Kistler has released its latest 4017A piezoresistive absolute pressure sensor for use in engine development as well as hydraulic and pneumatic applications, in both hot and cold environments.
Piezoresistive (PR) pressure sensors consist of a silicon-based Wheatstone bridge which changes its electric resistance when exposed to pressure. This PR effect means that the sensing element is free of drift to a great extent – and is ideal for capturing static pressures. The PR pressure sensors can also be used for dynamic pressure measurements due to their ability to capture rapidly changing pressures even in low-pressure ranges.
For these reasons such sensors became a standard choice in automotive applications, where precise measurements in the engine air and fuel path are required – but also for subsystem development such as brakes and cooling applications, that require high precision sensing.
The miniature absolute PR pressure sensor has a mounting size of only M5 x 0.5 and was specifically designed for maximum robustness and accuracy. Its oil-filled measuring cell is media-isolated by a stainless-steel diaphragm and delivers a high level of compatibility with both gaseous and liquid media.
With a compensated temperature range from –20°C to +140°C, the sensor can also be used for low-temperature tests. The digital temperature compensation allows a high level of accuracy (≤1% FSO), even in harsh environments. Sensor health monitoring (operating temperature: –40°C to +180°C) is possible during measurements, due to the integrated temperature measuring element.
The design also allows for a very high resistance against contamination, along with easy cleaning and maintenance. When applied in high-temperature environments, such as exhaust manifolds, the 4017A can be installed with a water-cooling adapter (deliverable as an accessory from Kistler).
The media-isolated sensor is available with different measuring ranges for pressures up to 5, 10, 20 or 50 bar. Optionally, it can be delivered with an ATEX certificate (Zone 2) suitable for applications in potentially hazardous areas.
Lawrence has been covering engineering subjects – with a focus on motorsport technology – since 2007 and has edited and contributed to a variety of international titles. Currently, he is responsible for content across UKI Media & Events' portfolio of websites while also writing for the company's print titles.
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