What is a pressure sensor [Overview]

北京莱森泰克

What is a pressure sensor [Overview] [Copy link]

A pressure sensor is a device that detects and quantifies physical pressure signals and converts them into usable electrical output signals. They are widely used in a variety of scenarios where pressure needs to be monitored or controlled. The following is an overview of the working principles and daily uses of pressure sensors.

Working principle: Pressure sensors can be divided into many types according to their working principles, including strain gauge, piezoresistive, capacitive, piezoelectric , etc. Here are two common principles:

1. Strain gauge type (piezoresistive type) : This type of sensor contains metal foil or semiconductor strain gauges. When external pressure acts on the sensor, it causes a slight deformation of the sensor material, which causes the resistance value of the strain gauge to change. Since there is a linear relationship between the resistance value and the pressure, the pressure can be calculated by measuring the resistance change. This type of sensor has high accuracy and is often used for precise measurement.

2. Piezoelectric : Piezoelectric materials have the property of generating voltage when under pressure. When pressure acts on a piezoelectric element, a charge or voltage output proportional to the pressure is generated. This type of sensor has a fast response speed and is suitable for measuring dynamic pressure. It is commonly used in monitoring impact force and vibration.

Pressure sensors are also indispensable in our daily life. The application of pressure sensors is very extensive. The following are some typical application scenarios:

1.Automotive industry : used to monitor tire pressure, oil pressure, brake system pressure, etc. to ensure driving safety and performance optimization.

2. Medical equipment : measuring blood pressure in a sphygmomanometer and monitoring airway pressure in a ventilator to ensure treatment effectiveness and patient safety.

3. Meteorological monitoring : Measuring atmospheric pressure, combined with temperature and humidity data, for weather forecasting and climate change research.

4. Consumer electronics : Smart watches and fitness bands monitor pressure changes related to blood pressure or heart rate and provide health management data.

5. Household appliances : For example, controlling water pressure in a coffee machine to ensure the quality of coffee extraction; monitoring water level in a washing machine to automatically adjust the water intake.

6. Industrial Automation : Monitor pressure in hydraulic systems and pneumatic systems to achieve process control and safety protection. It is widely used in petroleum, chemical, metallurgy and other industries.

7. Aerospace : Monitor the air pressure of aircraft to ensure flight safety and performance regulation, and is also used for environmental control and life support systems in spacecraft.