High Temperature Pressure Transducers

High Temperature Pressure Transducers

Transducers generally convert energy from one form to another, although the energy is typically a signal. They are routinely used in automated systems, which are often controlled by measurements of physical quantities such as force, motion, temperature and pressure. A sensor is a specific type of transducer that senses a physical property of its environment and reports that change, typically in the form of an electrical signal. For example, a pressure sensor detects pressure and reports it to a gauge that displays the pressure.

A high temperature pressure transducer doesn’t contain electronic components, giving it a much higher tolerance for heat than normal pressure transducers. These devices are typically rated for room temperature up to 343°C (649.4°F), depending on the specific model. A quality pressure transducer of this type can provide highly stable measurements at high temperatures. For example, some models can measure pressure with an accuracy of 0.25% and a thermal drift of 0.1% at 38°C (100°F).

The pressure range of a high temperature pressure transducer can vary greatly, from 15 pounds per square inch (psi) to more than 10,000 psi. A calibration record from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) may be available for these pressure transducers. Manufacturers may also calibrate their transducers at various stages in their lifecycle.


This high level of performance is possible through the use of thin film technology, which uses sputter deposits to form a molecular bond between the gauge and substrate. This manufacturing technique virtually eliminates changes to the transducer’s calibration, including creep, drift, and shift. High temperature pressure transducers should also have a pressure cavity made of stainless steel and a double-isolated case to ensure integrity of the unit in a harsh operating environment. An all-welded construction will further increase a pressure transducer’s tolerance for physical stress.