A pressure sensor is a transducer, a type of device that converts input energy of one form into output energy of another. Specifically, a pressure sensor measures changes in gas or liquid pressure and converts this physical quantity into an electrical signal output.

Pressure sensors are built into lots of products and structures around us and play an important role in our lives.

Pressure Facts

1

Difference between gauge pressure and absolute pressure

Absolute pressure

Absolute pressure is pressure measured in relation to a constant reference pressure, i.e. the zero pressure of a vacuum. (Absolute pressure is mostly used when measuring atmospheric pressure, which constantly changes.)

Gauge pressure

Gauge pressure, the pressure reading on a pressure gauge, is the difference between the absolute pressure and the local atmospheric pressure. (Gauge pressure is used primarily in water pressure measurements, where it is necessary to compensate for atmospheric conditions.)

2

Atmospheric pressure and altitude

3

Water pressure and depth