Setra Blog

The sensing and measurement of physical quantities through small changes in electrical capacitance is scarcely a new concept. The natural benefits of this approach were recognized for many years. But it was not until Setra engineers introduced new materials, new designs, and innovative, dedicated circuitry that the techniques full potential was realized in the practical, real world of pressure measurement.

Here at Setra we realize that each customer is unique and every application has different requirements that necessitate different features in a pressure sensor. We have the best interests of the customer in mind and realize we may not have the best sensor for a particular situation.

Shock & vibration are two potential mechanical problems for pressure transducers.

Shock is a sudden, unexpected impact that transmits energy to a device in a relatively short time interval. For a pressure transducer, that energy passes through the stainless steel up through the housing. Shock may originate from rough transportation and handling, such as by trucks, forklifts and conveyors. Alternately, shock can be caused simply by dropping the transducer on the shop floor or by an assembler slamming a cabinet door adjacent to it. A transducer may not be damaged by a single shock, but can experience fatigue failure with numerous low-level shocks over the course of its life.

Excessively high temperatures are a common source of pressure transducer difficulties.

Like most other electronic equipment, pressure transducers are effected by temperature, shock and vibrations. They consist of numerous components that only function within specified temperature ranges. Transducers exposed to temperatures exceeding those ranges during the assembly process can be adversely affected.

After reviewing the top 5 product considerations (pressure, media, temperature, and environment) in which the pressure transducer will be installed, it’s time to look at transducer construction, circuit design and the pressure transducer manufacturer's supply chain.

On the heels of an economic crisis, the President of the United States signed the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in 2009 with the goal of:

Capacitive pressure transducers have earned a reputation for consistently high accuracy and unmatched long-term stability. These sensors find broad application in areas where characteristics rate from important to vital. A few of these include:

Capacitance based pressure transducers provide many benefits over other technologies. 8 features that should be considered when choosing a pressure transducer are accuracy, minimal mechanical motion, range capabilities, long term stability, high-level output, media compatibility, electromagnetic compatibility and resistant to harsh environments..

Often we hear terms used to describe pressure transducers or terms commonly used in the HVAC/R and industrial industries, but there may be some confusion as to their meaning. Here are a few commonly used terms and their definitions.

Equipment designers today can choose from an impressive array of commercially available pressure sensors. 

Sensing devices range from modern versions of the venerable manometer and Bourdon tube, through bonded strain gauges to sophisticated units using, deposited or ion-implanted piezoresistive semiconductor elements on silicon or sapphire substrates.