Pressure Transducers: An Important Tool

Most pressure transducers operate via an electrical input, responding to changes in both pressure and temperature. Transducers have a range of temperatures in which they can operate properly, but outside that range in either direction, reliability lessens. In extreme cases of temperature change, a transducer’s electrical output signal can be altered even if the pressure itself remains stable. This is because materials react to changing temperatures by expanding or contracting, altering the pressure transducer’s calibration through a change in geometry, mechanical properties, and electrical characteristics.

Pressure is a crucial factor in the performance of a transducer. A sudden spike in pressure can actually destroy a transducer that isn’t built to withstand harsh conditions. If a pressure transducer fails in this manner, it can cause serious issues such as immediate stoppage of all system processes. In applications that are susceptible to pressure spikes, transducers must be up to the task. For these applications, specialized pressure transducers are needed. For example, special purpose transducers are created for use in extreme environments, and differential pressure transducers work in environments where liquids and gases are present.

A pressure transducer is an important piece of equipment involved in the processes of all aircraft, particularly in flight testing. In fact, different types of transducers are used during the building phase of an aircraft, before construction is complete, and a third type during flight testing. The specialized types of transducers used in these applications are known as aerospace pressure transducers.

There are quite a few terms to know about aerospace pressure transducers. For instance, range is a term that refers to the minimum and maximum pressures within which a transducer will accurately measure. The over-range capability is similar to this, referring to the maximum pressure you can put a transducer under before a performance change will occur. Burst pressure is the pressure at which mechanical failure or fluid leakage can be expected. Full-scale output, abbreviated as FSO, is the variation in the output signals as the transducer performs over a calibrated range from minimum to maximum pressure at a given temperature.

Pressure transducers are an important part of the aviation and defense industries. At ASAP Aerospace, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the aerospace pressure transducer and compressor parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. As the only independent distributor with a No China Sourcing Policy, we can promise that each part we sell will come from a trusted manufacturer. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-aerospace.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.