Piezoelectric Pressure Sensor

Features and Measurement Principle

At the core of the sensor is a piezoelectric crystal sensitive element capable of operating at temperatures up to 1500 °C. When exposed to dynamic pressure changes, the crystal generates an electrical charge proportional to the applied pressure. This charge output provides excellent sensitivity with minimal drift, making the sensor highly stable even during prolonged testing cycles.

Unlike piezoresistive or capacitive pressure sensors, piezoelectric pressure sensors are optimized for dynamic pressure measurement rather than static pressure. They excel at capturing rapid pressure transients, combustion events, shock pressure, and pulsating pressure signals with high fidelity. Their large dynamic range allows accurate measurement across wide pressure amplitudes without signal saturation.

Key Advantages

The piezoelectric pressure sensor offers:

• High temperature resistance, suitable for extreme thermal environments

• Low signal drift, ensuring reliable results during long test runs

• Wide dynamic range, ideal for fast and high-energy pressure events

• Compact and lightweight design, minimizing influence on the measured system

These characteristics make the sensor particularly effective in applications where pressure changes occur rapidly and accuracy cannot be compromised.

Typical Applications

Piezoelectric pressure sensors are widely used in demanding test and measurement scenarios, including:

• Engine combustion chamber testing, where rapid pressure rise and high temperatures are present

• Gas turbine dynamic pressure measurement, supporting performance evaluation and fault detection

• High-temperature air pressure testing, such as exhaust or intake systems

• Hydraulic dynamic pressure measurement, where pulsation and pressure spikes must be accurately captured

In these environments, precise dynamic pressure data is essential for validating designs, improving efficiency, and ensuring operational safety.

Sensor Models Overview

Two representative models are available to support different measurement needs:

• DT4A004

  • Sensitivity: 120 pC/MPa

  • Pressure Range: 25 MPa

  • Size: S12 × 28 mm

  • Weight: 12 g

• DT4A006

  • Sensitivity: 35 pC/MPa

  • Pressure Range: 100 MPa

  • Size: Ø6.3 × 36.3 mm

  • Weight: 5 g

The availability of multiple configurations allows engineers to select the optimal balance between sensitivity, pressure range, and physical size.

System Integration

Piezoelectric pressure sensors are commonly used with charge amplifiers and high-speed data acquisition systems. When integrated into Dynatronic measurement platforms, they enable synchronized pressure analysis alongside vibration, temperature, or rotational data, providing a complete picture of system behavior.

Designed for Extreme Dynamic Pressure Measurement

With exceptional temperature tolerance, fast response, and robust construction, piezoelectric pressure sensors are an essential tool for engineers working in high-energy, high-temperature environments. They provide dependable dynamic pressure data where accuracy, durability, and performance are critical.