Digital Pressure Sensors & Transmitters

When a pressure sensor detects a pressure change, it generates an analog signal representing the pressure value. The analog signal is converted into a digital signal through the following process:

• Sampling: Analog signals change continuously, while digital signals are discrete. Sampling analog signals at regular intervals converts a continuous analog signal into a discrete digital signal.

• Quantization: The sampled values will be quantized. The continuous amplitude range is divided into discrete levels. Each level corresponds to a numeric value. These binary-form digital values are a digital signal. This process is usually accomplished by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

Digital signals are transmitted through cables with corresponding communication protocols, such as SPI, IIC, 485, etc. Digital signals can be processed by control systems (PLC, DCS, or SCADA) for monitoring and control. 

Typical Applications of Digital Pressure Transmitters

Digital pressure transmitters have become the essential instruments for a wide range of applications due to their accuracy, stability, and advanced communication capabilities.

1. Industrial Manufacturing Process Control

4-20 mA pressure transmitters simply send single measurement results; the ability of a digital output pressure transducer transforms a simple measurement device into an intelligent source of data that drives better decision-making, optimizes processes, and maximizes plant efficiency. The digital pressure transmitter is not just an upgrade but a foundational component of the modern smart factory or Industry 4.0. The primary domains are oil & gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, paper and pulp, and renewable energy. 

• Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems: Digital pressure sensor for hydraulic monitoring and controlling pressure in presses, injection molding machines systems.

• Compressed Air Systems: Digital air pressure sensors ensure adequate pressure for tools and instruments, and monitoring for system leaks.

• Vessels and Reactors: Monitoring pressure inside tanks, columns, and reactors to ensure they operate within safe design limits and to control reactions.

• Pipelines: Measuring line pressure to monitor for blockages, leaks, or over-pressurization in transmission and distribution pipelines.

2. Water and Wastewater Treatment

The main advantage of digital pressure transmitters in water resource management is enhanced data integrity. They typically integrate into the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system or Distributed Control System (DCS). This integration transforms digital water pressure sensors from simple measurement points into intelligent instruments that form the foundation for smarter, more efficient, and more reliable water management. 

• Pump Control: Monitoring discharge pressure of pumps to protect them from dead-heading (running against a closed valve) and to control their operation based on system demand.

• Filter Monitoring: Measuring the differential pressure across intake screens, sand filters, and membrane filters. A rising DP indicates the filter is clogging and needs backwashing or replacement.

• Distribution System Pressure: Ensuring water pressure in municipal supply networks is sufficient.

Tank Level: Monitoring water levels in clear wells, storage tanks, and chemical storage tanks.

Is a Digital Pressure Transmitter Always the Best Choice?

Of course not. The value of a digital pressure transmitter is in its operational efficiency. Choose the digital type if: You need high accuracy, advanced diagnostics, remote configuration, and are operating in a modern control system that can leverage the digital data. An analog pressure transmitter is still perfectly suitable and often preferred for:

• Simple, Stand-Alone Applications: A single pressure gauge on a compressed air line or a local pump.

• Legacy Systems: When integrating into an old control system that lacks digital communication.

• Applications where Simplicity is Key: Technicians universally understand 4-20 mA loops, and they are very simple to troubleshoot with a basic multimeter.

• Harsh Electrical Environments: In areas with high potential for lightning strikes or power surges, the simplicity of an analog loop can sometimes be more robust.

Visit more types of 4-20mA pressure transmitters here.

Digital Pressure Transmitter Supplier

MICROSENSOR stands as a leading global supplier of pressure, level, flow, and temperature instrumentation solutions, with over 30 years of expertise dedicated to innovation and reliability. Our digital pressure sensors, digital pressure transmitters, and digital differential pressure sensors minimize errors and ensure consistent, reliable data. Easy integration with modern control systems via communication protocols for easy configuration and diagnostics. The digital pressure instrument portfolio is engineered for superior performance for complex industrial challenges into seamless, data-driven operations. We also offer comprehensive customization services of digital output pressure instruments to deliver a perfect match for your specific requirements.