In today's rapidly advancing technology, miniaturization has become an important direction pursued by many fields. Micro pressure sensors, as outstanding representatives of this trend, have become an indispensable part of modern technology and industry due to their small size, high precision, and wide range of applications. This article will delve into the working principle, application areas, important indicators, and calibration methods of miniature pressure sensors to reveal the technological secrets behind them.

Working principle of miniature pressure sensor

The working principle of miniature pressure sensors is based on the pressure sensing principle in physics, which means that when external pressure acts on the sensor, the sensitive components inside will deform, and this deformation is converted into measurable electrical signal output through a specific conversion mechanism. Specifically, miniature pressure sensors are typically composed of tiny mechanical structures and precise sensing elements. When pressure is applied to the surface of the sensor, it can cause stress changes in the sensitive element, thereby altering its physical parameters such as resistance, capacitance, or piezoelectric properties. The changes in these parameters are amplified and processed by circuits, and ultimately converted into electrical signals proportional to pressure output.

Application Fields of Micro Pressure Sensors

Micro pressure sensors have been widely used in multiple fields due to their unique advantages:

In the medical field, miniature pressure sensors can accurately monitor patients' vital signs in medical devices such as blood pressure monitors and ventilators, providing important basis for medical diagnosis and treatment.

Industrial control: In industrial automation and process control, miniature pressure sensors are used to monitor fluid pressure, cylinder pressure, etc., ensuring the stability and safety of the production process.

Smart Home: With the rise of smart homes, miniature pressure sensors are being applied in gas detection, water quality monitoring, and other areas to provide users with a safer and more comfortable living environment.

Aerospace: In the aerospace field, miniature pressure sensors are used to monitor the pressure status of aircraft, rockets, and other spacecraft to ensure flight safety.

Environmental monitoring: In environmental monitoring, miniature pressure sensors can be used for water quality monitoring, air quality monitoring, etc., providing data support for environmental protection.

Important indicators of miniature pressure sensors

The performance of miniature pressure sensors is mainly measured by a series of important indicators:

Linearity: It reflects the degree to which the actual relationship curve between sensor output and input deviates from the fitted straight line, and is a key indicator for measuring sensor accuracy.

Sensitivity: Refers to the ratio of the increment of sensor output to the corresponding increment of input that causes the increment, reflecting the sensor's ability to respond to small pressure changes.

Hysteresis: Describing the inconsistency of the output signal of a sensor during forward and backward travel, it is an important parameter for evaluating the stability and reliability of a sensor.

Repeatability: Refers to the consistency of the output signal of a sensor in multiple consecutive measurements, reflecting the stability and repeatability of the sensor.

Drift: refers to the phenomenon in which the output of a sensor changes over time while the input remains constant, mainly caused by the structural parameters of the sensor itself and the surrounding environment (such as temperature and humidity).

Calibration method for miniature pressure sensors

Regular calibration is essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability of miniature pressure sensors. The calibration process usually includes the following steps:

Prepare calibration equipment, including high-precision pressure gauges, calibrators, and hydraulic pumps.

Connect the sensor: Connect the miniature pressure sensor to the calibrator and ensure its stable fixation.

Input preset pressure: Input the preset initial pressure to the sensor through a hydraulic pump, and use a high-precision pressure gauge to read the actual pressure value.

Correction and Calibration: Adjust and calibrate the sensor based on the initial reading to obtain accurate output values.

Continuous testing: Adjust the pressure value of the hydraulic pump, continuously test the output value of the sensor at multiple pressure points, and observe its stability and accuracy.

Record the results: Record the data during the calibration process for subsequent analysis and reference.

Repeat calibration: For multiple sensors or applications that require higher accuracy, the above steps can be repeated multiple times for calibration to ensure accuracy.

Micro pressure sensors have become an indispensable part of modern technology and industry due to their unique working principle, wide application fields, important performance indicators, and rigorous calibration methods. With the continuous advancement of technology and the increasing demand for applications, micro pressure sensors will play an important role in more fields, promoting the sustainable development and innovation of related industries.

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