Precise Low-Pressure Measurement: Gefran Introduces TPLA Sensor Series

When selecting a sensor for an automated process, it is important to consider the sensor's measurement range and accuracy. If your process requires measurements to three decimal places, you will need a very accurate sensor.

Gefran, a supplier of industrial sensors, PID controllers, motor starters, and IoT analytics software, has released the TPLA family of piezoresistive pressure sensors with ranges from 0.00 - 0.05 bar, all the way up to 0 - 60 bar, with an accuracy rating of less than or equal to 0.5% FS.

Gefran’s TPLA pressure sensors utilize a silicon piezoresistive sensing element. Image used courtesy of Gefran

What Is Piezoresistive Technology?

Gefran’s new TPLA pressure sensors use piezoresistive technology, which is the process of measuring electrical resistance through a silicon diaphragm when stressed by forces. This change in resistance is linear and can then be converted to an analog signal such as 4-20 mA or 0-10 VDC. The piezoresistive process provides high accuracy and sensitivity while also being very stable.

The TPLA pressure sensors are available in a wide range of models to fit various application needs. Image used courtesy of Gefran

TPLA Pressure Sensors

The TPLA product line can be configured to fit most applications. Gefran offers a wide selection of outputs for the TPLA sensor, including 4-20 mA, 0-10 VDC, 1-5 VDC, 0.5-4.5 VDC, along with many other combinations. The process connection is how the sensor will be installed into the process piping.

The TPLA sensors come in G1/4 ISO, G1/2 DIN, R1/4 ISO, G1/4 DIN, and G1/2B. Each configuration can be customized for different electrical connections, including M12 4-pin, 18 mm or 8 mm pin spacing rectangular connectors, or a moulded cable.

The TPLA’s measurement range can also be selected; all of the options are in Bar units with 20 different variations of ranges from 0-0.05 all the way up to 0-60 Bar. The TPLA has a listed operating temperature of -40° to 125°C, depending on the selected variant. The sensors can be ordered with or without a calibration report and configured to measure absolute or relative pressure.

Gefran’s TPLA sensors can be used in process piping to measure static pressure in pipes. Image used courtesy of Gefran

Pressure Measurement in Industrial Automation

Pressure sensors are used in a wide variety of applications and industries, and because of this variety, they need to provide stable measurements in different environments. The Gefran TPLA family of pressure sensors uses a piezoresistive technology to provide stable readings even in harsh temperature conditions.

Environments with mechanical shock or vibrations would wreak havoc on other pressure sensors, but thanks to its piezoresistive technology, the TPLA sensor can withstand up to 100 g for 6 ms and vibrations of 20 g at up to 2000 Hz. Having a stable pressure sensor enables engineers and control systems to make informed decisions about how a process is performing, thereby improving the quality of the final product.