew
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