Applications of Absolute Pressure Sensors

With the rise in smart watches and navigation systems, absolute pressure sensors find homes wherever elevation above sea level (altimeter measurement) is required. Weather stations also use them for barometric pressure measurements.

Petrol and diesel vehicles make use of them too, measuring the pressure in the engine manifold. Such sensors are known as manifold absolute pressure sensors, or MAP sensors for short. The engine’s electronic control unit (ECU) uses this information to determine optimal combustion of the air-fuel mix and ignition timing.

In industrial applications, it is often necessary to develop a partial vacuum. This is the case in food packing, where the residual pressure determines the shelf life of the produce. The absolute pressure sensor can ensure that the pressure in each package is the same.

At the other extreme, industrial absolute pressure sensors are available that support measurements of more than 300 bar (4400 PSI).