The pressure sensor works by measuring force and is generally used with gases and with liquids. Pressure is what force is needed to stop fluids from expanding. Measurements of this are given in terms of the force required per unit of area. Sensors work as transducers during the process, and create electrical signals based on existing pressure levels.

Transducers monitor and control many common applications. They can measure altitude, the flow of fluid and gas, water levels, and speed. For this reason they come in several forms and some are more suited for some applications than are others. They vary and may contain different technologies, have unique designs, and work in a slightly different way. They are also variable in their cost.

Specialized sensors exist that are designed especially to capture any high speed changes in force. This is a great device to measure the force of combustion in an engine cylinder. This sensor is composed of materials such as quartz.

Sensors can be organized based on the force range they measure, their operation temperature ranges, and what force type they measure. In the category of force type that is measured alone there are five distinct sensor devices: sealed, differential, vacuum, gauge, and absolute.

The absolute linear position sensors type measures a force in terms of the force of a perfect vacuum. An example of such a measurement is the atmospheric force at sea level, measured by using the perfect vacuum as a reference. Gauge types may easily be calibrated to determine pressures in relation to the atmosphere at different locations. An example of this would be a tire gauge or data acquisition.

Vacuum varieties measure force that is less than atmospheric in any location. Differential models measure differences provided as inputs to sensing units. These sensors can detect any drops across oil filters and measure flow and level in vessels that are pressurized. Sealed models are mostly the same as gauge ones. The main difference is they have been calibrated by a manufacturer so that measurements are in relation to sea level.

These devices are used in all types of machinery, including aircraft, submarines, and cars. Measurements of force are necessary for the functioning of weather instruments, aircraft, cars, and more. Determining altitude is crucial for aircraft, weather balloons, rockets, and satellites. In fact, pressure sensors are able measure altitude with more accuracy than GPS devices.

They can also sense flow, like between two venturi tubes, when difference are very small. Depth measurements determine levels of submerging for submarines or divers. Sensors can also find the levels of fluids in water towers. Last but not least, they are capable of calculating the lost force caused by leaks.

The pressure sensor can measure forces on gases and liquids. These devices vary in use, design, and contained technology. For this reason they also differ in price. Some can capture high speed force changes and are used for analysis of engine cylinders. Others measure the altitude in a rocket and flow in tubing. They can even analyze the depth of a submarine, fluid levels in a water tower, and the consequences of leaks.

Choose from an expansive selection of state-of-the-art scientific technologies including the linear position sensor, pressure sensor, calibration systems, load cells, mass flow sensor, and accelerometer. These specialized tools are very popular among the research and development industries.