Setra Blog

In the Test and Measurement industry, pressure plays a large part in engine testing and automotive component manufacturing. That’s why wherever you find engines being tested, you’ll likely find transducers measuring everything from air intake pressures to exhaust back-pressures. In the automotive industry, you’ll find transducers measuring everything from tire inflation pressure for dynamometer testing to controlling tool pressure during crankshaft journal burnishing.

See below for the many categories and descriptions of where Test & Measurement transducers are used and why:

The following steps clearly indicate the exact sequence to properly troubleshoot a Setra 2 wire, mil-amp circuit. You must work with the assumption that either the Setra product or the system & circuitry is bad.

Which method provides better accuracy?  Non-linearity as the End Point Method is the relationship of the calibration curve to a specified straight line through its endpoints (i.e. Zero and Full Scale). Best Fit Straight Line (BFSL) method is the relationship of the calibration curve to a calculated straight line that minimizes the error but does not pass through the end points. BFSL method effectively cuts the end point value in half.

Shock & Vibration Are 2 Potential Mechanical Problems for transducer

There are numerous environmental factors that may interfere with the performance of a pressure transducer.  Two factors that sometimes overlooked to engineers are shock and vibration. Knowing the system where the pressure transducer is installed can help avoid high shock and vibration conditions, minimizing premature failure of your instrumentation. Before understanding the risks associated with shock and vibration, how a pressure transducer may experience or encounter these effects must be defined. 

Shock is a sudden, unexpected impact that transmits energy

If pressure transducers are exposed to a manufacturing environment that exceeds the suppliers specified limits, sensor issues will occur. during storage or assembly. An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) design engineer should take note of the following six conditions while designing a system to be manufactured and shipped to an end-user.

Barometric altimeters calculate and display altitude by measuring the local barometric pressure and converting that measurement into altitude. This conversion is done using the Standard Atmosphere Table, an international standard representing the barometric pressure at various altitudes on a so-called "standard day" which assumes a consistent non-linear relationship between altitude and pressure. Barometric pressure is used in absolute pressure datums to ensure repeatable measurement

Using temperature stand-offs can replace expensive high temperature pressure sensors.

When selecting a pressure transducer for monitoring high temperature liquids or gases, be sure to note the operating temperature range of the transducer. This specification is included under environmental data on most manufacturers’ data sheets. The temperature compensated range specification of a transducer is the error introduced as temperature increases or decreases from 70°F. This thermal error affects both the span and zero setting of the transducers analog output and is generally listed as a percent of full scale per degree (% FS/°F). The static accuracy (accuracy at 70°F) of the pressure transducer plus the thermal error introduced by a high temperature pressure source is the total possible error for a specific high temperature pressure measurement

The MicroCal™ automated pressure calibrator is used as a stand-alone calibration standard for differential and gauge pressure sensors found in critical environments. Setra partnered with NASA to develop the industry’s quickest and most stable pressure control for low range applications. The Micro-Cal™ combines precise pressure control with high accuracy modular pressure references providing the quickest and most accurate calibration solution available on the market today.  The MicroCal™ is an easy-to-use solution that significantly improves labor productivity and efficiency when compared to the leading competitors, providing immediate ROI.

Apprenticeship Programs: The Solution For More Skilled Workers

A shortage in skilled labor is a serious issue in United States'

manufacturing industry.  Why? There's a misconception of what kind of training someone needs to have in order to enter professions within this industry.  Many begin to build their skills through trade school before becoming a manufacturing professional.  These students don't always get the proper hands-on training that can truly prepare them for the complex world of manufacturing  Yet with these schools, there's still the perception that traditional degrees have more long-term value than vocation training.

 Pressure Transducers in Test & Measurement:

Particle Test & Analysis

Pressure transducers are commonly used in particle test and analysis applications. Learn how sensors are used within three different scenarios of particle test and analysis.

Porosimeters/Permeameters

These products are utilized for grain volume measurements, direct pore volume measurements, and grain density determination.