TE Connectivity's SMI pressure sensors offer a low pressure sensing range

     There is a growing demand for low-voltage sensing capabilities in the industrial and medical markets. From heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and airflow to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), ventilation and patient monitoring applications, the ability to detect small pressure changes is critical. This demand requires pressure sensors to be highly accurate, to provide long-term stability, and to be compact and durable. Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) SMI pressure sensors from TE Connectivity (TE) meet these needs and provide a low pressure sensing range.

     TE's SMI pressure sensor products include the ultra-low pressure (SM9000), low pressure (SM7000/6000/5000) and medium pressure (SM4000/1000) series. These sensors use piezoresistive technology and signal processing to provide a compensated output, enabling gauge and differential pressure sensing as low as 125Pa (0.5 in H2O). These sensors are able to detect small pressure changes with high accuracy (total error range of 1% FS), providing long-term stability.

     Flexible output options, users can choose digital output or digital and analog output signals according to application requirements. The option of dual output signals provides redundancy for system security. Enhanced analog outputs provide fast response times. The 16-bit resolution digital integrated circuit (I2C) interface resolves signals as low as 0.0038Pa, reducing the need for additional circuits and allowing multiple devices to be connected to the same BUS.

    The SMI pressure sensor is optimized for micro devices and is packaged in a compact housing. The sensor is available in a standard JEDEC SOIC-16 package with a vertical or horizontal port, or an all-in-one molded SOIC-10 with a vertical port (SM4000/1000 only). It occupies a small area, is not sensitive to the installation direction, and is easy to integrate the system. Its lightweight design makes medical devices lighter and large industrial equipment smaller and smarter.

     "We are excited to add the SMI pressure sensor to TE ConnecTIvity's comprehensive pressure product portfolio and expand it into the low pressure range." Nick DePhillips, product manager for TE's SMI series. "We now offer a highly accurate, easily integrated pressure and flow sensing solution for applications such as filter monitoring and variable air volume (VAV) in medical ventilation, HVACR (Heating, ventilation and refrigeration) systems."