Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by You Ling
Application of Piezoelectric Ceramics in Pressure Sensor
What is Pressure Sensor?
A pressure sensor is a device that measures the force or pressure of a gas or liquid on a surface and converts it into an electrical signal that can be used to monitor, control, or analyze the pressure. Pressure sensors are used in a wide range of applications, including industrial, automotive, medical, and consumer electronics. They can be designed to measure absolute pressure, gauge pressure, differential pressure, or vacuum pressure, and can be based on various sensing technologies, such as piezoresistive, capacitive, piezoelectric, and optical.
How Pressure Sensor works?
Pressure sensors work by converting a physical force or pressure into an electrical signal that can be measured and analyzed. The exact working principle of a pressure sensor depends on its type and sensing technology, but most pressure sensors consist of a sensing element, a transducer, and an output signal amplifier.
The sensing element is the part of the pressure sensor that actually detects the pressure and converts it into a mechanical or electrical signal. It can be a diaphragm, a piezoresistive or piezoelectric crystal, a capacitive plate, or another type of element that deforms or changes its electrical properties in response to pressure.
The transducer is the part of the pressure sensor that converts the signal from the sensing element into an electrical signal, usually a voltage or current. It can be a Wheatstone bridge circuit, a charge amplifier, or another type of circuit that amplifies and filters the signal.
The output signal amplifier is the part of the pressure sensor that conditions the electrical signal from the transducer and outputs it to a measuring instrument or control system. It can be a voltage or current amplifier, a digital signal processor, or another type of circuit that processes and converts the signal to the desired format.
Overall, the pressure sensor works by detecting a pressure, converting it into an electrical signal, and amplifying and conditioning the signal for further use.
Which piezo elements can be used for Pressure Sensor?
Piezoelectric materials can be used as sensing elements in pressure sensors. Some of the piezoelectric materials commonly used in pressure sensors include:
Quartz: Quartz is a naturally occurring piezoelectric material that is often used in high-precision pressure sensors. It is very stable and has a high resonance frequency.
Ceramic: Piezoelectric ceramics are man-made materials that are widely used in pressure sensors due to their low cost and high sensitivity. They can be made from lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or other materials.
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF): PVDF is a polymer that exhibits piezoelectric properties. It is often used in low-cost, flexible pressure sensors.
Gallium phosphate: Gallium phosphate is a crystal that is highly sensitive to pressure changes. It is often used in high-pressure sensors for oil and gas applications.
Lead titanate: Lead titanate is a piezoelectric ceramic material that is often used in high-temperature pressure sensors due to its high Curie temperature.
Overall, the choice of piezoelectric material depends on the specific application requirements of the pressure sensor, such as the pressure range, sensitivity, temperature range, and mechanical stability.
