Pressure transducers operate in harsh environments with limited space

By Heather Hamilton, contributing writer

Photo courtesy of DunAn Sensing.

DunAn Sensing recently unveiled two new series of pressure transducers designed to operate in harsh environments. The MEMS DURAsense Core (MDC) Series of harsh-media-compatible pressure transducers uses proprietary packaging and MEMS pressure sensor integration, which the company claims results in highly accurate pressure outputs in small spaces at a low cost.

While many sensors use a metallic diaphragm and cavity filled with oil, the pressure transducers use what the company calls the “core,” a ceramic-packaged button module, to mount the MEMS piezo-resistive pressure sensor. The button uses media-compatible, rear-entry packaging, which eliminates the contact of bond wires and electrical signals to the media. This makes the sensor more reliable and allows it to operate in conductive media.

Because the sensor is eutectic-bonded to the ceramic substrate, it is suitable for harsh environments, enhancing reliability and avoiding potential delamination. An ASIC mounted on the PCB provides signal conditional and performance compensation. Available in pressure ranges from 0–15 and 0–750 psi in absolute, gage, and sealed gage, these devices can be used in a variety of applications. These include pumps, hydraulics, pneumatics, valves, and handheld measurement devices. For complete specs, check out the datasheet .

The MDC Series is priced at $48.18 in quantities from 1 to 499. Evaluation devices are available from stock.

And, because good things come in twos, DunAn Sensing also released its Ceramic Diaphragm Core (CDC) Series of harsh-media-compatible pressure transducers, which uses a proprietary Al₂ O₃ ceramic diaphragm with thick-film resistors and an ASIC to digitally trim for compensation and calibration. The pressure transducer offers highly accurate pressure measurements up to 3,000 psi. The devices are small, accurate, and low-cost, making them well-suited for harsh environments like water and refrigerants.

Like the MDC series, it uses the “core” media-compatible packaging strategy. It’s also available in seven pressure ranges from 0–150 to 0–3,000 psi in gage format, addressing a variety of applications including pumps, hydraulics, pneumatics, valves, and handheld measurement devices. For full specs, see the datasheet .

The CDC series is priced at $48.19 for quantities from 1 to 499. Evaluation devices are available from stock.