Pressure sensors

Pressure-sensitive sensors come in different designs:

• mechanical pressure switches with binary output signal,

• electronic pressure switches with binary output signal,

• electronic pressure sensors with analogue output signal.

Mechanical pressure switches with binary output signal

In a mechanical pressure switch, the pressure acts on a piston area. If the force exerted by the pressure exceeds the spring force, the piston moves and actuates the contacts of the switching elements.

Electronic pressure switches with binary output signal

Typical examples of electronic pressure switches with binary output signal are diaphragm pressure switches that switch the output electronically instead of actuating a contact mechanically. Pressure or force-sensitive sensors are attached to a diaphragm for this purpose. The sensor signal is evaluated by an electronic circuit. As soon as the pressure exceeds a previously defined value, the output switches.