Definitions of Pressure Sensor Specification Parameters

Definitions of technical terms used to describe the features,

functions, construction and operation of pressure sensors.
Related explanations are grouped under the headings of
pressure range, accuracy, output signal, electrical connectors
and cables, pressure connections, media compatibility and
approvals.

Select sensor parameter to view associated topics

Pressure Range

Performance

Output Signal

Electrical Connectors and Cables

Pressure Connections

Media Compatibility

Approvals

Pressure Range

Absolute (ABS, A) – is a pressure referenced to zero pressure by

evacuating the reverse or negative side of a sensing element.
Commonly used in measuring vacuum, environmental chambers and
leak testing where measurements need to have an unchanging
reference point independent of surrounding atmospheric pressure.

Burst Pressure - the mechanical integrity of the sensor may fail if

this pressure is exceeded.

Differential Pressure (DP, Diff) - is the pressure measured between

two points. Differential sensors have 2 process connections and
precautions should be taken in ensuring that the sensor is able to
withstand the line pressure. If the line pressure is much higher than
the differential range it should only be applied to both sides at the
same time unless the sensor includes diaphragm mechanical protection
stops.

Gauge (G) – is a pressure referenced to ambient atmospheric

pressure and is the most common form of pressure reference.

Hydrostatic Pressure - is the pressure produced by a column of

liquid and is a convenient method for measuring liquid level or depth
since it is independent of size or shape of the volume being measured.

Line Pressure - mostly used in specifying differential pressure

sensors and refers to the overall mechanical integrity of the sensor in
withstanding the total pressure of the system. The line pressure is not
normally accompanied by the pressure reference but is typically a
gauge pressure.

Overpressure - this is the maximum pressure that can be applied to

a sensor without affecting its performance.

Pressure Units - Since all pressure units, apart from altitude and
non-linear flow conversions, are directly proportional to each other a
pressure sensor is not pressure unit dependent and its pressure range
can be expressed in any units without the need to change any
settings. There are many types of pressure units used depending on
country, application and what level of pressure is being measured, e.g.
Pa and inH2O are used for defining low air pressures such as used in
ventilation ducts in HVAC or building management systems, whereas
mbar (hPa) and inHg are the preferred units used in barometric
measurements.

Sealed Gauge (SG) – is a pressure referenced to atmospheric

pressure by offsetting an absolute reference sensor by 1 bar or sealing
in atmospheric pressure. Typically only used for higher ranges above
35 bar, where atmospheric pressure changes are relatively small and
not greater than the stated accuracy of the sensor or instrument.

Suction Pressure - is like a vacuum pressure but it is measured in

the negative direction referenced to atmospheric or zero gauge
pressure.

Vented Gauge (VG) – is a pressure referenced to atmospheric

pressure via a vent path on the reverse side of the pressure sensing
diaphragm. Measurement performance maybe effected if vent path is
not installed correctly; moisture ingress or air tight seals will prevent
vent from breathing or may cause corrosion to internal components of
measurement device.

Performance

Accuracy - how close the measured reading is to the true value.

Best Straight Line (BSL) - is an average line drawn through all the
measured points. Typically a mathematical least squares fit method is
used.

Compensated Temperature Range - defines the limits over which

the thermal errors have been tested and verified.

Full Scale (FS) - refers to the maximum measurable pressure or

output signal. When the sensor has a plus and minus pressure range
or output signal the full scale is taken from the lowest point to the
highest, but positive pressures ranges or output signals are always
referenced to zero.
Full Span (FS) - refers to the difference between the lowest and
highest measured pressure or output signal, e.g. the full span of a
-200 to +200 mbar range would be a 400 mbar span or a +100 to
+200 mbar range would be 100 mbar span.

(Non) Linearity, Hysteresis and Repeatability (NLHR) - rolls

together all the room temperature uncertainties into one statement of
precision (accuracy is often used instead of precision even though the
latter is more technically correct).

Precision - how close the measured reading is to the mean or

average of all the measured values.

Span Offset - The maximum deviation of the span output signal that
should be expected across a number of sensors of the same
specification. This is typically specified as a percentage of span output.

Stability or Long Term Drift - an indication of the maximum change

in accuracy over a period of time in a benign environment, typically
quoted as annual percentage e.g. ±0.1% FS/year. This is not normally
a guaranteed figure since so many factors related to the sensors use
can accelerate the life of the sensor causing it to drift by a greater
degree.

Terminal Straight Line (TSL) - is a reference line drawn between

the lowest and highest measured value. This type of reference tends to
produce a wider accuracy value because many sensing technologies
have a natural bow in the middle which is approximately halved using
the best straight line method.

Thermal Span Shift (TSS) - the maximum deviation of output signal

at a given span over the compensated temperature range. Typically
expressed as a percentage e.g. ±3% Span/Deg C.
Thermal Zero Shift (TZS) - the maximum deviation of output signal
at zero pressure over the compensated temperature range. Typically
expressed as a percentage e.g. ±2% FS/Deg C.

Zero Offset - The maximum deviation of the lowest output value that
should be expected across a number of sensors of the same
specification. Typically expressed as a fixed value such as ±2mV or a
percentage of full scale or span such as ±2% FS.

Output Signal

Amplified Voltage (V) - convenient measurement signal for most

applications since most analogue to digital converters (ADC) will
accept 5 or 10 full scale inputs. Used extensively in the automotive
and aerospace industry in 3 (common negative connection) or 4 wire
(isolated input and output) configurations the former being the most
widely used. The amplified voltage uses less power than the more
robust current output but is less susceptible to losses than the mV
output signal and is compatible with most ADC.

Current Loop (mA) - by far the most popular current output is the 4-
20mA 2 wire type which only requires 2 wires for installation and can
be used over great distances without significant signal losses.
Traditionally used in process plants it is now found throughout industry
with the introduction in recent years of more compact sensor
construction. 3 wire 4-20mA and 0-20mA are rarer and generally not
specified unless required for replacement on legacy installations.

HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) - is a type of

digital communications protocol for configuring and reading
instrumentation via the 4 to 20mA current loop. HART data is
communicated via a low level AC digital signal which is superimposed
over the 4-20mA analogue signal without any disruption and therefore
can be used at the same time as the analogue signal.
Millivolt (mV) - predominantly an un-amplified ratiometric output
signal produced by a wheatstone bridge strain gauge circuit. This
output offers the best dynamic response since it is only limited by the
natural frequency of the diaphragm assembly.

Ratiometric - has an output which varies proportionally to the supply

voltage. Most sensors with millivolt outputs have ratiometric outputs
and some amplified outputs such as 0.5 to 4.5 Vdc are dependent on
supply voltage.

RS232 - being slowly replaced by more modern alternatives USB and

RS485, this interface is still found on older computers inside and
outside industry. Typically easier to interface than RS485 for most
users and can be converted to USB without too much trouble. In a
similar way to USB, many manufacturers provide RS232 converter and
software packages for quick and easy installation.

RS485 - has mostly replaced RS232 in industrial applications

providing a robust digital signal which can be transmitted over
distances as far as 1200 metres. Interfacing with a RS485 either
requires the writing of a software program using the manufacturers
provided protocol or supplied software and hardware.

Span Sensitivity - is the amount of output signal produced per unit of

pressure, e.g. a 50 psi sensor with a 0-5Volt would have a span
sensitivity of 0.1 V/psi. For a millivolt output sensor this would also
incorporate supply voltage, e.g. a 50 psi sensor with a full scale output
of 30mV with 10V supply would have span sensitivity of 0.06
mV/psi/V.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) - now the most convenient and popular
way to connect to a computer, sensors with USB interfaces are
normally provided with all the converters ad software to enable the
user to be up and running very quickly.
Electrical Connectors and Cables

DIN plug - the most popular and lowest cost electrical connector is
used in all general applications indoors and outdoors. If correctly
installed a DIN plug will achieve IP65 but care should be taking to not
restrict the vent path on a gauge reference pressure sensor.

FEP Cable (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) - higher level of

chemical resistance than PTFE. FEP is often used with substances such
as gasoline and landfill site leach agents.

Integral Cable Gland - cable is retained by sliding a grommet over

the cable and then compressing it to seal via a hex nut. These types of
cable seal mostly offer an IP65 protection but can be lower at IP63 or
higher to IP68 but can only be submerged to a few metres. For higher
rated cable glands the sealing arrangement is more complicated and
normally involves 2 or 3 stages of sealing for greater water tightness.

IP Ratings - indicate the level of protection against dust and moisture

ingress, the first number is for dust and the second number is for
moisture. The higher the number is the greater the protection.

M12 Connector - small and compact used predominantly in

automotive applications.

PTFE Cable (Polytetrafluoroethylene) - high temperature rating

and chemically resistant to aggressive substances such as hydraulic
fluids, oils and lubricants and is commonly used in automotive and
aerospace applications.

PUR Cable (Polyurethane) - more durable and chemically resistant

than PVC it is recommended for applications where the cable is longer
and is exposed outdoors.
PVC Cable (Polyvinyl Chloride) - this is the most common outer
jacket for a sensor cable and offers all round chemical resistance.

Vented Cable - has 1 or 2 vent tubes, typically made from nylon,

running through its length to provide a breathing path from outside
atmospheric pressure to the reference side of gauge reference
pressure sensor. Particularly for lower ranges it is advisable to use a
vented cable on gauge reference pressure sensors to ensure that
changes in atmospheric pressure are easily transmitted to the
reference side of sensing element. Short lengths of un-vented cable do
vent but a bend or longer lengths may restrict the vent path and
therefore the use of vented cable is always recommended. Some
manufacturers provide a vent via the sensor housing and in these
cases vented cable is not needed.

Pressure Connections

BSP (British Standard Pipe) - a universally adopted thread of fixed

pitch for a given thread size which is either parallel (G) or a tapered
(R) thread. The G1/4 (1/4BSP) and G1/2 (1/2BSP) parallel threads are
the most widely used standard in European countries. In addition to
thread size there is also a fitting style that should be specified which is
typically DIN3852, DIN16288 or EN837. DIN3852 uses a bonded or
Dowty seal around the outer diameter of the thread and DIN16288 or
EN837 a small o ring mounted on a protrusion from the tip of the male
thread.

Dowty or Bonded Seal - is a metal washer with an elastomer seal

bonded to its inside diameter. The seal is made by pushing together 2
flat faces with the seal sandwiched between the 2 surfaces.

EPDM Seals (Ethylene Propylene) - offer excellent resilience

against solvents, antifreeze and aviation hydraulic fluids such as
Skydrol with an operating temperature range from -54 to +150 deg C
(-65.2 to +302 deg F).
NBR or BUNA N Seals - general purpose seal material for use with
fuels, oils and lubricants. The operating temperature range is -55 to
+120 deg C (-65 to +248 deg C).

NPT (Tapered National Pipe Thread) - originating in the USA this

thread is widely used throughout the world. An NPT thread is sealed by
wrapping a seal tape or sealant around the male thread before
tightening to the appropriate torque setting.

Viton or FKM Seals (Fluoroelastomers) - are the most commonly

used form of pressure seal and have excellent resistance to
hydrocarbons and solvents. They can also be used up to high
temperature with a working range of -40 to +200 deg C (-40 to 392
deg F).

Media Compatibility

Ceramic Alumina (Al2O3) - used as a diaphragm material due to its

hardness and highly elastic properties this material has excellent
chemical resistance and can be used with substances that would
quickly corrode thin stainless steel diaphragms such as seawater and
acidic solutions.

Dry/Dry - differential pressure sensor that can only accept a dry non-
condensing and non-condensing gaseous media applied to both the
positive and negative pressure ports.

Hygienic or Sanitary means the sensor has a completely flush

diaphragm for easy cleaning and is often made from highly polished
stainless steel to discourage build up harmful bacteria and other
contaminants. Any fluid used to transmit pressure to an inner sensing
element behind a flush isolation diaphragm must be edible, e.g. olive
oil, in order to prevent contamination if a diaphragm fails and leaks
into the process media. These types of sensor are primarily used in the
Food, Drink, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industries where there
are extreme levels of cleanliness and protection against product
contamination.

Oxygen Service or Oxygen Cleaned means that the sensor is

suitable for measuring the pressure of pure Oxygen or other media
including high concentrations of Oxygen. The sensor must be designed
so that no fluids or materials are used in the construction which might
cause a fire or explosion when brought into contact with pure Oxygen.
The part of the sensor which will be in contact with pure Oxygen is
also cleaned to a stringent procedure to remove any contaminants that
may have been introduced during the manufacture of the sensor.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)

Sensor Housings - offer corrosion resistance from solvents, acids and
bases which would otherwise corrode stainless steel housings.

Stainless Steel Grades - there are a few types used in the

construction of pressure sensors which include 303, 304, 17-4ph,
316Ti, 316L and Duplex. All offer high levels of corrosion resistance
against most common media, particularly 316L which is often specified
which offers the best protection. Duplex is typically only used in
offshore applications which require the protection from seawater and
salt spray corrosion.

Wet/Dry - differential pressure sensor that can accept a liquid media

applied to the positive pressure port and only dry non-condensing and
non-corrosive gaseous media on the negative side.

Wetted Parts - These are the sensor materials that are exposed to
the liquid media being measured.

Wet/Wet - differential pressure sensor that can accept a liquid media

applied to both the positive and negative pressure ports.
Approvals

ATEX - is the European Directive for governing health and safety in

explosive environments. For instrumentation to be used in an area
where explosive gases or dust are or maybe present they must first be
approved by a recognised body such as Beseefa and then installed
with other ATEX approved equipment appropriate to the level of
protection required for the installation.

Intrinsically Safe or Intrinsic Safety - is a method for limiting the

amount of energy, heat or ignition sources entering a hazardous zone
containing or potentially containing an explosive atmosphere. Typically
a pressure sensor installed in the hazardous area is connected to
instrumentation in the safe area via a zener diode or galvanic
(transformer) isolated barrier system located also in the safe area. The
pressure sensor must be matched with the barrier system so that the
barrier only allows voltage and current levels through which are within
those defined in the pressure sensor approval. Any electrical energy
exceeding the barrier limits will be redirected to ground/earth in the
case of the zener barrier or blocked in the case of the galvanic
(transformer) isolated barrier.

Marine Approval - means that a devise has been tested and certified
by a recognised body such as Lloyd's Register, Det Norske Veritas or
Germanischer Lloyd for use on a ship.