DESCRIPTION

Technical Description

The experimental unit IA 110 can be used to calibrate an electronic pressure sensor under practical conditions.

The test pressure is generated with a conventional piston manometer. The piston is loaded with weight rings and generates a defined test pressure p = F_w/A_P, where F_wis the force due to the weights and A_P is the cross-sectional area of the piston. A hand-operated spindle is used to relieve the pressure after measurement allowing the piston to return to a rest position. The influence of friction is minimised by rotating the piston during measurement. The test pressure generated in this way is applied to the diaphragm of a pressure sensor. The pressure-dependent electrical output signal is indicated on a digital display.

The pressure sensor used is a state-of-the-art ceramic measuring cell, in which strain-dependent piezo resistors are mounted on a ceramic diaphragm. The resistors are configured to form a measuring bridge. An integrated amplifier circuit evaluates the pressure-dependent detuning of the measuring bridge and outputs a proportional voltage signal.

The kit also includes a second pressure sensor in the form of a cutaway model for enhanced clarity. The entire experimental unit is contained in a compact housing, and is easy to handle.

The well-structured instructional material sets out the fundamentals and provides a step-by-step guide through the experiments.

Learning Objectives / Experiments

- familiarisation with, and carrying out of the calibration of an electronic pressure sensor
- plotting the sensor output signal dependent on the pressure applied
- familiarisation with the design and operation of a piezo-resistive electronic pressure sensor
- familiarisation with the installation and connection of the pressure sensor
- information on applications, measuring ranges and accuracies of typical electronic pressure sensors