Ceramic Piezoresistive Pressure Transmitter with High Overload Capacity

1. Why You Need a Ceramic Piezoresistive Transmitter

Many pressure applications — hydraulics, refrigeration, water systems, aggressive media — expose the sensor to pressure spikes, shock and corrosive fluids that would damage a metal-diaphragm sensor. A ceramic piezoresistive transmitter uses a thick-film ceramic diaphragm with piezoresistors sintered directly onto it, creating a sensor that is compact, robust and inherently resistant to corrosion and overload. Because ceramic can contact most media directly without a protective isolation diaphragm, the design is simpler, more economical and exceptionally durable in harsh service.

2. Working Principle of the Ceramic Piezoresistive Transmitter

The transmitter uses thick-film ceramic technology, in which piezoresistors are sintered directly onto a ceramic elastic diaphragm. When process pressure deforms the ceramic diaphragm, the resistance of the sintered piezoresistors changes, producing an electrical signal proportional to the pressure. This signal is conditioned and output as a standard signal. The ceramic diaphragm acts as both the elastic element and the media-contacting surface, eliminating the need for a separate isolation diaphragm and fill fluid.

3. Ceramic Design Advantages

• High stability: long-term drift better than ±0.2% FS per year.
• Strong overload capacity: withstands several times to dozens of times the rated range.
• Outstanding corrosion resistance: ceramic contacts most media directly.
• Excellent shock/vibration resistance: robust thick-film construction.
• Compact and lightweight: small size for easy installation in tight spaces.

Common Measurement Challenges & Solutions

Why Choose Our Ceramic Piezoresistive Transmitter?

• Thick-film ceramic diaphragm with sintered piezoresistors
• ±0.1% FS accuracy
• High overload capacity to dozens of times the range
• Outstanding corrosion resistance, contacts most media directly
• ±0.2% FS/year long-term stability
• Excellent shock and vibration resistance
• Compact and lightweight for easy installation
• HART protocol for remote configuration
• 0-1000 bar wide measurement range
• Multiple pressure ports: G1/4, NPT1/4, 7/16-20UNF

Q: What is a ceramic piezoresistive pressure transmitter?

A ceramic piezoresistive pressure transmitter measures pressure using a thick-film ceramic diaphragm onto which piezoresistors are sintered directly. When pressure deforms the ceramic diaphragm, the resistance of the sintered piezoresistors changes, producing an electrical signal proportional to pressure. The ceramic element serves as both the elastic sensing element and the media-contacting surface, eliminating the need for a separate isolation diaphragm and fill fluid, which simplifies the design and improves durability.

Q: Why is ceramic more corrosion-resistant?

Ceramic, typically alumina (Al2O3), is chemically inert and does not react with most acids, alkalis, water or oils. Unlike metal diaphragms that can corrode or pit in aggressive media, a ceramic diaphragm can directly contact most process fluids without a protective isolation layer. This makes ceramic transmitters simpler and more economical for corrosive applications, and it also avoids the fill-fluid compatibility and leakage issues associated with metal isolation diaphragms.

Q: What is the overload capacity?

The ceramic diaphragm provides exceptional overload capacity, typically several times to dozens of times the rated range, depending on the model. Ceramic is a hard, elastic material that returns to its original shape after deformation, so brief pressure spikes do not permanently damage the sensor. This makes ceramic transmitters ideal for hydraulic systems and other applications with frequent pressure surges or transient overloads.

Q: How stable is it over time?

The transmitter offers long-term stability better than ±0.2% FS per year, meaning the calibration remains accurate for extended periods with minimal drift. The thick-film ceramic technology is inherently stable because the piezoresistors are sintered into the ceramic at high temperature, creating a durable, well-bonded sensing structure. This stability reduces recalibration frequency and maintenance costs over the instrument's service life.

Q: What is the accuracy?

The transmitter provides ±0.1% FS accuracy, suitable for precise process measurement and control. This accuracy is achieved through careful conditioning and compensation of the piezoresistive signal. Combined with the high overload capacity and corrosion resistance, the instrument delivers dependable accuracy across a wide range of industrial applications, from hydraulics to water systems to OEM machinery.

Q: What is the measurement range?

The transmitter covers a wide measurement range from 0 to 1000 bar, with standard configurations spanning -0.1 to 60 MPa. This broad range makes it suitable for everything from low-pressure pneumatic and water applications to high-pressure hydraulic systems. The specific range is selected at order time to match the application, ensuring the operating pressure falls within the sensor's calibrated span for best accuracy.

Q: What process connections are available?

The transmitter offers multiple pressure port options, including G1/4, NPT1/4 and 7/16-20UNF, covering the most common industrial thread standards. This flexibility allows the transmitter to be installed in a wide variety of systems and regions without adapters. The compact size further simplifies installation in tight spaces and on machinery where larger sensors would not fit.

Q: Does it support HART communication?

Yes. The transmitter supports the HART protocol, which superimposes a digital signal on the standard 4-20 mA analog output. This enables remote configuration of range, damping and other parameters using a handheld communicator or control system, and retrieval of diagnostic information. HART maintains full compatibility with existing analog systems while adding modern digital capabilities for configuration and asset management.

Q: Is it suitable for shock and vibration?

Yes. The thick-film ceramic construction provides excellent shock and vibration resistance, making the transmitter well suited to machinery, vehicles and process equipment subject to mechanical vibration. Unlike delicate metal-diaphragm sensors that can be damaged by mechanical shock, the robust ceramic element maintains its calibration and integrity under demanding conditions, contributing to long service life.

Q: Where are ceramic pressure transmitters used?

Ceramic piezoresistive pressure transmitters are used in hydraulics, water and environmental systems, refrigeration and HVAC, and OEM machinery. They are especially valuable for applications involving corrosive media, pressure spikes or tight installation spaces. Their combination of corrosion resistance, high overload capacity, compact size and low cost makes them a versatile, economical choice across many industrial sectors.