Pressure Sensor Provides Performance and Packaging

Packaging provides a major design differentiator for products that otherwise meet the same technical specifications. Of course, if the specs are better, the combination really attracts customer interest and design wins. Designed to allow easy customization of sensor packaging for applications with unique configuration requirements, Kavlico's P6000 pressure sensor provides an excellent example of packaging flexibility.

With a length of 1.41 inch (35.9 mm) and a height of 0.26 inch (5.21 mm), the small footprint pressure sensor uses proven piezoresistive sensing technology. The package includes the amplification, calibration and temperature compensation circuitry that provides a total error band of plus or minus 2 percent span maximum ( plus or minus 1 percent span maximum for the P6010). Based on a mixed signal ASIC, the circuitry includes electromagnetic interference (EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, as well as over-voltage (to 16V dc), reverse voltage and short circuit protection. The sensor's ratiometric output voltage is 0.5 to 4.5V dc at a supply voltage of 5.0 plus or minus 0.5V dc. Units have low power consumption with a maximum 4 mA supply current. The sensors are available in gage or absolute pressure ranges of 2.5 to 100 psi.

In addition to the sensor's small size, packaging flexibility comes from the availability of three defined electrical connection options. A miniature 4-pin connector allows the units to connect directly to a PC board. For mounting remote from the PC board, 12-inch lead wires with a small mating connector provide a second alternative. The third option is a solderable, tin-plated, three-pin connector. In all cases, the pressure connection is a built-in barb for .25-inch ID tubing.

Targeting medical applications such as oxygen concentrators, respirators and sleep apnea equipment, as well as pneumatic controls and instrumentation, the sensors are compatible with a wide range of liquids and gases.