Analog Pressure Transducers vs Digital Ones

In industrial control systems, Pressure Transducers play a key role in monitoring and regulating pressure. You must have heard of 4-20mA pressure transmitter, 0-10V pressure transmitter, RS485 pressure transmitter, etc. When it comes to analog Pressure Transducers and digital Pressure Transducers, although they have the same goal – to accurately deliver a pressure signal, the technical details and practical application are very different.

Next, we’ll dive into the differences between analog Pressure Transducers and digital Pressure Transducers. Help you make informed decisions and ensure your control system operates efficiently and accurately.

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Analog Pressure Transducers vs Digital Pressure Transducers

We Sino-Inst are professional pressure transmitter manufacturers. More than 50 types of pressure transmitters are available to choose from. The output signals of the pressure transmitter are available in a variety of options: mV/V, 0/5 V, 0/10 V, 4/20 mA, as well as RS485, HART, etc. We also offer multiple levels of customization to meet your needs. Including customization of installation dimensions, measurement range, explosion-proof and anti-corrosion, high temperature, low temperature, etc.

Featured Analog & Digital Pressure Transducers

**SI-303 Low-Pressure Transducer**
Low pressure transducers for air and non-corrosive gases low pressure measurement. 0 ～ 2.5kPa to 0 ～ 30kPa measurable.

**SI-703 Flush diaphragm pressure sensor**
Flush membrane / diaphragm structure, anti-blocking design. Pressure measurement of viscous media.

**SI-10 Liquid pressure sensor**
Liquid pressure sensor is widely used for pressure measurement of various liquids. Like water or oils. IP68 waterproof.

**SI-702S Ultra-High Pressure Senors**
Pressure sensor for Ultra high pressure applications. Ultra high pressures up to 15,00MPa. 0-2000MPa to 0-7000MPa (customized).Ball head M20 × 1.5, cone head M20 × 1.5.

**SI-512H High Temperature Pressure Sensor**
High Temperature Pressure Sensor for pressure measurement of high temperature gas or liquid. Such as steam pressure. High temperature up to 800 ℃.

**SI-350 Sanitary Pressure Transmitter**
Sanitary Pressure Transmitter, also called tri clamp pressure transmitter,
is the pressure transducer with the flush diaphragm (flat membrane) as the pressure sensor.

**SI-300 Pressure Transducer 4-20mA/Voltage**
The 4-20mA/ Voltage Pressure Transducer,
also called pressure transmitter 4-20mA,
is a pressure sensor with4-20ma/Voltage output.

SI-390 Industrial Pressure Transmitter with Stainless Steel Sealed Terminals — **SI-390 Industrial Pressure Transmitter**
Pressure transmitters for general industrial applicaitons. -0.1kPa ~ 0 ~ 0.01kPa ~ 100MPa ~150MPa. 0.1% FS, 0.25% FS, 0.5% FS. 4-20mA (2-wire system), 0-5 / 1-5 / 0-10V (3-wire system)

**SI-520 Digital Pressure Sensor**
Digital Pressure Sensor is particularly suitable for use in computer control systems. RS485 half-duplex working mode.

**SI-706 Combined Pressure and Temperature Sensor-Dual function**
Combined pressure and temperature sensor for Simultaneous measurement of pressure and temperature.
Thermocouple types: J, K, E type or PT100 platinum resistance. Two outputs do not affect each other.

**Pressure Sensor | Designed for Shield boring machine-Earth compactor-Grouting machine**

Cryogenic pressure transducer for low temperature pressure measurement — **Cryogenic Pressure Transducer**

**High Frequency Dynamic Pressure Sensor**

More about pressure transmitters

The pressure transmitter converts the pressure changes of the medium into electrical signal output. When the pressure of the medium acts on the sensor, the sensor will produce corresponding physical deformation. This deformation is converted into an electrical signal through an electronic circuit, usually a standard signal such as 4-20mA or 0-10V. In this way, pressure changes can be read and processed by the control system or display device. This enables the monitoring and control of pressure in industrial processes.

Different types of pressure transmitters use a number of different operating principles to achieve this:

Pressure Transmitter Working Principle

Submersible pressure transducer is a sensor specially designed for measuring liquid pressure and can be completely immersed in liquid.

The static pressure of the liquid is sensed through the sensitive diaphragm of the sensor, and this pressure is converted into an electrical signal output. Common output signals include 4-20mA or 0-10V, etc.

Submersible pressure transmitters have good waterproof characteristics and are widely used in water level monitoring, deep well measurement, sewage treatment and other fields. Able to accurately provide pressure readings in harsh environments. Because its structural design allows it to withstand extended dives, it is particularly useful in applications requiring long-term or continuous water pressure monitoring.

A differential pressure transducer is an instrument used to measure the pressure difference between two pressure points. It converts the voltage difference into a continuous electrical signal output, such as 4-20mA or 0-10V.
This type of transmitter is widely used in areas such as flow measurement, liquid level monitoring and filter clogging detection. By measuring the pressure difference between two points in a pipe, tank or system. Differential pressure transducers can provide important information about fluid flow characteristics and system performance to help achieve precise process control and optimization.

There are subtle functional differences between pressure transducers and pressure sensors.
A pressure sensor generally refers to a device that detects pressure and converts it into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is generally raw and unprocessed and requires further conversion and amplification.
The pressure transducer not only contains all the functions of the pressure sensor, but also standardizes this electrical signal. Output industry standard signals such as 4-20mA or 0-10V. Can be read directly by the control system or display device.

In short, pressure sensors focus more on the detection of pressure, while pressure transducers provide a complete pressure measurement solution that can be used by the system.

Pressure transmitters can be divided into analog output and digital output according to the output signal. Analog output means that the output signal is an analog quantity, such as 4-20mA, 0-5V, etc. Digital output means that the output signal is a digital quantity, such as RS485, CAN bus, etc.

Analog Pressure Transducers

Analog Pressure Transducers convert mechanical pressure into continuous analog electrical signals, such as 4-20mA current or 0-10V voltage. This conversion occurs through physical pressure acting on the sensor’s sensitive element (usually a diaphragm or piezoelectric material), causing it to deform. This deformation is then converted into an electrical signal, the size of which is proportional to the pressure acting on the sensor.

The advantages of Analog Pressure Transducers are their simple structure, low cost, and durability. They typically do not require complex programming or special interfaces, making them easy to integrate with existing systems. In addition, analog signals can withstand electrical noise during long-distance transmission, which makes analog transmitters ideal for use in industrial environments with high electromagnetic interference.

Digital Pressure Transducers

Digital Pressure Transducers convert pressure information into digital signals. In terms of working mechanism, these transmitters usually contain a pressure sensor that senses pressure changes and converts it into an electrical signal, and then converts the analog signal into a digital signal through a built-in analog-to-digital converter (ADC). During this process, the transmitter will also perform signal amplification, filtering and digital processing to ensure the accuracy and stability of the output signal.

The advantages of Digital Pressure Transducers are significant. First, they provide greater accuracy and resolution because digital signals are not as susceptible to noise as analog signals.
Second, digital transmitters often have self-calibrating capabilities, reducing maintenance.
Furthermore, these transmitters can interface directly with computer systems to facilitate remote monitoring and data logging.

Pressure-Sensor-in-Petrochemical-Industry-Applications

Analog Pressure Transducers vs Digital Pressure Transducers

Accuracy comparison

Digital Pressure Transducers: Typically provide greater accuracy. The high resolution of digital signals and their resistance to external interference. This gives digital transmitters an advantage in providing accurate readings.

Analog Pressure Transducers: Can provide relatively accurate measurements in environments without severe electromagnetic interference. However, signal attenuation may occur in long-distance transmission or high-interference environments.

Stability

Digital Pressure Transducers: In theory, digital technology can provide better stability, but special designs may be needed to protect electronic components in extreme environments.

Analog Pressure Transducers: With simple structure and mature technology, they are more suitable for harsh industrial environments, especially in high temperature, high pressure, and high vibration situations.

Responding speed

Digital Pressure Transducers: Fast response times, especially where fast change detection is required.

Analog Pressure Transducers: Relatively slow to respond, but generally adequate for most industrial applications.

Ease of use

Digital Pressure Transducers: Can integrate directly with computer systems and modern control systems to provide easy-to-understand digital readouts, but may require complex programming and configuration.

Analog Pressure Transducers: Simple to install, easy to use, no complex configuration required, suitable for users of different technical levels.

Cost-benefit ratio and long-term return on investment

Digital Pressure Transducers: The initial investment is higher, but in the long term, accurate data collection and processing increases efficiency and reduces maintenance costs, thus potentially providing a better return on investment.

Analog Pressure Transducers: Low initial cost, suitable for projects with limited budgets. While long-term maintenance costs may be higher, its stability and durability may reduce overall replacement and repair costs.

When selecting a suitable pressure transmitter, all of the above factors should be considered to ensure that performance requirements are met while maximizing cost-effectiveness within the budget.

Analog Pressure Transducers vs Digital Pressure Transducers | How to Choose?

Featured Analog & Digital Pressure Transducers

Analog Pressure Transducers

Digital Pressure Transducers