CS11 Media Isolated Pressure Sensor Group Photo

Temperature Compensation

Enhancing Accuracy and Performance

by Core Sensors / February 6, 2025

Pressure transducers are essential components in various industries, providing critical measurements for process control and monitoring. However, these devices are susceptible to temperature-induced variations, which can significantly impact their accuracy. To address this challenge, manufacturers like Core Sensors employ sophisticated temperature compensation techniques to ensure reliable and precise measurements across a wide range of operating conditions.

Understanding Pressure Transducers

At the heart of most pressure transducers is a Wheatstone bridge, an electrical circuit used to measure changes in resistance. In pressure sensors, this bridge consists of strain gauges that deform under pressure, altering their electrical resistance. The bridge converts these resistance changes into a measurable electrical signal, which corresponds to the applied pressure.

However, each pressure sensor has unique properties that can lead to variations in overall performance. These variations primarily manifest as changes in the zero point (output at no pressure) and span (range of output) across different temperatures and pressures.

CS10 Industrial Pressure Transducer with DT Connector

The Need for Temperature Compensation

Raw signals from pressure sensors often exhibit fluctuations in zero and span due to temperature changes, creating challenges for users seeking consistent and accurate measurements. To address this issue, manufacturers like Core Sensors implement temperature compensation techniques to standardize the output signal and maintain performance specifications across varying pressure and temperature conditions.

Temperature Compensation Methods

Millivolt Output Temperature Compensation

Millivolt output compensation is commonly used in high-temperature pressure sensors. This method involves:

Specialized Trim Resistors
Carefully selected resistors are used to adjust the output signal based on the performance of the individual pressure sensor over pressure and temperature readings.
Passive Compensation
The compensation is achieved through passive elements within the sensor electronics or directly on the sensor element.
First-Order Error Correction
This technique primarily addresses linear temperature-related errors.

CS91 high temperature pressure sensor with optional bayonet connector or solder hooks

Millivolt pressure sensors are available with calibration data and polynomial data so thermal performance can be mapped within a customer’s systems. Core Sensors has the design flexibility to customize the polynomial points to match the system’s operating temperature range.

ASIC Compensation

ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) compensation represents a more advanced approach to temperature compensation. Key features include:

Versatility
ASICs can provide various output formats, including amplified voltage, current, and digital signals.
Active Compensation
Continuous temperature monitoring allows for real-time adjustments.
Higher-Order Error Correction
ASICs can compensate for non-linear temperature effects, offering superior accuracy.

intrinsically safe pressure transducer examples with connectors and cable

Over the past two decades, ASIC technology has significantly advanced, enabling:

Tighter tolerances
Wider temperature spans
Additional analog and digital signal options

Core Sensors’ Approach

Core Sensors employs rigorous testing throughout the manufacturing process to ensure each pressure sensor meets stringent performance specifications. Their temperature compensation techniques include:

100% Testing
Every sensor undergoes comprehensive testing across various pressures and temperatures.
Customized Compensation
Tailored compensation strategies are applied based on individual sensor characteristics.
Advanced ASIC Implementation
Utilizing state-of-the-art ASIC technology for precise and reliable measurements.

Conclusion

Temperature compensation is crucial in pressure transducer design, ensuring accurate and consistent performance across diverse operating conditions. Whether using millivolt output compensation for high-temperature applications or advanced ASIC-based solutions for broader capabilities, Core Sensors offers cutting-edge technology to meet diverse industry needs.

For your next pressure sensor, transducer, or transmitter design, consider partnering with Core Sensors to leverage their expertise in temperature compensation and sensor technology.

For more information or to request a quote, please call us at 862-245-2673 or email [email protected].

About Core Sensors:
Core Sensors designs, manufactures and distributes high quality sensors for measuring pressure and temperature properties for industrial and hazardous applications worldwide. Core offers solutions for industrial, submersible, differential and hazardous applications in both standard and custom packaging. In-house design and manufacturing capabilities along with strategic manufacturing partners allows Core to create solutions to some of the most complex sensor requirements.

Temperature Compensation