Pressure sensors - Algra Group

Pressure sensors are specialized sensors designed to measure and detect pressure in various environments and applications. They are capable of converting mechanical pressure into electrical signals or digital outputs that can then be interpreted by electronic devices or systems. Pressure sensors play an important role in many technical and industrial applications and are crucial for detecting and monitoring pressure changes in different environments.

The design of pressure sensors varies

A pressure sensor is usually made up of several components that enable it to detect the pressure in its environment and convert it into an electrical signal. The typical structure of a pressure sensor is as follows:

• Pressure-sensitive element: This element forms the core of the pressure sensor and reacts to the pressure force exerted on it. Depending on the type of pressure sensor, the sensitive element can be made of different materials, including piezoelectric crystals, strain gauges, capacitance elements or other pressure-sensitive materials.
• Housing: The housing or sensor body protects the sensitive element from external influences such as moisture, dust and mechanical stress. The material depends on the application and the function of the pressure sensor.
• Connections: The connections are used to transmit the electrical signal from the pressure sensor. These can be cables, wires or connectors that are led out of the sensor.
• Electronics: Many modern pressure sensors have integrated electronics that process and amplify the measured signal. These electronics can also perform calibrations and compensations to ensure accurate measurements.
• Output signal: The output signal of the pressure sensor is usually an electrical signal that is proportional to the measured pressure. Depending on the sensor and application, it can be a voltage, current or digital signal.

Are pressure sensors used for input systems?

Yes, pressure sensors are suitable for input systems. Capacitive pressure sensors are widely used. They are used for touch-sensitive screens such as smartphones or tablet computers. If different materials are used for operating fronts, there are more suitable solutions. Piezoelectric sensors used to be used for metallic surfaces. Today there are agnostic sensors, which are very easy to handle thanks to their compact design.

The exact structure of a pressure sensor can vary depending on the type and manufacturer.

The pressure sensor structure of agnostic sensors

Agnostic sensors are mounted on printed circuit boards. For HMI touch operation, these agnostic modules are glued to the back of the operating front using self-adhesive film. Any mechanical impact on the operating surface is recorded by the sensors and converted into stable, clear and comprehensible key signals by the evaluation software. The agnostic sensor is ultra-sensitive. Stainless steel operating fronts with a thickness of 1 mm are therefore perfectly suited to the Agnostik Touch.

This is made possible by the Agnostik pressure sensor function. Even the slightest impact, triggered by a touch on the operating front, is enough to trigger a button signal. Strains caused by temperature influences, vibrations or material stresses are detected by intelligent algorithms in the integrated software. The agnostic pressure sensor function, based on strain gauges, generates a change in resistance through stress on the sensor, which can be measured and evaluated. This makes it easy to understand the additional, extended function of a 3D touch, force touch or even a "pressure-dependent key input". This is an interesting feature of Agnostic Touch technology, which expands the HMI input options for the future and makes them more convenient.

How pressure sensors work

The Agnostik Touch is an example of pressure sensors in input systems. The sensor technology varies depending on the application. In general, they are based on different physical principles to detect and quantify pressure changes. There are different types of pressure sensors, including capacitive, resistive, piezoresistive, optical, piezoelectric, ultrasonic and strain gauge pressure sensors, each with their own advantages and areas of application. The agnostic pressure sensor is a new technology.

Typical areas of application for pressure sensors

The areas of application for pressure sensors are diverse and range from the automotive industry to medical technology and aerospace. For example, they are used in vehicles to monitor tire pressure, in medical devices to measure blood pressure and in aircraft to regulate cabin pressure. Pressure sensors are also indispensable in environmental monitoring, in industrial plants and in many other areas where the measurement and control of pressure plays an important role. The application of pressure sensors in input systems is one of many.