First Sensor Blog

Taking measurements generally involves a tradeoff between measurement range and precision. Traditionally, pressure sensors are no exception to this rule: researchers and product developers must decide whether high-precision measurements are required at either the high- or low-pressure end of the range in any given pressure application. This presents significant challenges for accurately measuring pressures that vary over a large range. This is all about to change, thanks to a new flow-based differential pressure sensor capable of making measurements across a ±5,000 Pa range with sub-pascal precision at low pressure regions.

Bridges are exposed to all manner of different stresses and strains: Not just wind, sun, rain and huge temperature fluctuations, but also geological changes and the sheer weight – often many tonnes – of the traffic that passes over them every single day, triggering vibrations throughout the entire structure.

To select the right pressure sensor for a specific application besides the pressure range first of all the type of pressure measurement has to be considered. Pressure sensors measure a certain pressure in comparison to a reference pressure and can be divided into absolute, gage and differential devices. These terms will be explained on the basis of the piezoresistive pressure sensors of First Sensor.

With the progressive development of autonomous vehicles, LiDAR systems have become one of the essential technologies for the automotive industries. With the commercialization of autonomous vehicles, the emphasis is shifting from performance testing to qualification and certification testing. Suppliers of LiDAR systems have to qualify their products in order to meet the exceptionally high quality and safety standards in the automotive sector.

Modern imaging technologies such as 3D imagers, CT scanners, digital x-ray devices, and endoscopes require specifically precise high-resolution medical imaging sensors and sensor arrays. Newly developed components such as advanced semiconductors and more powerful chips also demand for more sophisticated sensor packaging technologies. New material selections also help to ensure the long-term functional reliability of imaging devices and components.

Research and industry are gradually getting closer to the dream of autonomous driving. Lidar systems are an elementary part of a car that is less and less dependent on active control on the part of the driver. In this blog, we have summarized which functions such systems are already taking on today and what role sensors play in particular.

In practice, the measurement of flow data in HVAC (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, cooling) systems asks a lot of the measurement technology used. In addition to temperature fluctuations, sensors are also exposed to a lot of dust.

Today, innovative sensor technologies provide you with the right pressure sensor for every measuring task. Not only can you choose between relative, absolute and differential pressure sensors that work with different reference values, modern pressure sensors also allow you to choose between different measuring principles based on different physical effects. Piezoelectric and piezoresistive effects are mainly used in modern pressure sensors. 

Measuring inclination, acceleration and vibration in a technical application requires high-precision inertial sensors: tiny MEMS (Micro Electromechanical Systems) based on single crystal silicon sensor elements and the latest micromechanical manufacturing processes. 

HVAC systems require high-sensitivity pressure sensors to minimize energy costs and meet regulatory requirements.