Scribd
Upload
59 views

Introduction To Pressure Transducers

GP:50 sells transducers that convert mechanical energy from pressure into electrical signals. There are two main sensing technologies: strain gauges and capacitance. Strain gauge transducers use foil gauges on a diaphragm that change resistance with pressure. Capacitance transducers use a diaphragm that changes capacitance based on pressure. Transducers can output millivolts, voltage, or milliamp signals. Key factors in selecting a transducer are the system pressure requirements, process temperature, and compatibility of the pressure media.

Uploaded by

TEUKU
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
59 views

Introduction To Pressure Transducers

GP:50 sells transducers that convert mechanical energy from pressure into electrical signals. There are two main sensing technologies: strain gauges and capacitance. Strain gauge transducers use foil gauges on a diaphragm that change resistance with pressure. Capacitance transducers use a diaphragm that changes capacitance based on pressure. Transducers can output millivolts, voltage, or milliamp signals. Key factors in selecting a transducer are the system pressure requirements, process temperature, and compatibility of the pressure media.

Uploaded by

TEUKU
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Pressure, Level & Temperature Transmitters & Transducers

2770 Long Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 U.S.A.


Ph: 716.773.9300 • Fax: 716.773.5019
[email protected] • www.GP50.com

Introduction to Pressure Transducers

B roadly speaking, a transducer is a device which transforms one type of energy into another. At GP:50 we
sell a specific class of transducers which convert mechanical energy into an equivalent electrical signal for
measuring or controlling the input media.

This type of electro-mechanical transducer (Pressure Transducer) is usually located at the source of the physical
force and will respond to changes in magnitude. The readout or control instrumentation can then be positioned at
any convenient distance from the transducer, and connected to it by electrical wiring.

Two types of pressure sensing technologies that GP:50 uses in its current product line are strain gauge and
capacitance.

Strain Gauge
A strain gauge pressure transducer uses bonded foil strain gauges on a sensor that changes resistance when
pressure is applied. This is accomplished by bonding the foil strain gauges in a Wheatstone bridge configuration
on a sensing diaphragm. When the sensor is put into tension or compression, the resistance changes in proportion
to the amount of stress that is applied to it and this change in resistance is converted into an electrical output
signal.

Capacitance
A capacitance pressure transducer, like bonded strain gauge, utilizes an electrical parameter that is made to
change in proportion to the change in pressure. Our Capacitance sensor has a single sensing diaphragm with 2
passive diaphragms, one on either side. A change in capacitance is converted to a frequency oscillation whose
output is controlled by an electronic package and converted to an electrical output. The capacitance sensor is
very popular and is often used in applications where low pressures are required. This technology allows you to
measure extremely low-pressure ranges down to 0-5 inwc full scale and contains silicone oil fill, providing better
stability.

General Information
What types of output do Pressure Transducers have?

There are three different types of pressure transducers that are available, millivolt (mV), voltage (Vdc), and
milliampere (mA).

Millivolt
Millivolt - (GP:50 100 Series) is a bonded foil strain gauge bridge transducer with a nominal 3 mV/V output
signal. It is unusual in that it incorporates an instrumentation amplifier in its circuit design to aid in manufacturing
flexibility. It is done, however, in such a fashion that the electrical characteristics of the unit are almost exactly
like those of a full-bridge type transducer - namely, an output that varies with input voltage (ratiometric), and an
input impedance of 350 ohms. It has a minimum operating input voltage of 3 V on DC only. Full scale outputs of 5
and 10 mV/V, or as high as 100 mV/V, are easily obtained as optional features. These units may have the inputs
leads reversed or shorted without damage to the circuitry.

Page 1
Pressure, Level & Temperature Transmitters & Transducers
2770 Long Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 U.S.A.
Ph: 716.773.9300 • Fax: 716.773.5019
[email protected] • www.GP50.com

An Explanation of GP:50
Performance Specifications
Voltage
Voltage - (GP:50 200 Series) is also a bonded strain gauge transducer with internal signal conditioning to
provide a Vdc output signal in direct proportion to input pressure. Internal voltage regulation on these units allows
operation on an unregulated power supply from 9-40 Vdc. The units have a single-ended output with a common
ground between input and output, so that multiple units may be easily powered by a common power supply.
These units may also have the input leads reversed or shorted without damage to the circuitry.

Milliamp
Milliamp - (GP:50 300 Series) termed a transmitter by the industry, is a strain gage device with internal signal
conditioning to provide an industry standard 4-20 mA full-scale output signal in direct proportion to the input
pressure. These are true, two wire devices, reverse-wire protected, that operate on a 9-40 Vdc excitation and
can drive 1200 ohms maximum at 37 Vdc or 600 ohms at 24 Vdc.

Selecting a Transducer
What are some important factors that must be considered when selecting a Pressure Transducer?
There are three primary considerations when selecting a transducer. They are:

• System Pressure Requirements


1) The Pressure Requirements of the system
Many hydraulic and pneumatic systems exhibit short duration pulses or shocks that are superimposed on a
steady state operating pressure. These are caused by a rapid change in system equilibrium due to compressors,
pumps, pistons, and valves. Dynamic overpressures have the potential of exceeding the overload capability of
the pressure transducer. Opening and closing valves slowly, installing surge tanks, utilizing pressure snubbers or
relocating the transducer can prevent damage. To provide maximum protection against dynamic overpressure,
GP:50 subjects every transducer to a 200% pressure overload during the manufacture of each transducer. The
normal working pressure of the system should be below the maximum range of the pressure transducer. The
proof pressure and burst pressure ratings should be sufficiently high to provide an adequate safety margin in the
event that there is a system malfunction and an overpressure occurs. As a guideline, a pressure transducer's
pressure range should be chosen to be 125% the normal working pressure.

• Process Temperature
2) Process Temperature
Measurement errors can be introduced due to temperature changes in either the pressure media or in ambient
conditions. The temperature range should be within the compensated temperature range of the transducer, and
the maximum system temperature should not exceed the maximum stated temperature rating of the pressure
transducer.
• Compatibility
3) Compatability of Pressure Media with the Transducer
Measurement Transducers are exposed to a variety of liquids, gases, and slurries. In some applications the
pressure media is corrosive, which can damage the sensing diaphragm. This corrosion of the diaphragm will
change the transducer's sensitivity as well as its strength, reducing the overpressure capability. The pressure
media must be compatible with the components of the pressure transducer, otherwise the lifetime of the pressure
transducer is compromised. For further information, please contact the factory direct.
Page 2

You might also like