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Pressure Measurement · Glossary

What is a Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor?

strain gauge on a diaphragmPressure Measurement

A piezoresistive pressure sensor uses resistors on a diaphragm whose resistance changes with strain as pressure bends it.

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Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Explained

Silicon or thin film resistors form a Wheatstone bridge on the diaphragm. Pressure bends the diaphragm, unbalancing the bridge, and the electronics convert the small voltage into a pressure signal.

These sensors are compact, robust and cheap, and are used in most industrial pressure transmitters and switches. Temperature compensation is needed because silicon resistance also changes with temperature.

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Calculators for Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor

CalculatorPressure Gauge Accuracy CalculatorFree online calculator with formula and worked example.CalculatorStrain Gauge CalculatorFree online calculator with formula and worked example.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor?

A piezoresistive pressure sensor uses resistors on a diaphragm whose resistance changes with strain as pressure bends it.

Piezoresistive or piezoelectric?

Piezoresistive sensors change resistance and measure static pressure. Piezoelectric sensors generate charge and only measure changing pressure.

Why do some sensors have oil fill?

A thin steel isolating diaphragm protects the silicon chip; oil carries the pressure to it.

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Gauge pressure transmitter: working principle and applications

A practical guide on instrumentationblog.in with more detail on piezoresistive pressure sensor and how it is applied on real plants.

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Related Terms

Pressure termCapacitive Pressure SensorA capacitive pressure sensor measures pressure from the change in capacitance as a diaphragm moves…Pressure termFill FluidFill fluid is the incompressible liquid inside a pressure sensor or diaphragm seal that transmits…Pressure termOverpressure LimitOverpressure limit is the highest pressure a sensor can take without damage or loss of its calibration.

More Pressure Measurement Terms

Pressure termStatic Pressure EffectStatic pressure effect is the change in a DP transmitter reading caused by line pressure acting on both sides.Pressure termManometerA manometer measures pressure from the height difference of a liquid column in a U tube or inclined tube.Pressure termWater HammerWater hammer is the pressure surge created when a moving liquid is suddenly stopped, for example by fast…Pressure termPressure SnubberA pressure snubber is a restriction fitted before a gauge or switch to damp pulsation and pressure spikes.Pressure termPressure Gauge SiphonA pressure gauge siphon is a looped or U shaped tube fitted below a pressure gauge on steam to keep hot…Pressure termPressure Switch DeadbandPressure switch deadband is the difference between the pressure at which a switch trips and the pressure…

All pressure measurement terms · Full glossary A to Z

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