Pressure instrument: Silicon sensor technology overcomes accuracy constraint

By Control Engineering Staff May 17, 2007

Most pressure sensors, electronic and mechanical, express accuracy as a percent of total range rather than the reading. Consequently, users like to size devices so they operate near their upper limit for greatest accuracy. Crystal Engineering has a new digital gage line that expresses accuracy as a percent of reading. This will allow gage selection without having to match range and reading so closely.

The M1 digital pressure gage line offerse or more 0.25% mechanical gages,” says Tom Halaczkiewicz, president.

The secret of their technology is a silicon pressure sensor. Crystal says this sensor offers better stability and performance than older designs. Silicon crystals can be deformed under pressure and return to their original shape time and time again. This gives the gages their stability and ability to tolerate overpressure episodes.

M1 series gages are very rugged with welded stainless steel sensors, plastic outer boot, polycarbonate/polyester lens, and debris filter.

—Edited by Peter Welander, process industries editor, PWelander@cfemedia.com , Control Engineering Weekly News (Register here and scroll down to select your choice of eNewsletters free.)