Pressure sensors can detect height differences of just 50cm!

A new highly accurate absolute pressure sensor from Omron Electronic Components Europe can detect height differences of as little as 50cm. Based on Omron’s MEMs technology, the tiny sensor module can measure altitude, atmospheric pressure or water depth in wearable electronics, activity monitors, industrial and marine instruments and mobile phones and cameras.

The new Omron 2SMPB-01-01 absolute pressure sensor is the company’s most accurate ever pressure sensor, providing readings relative to a perfect vacuum to ± 6Pa. The module is just 3.8mm x 3.8mm x 1 mm maximum, small enough to integrate into portable instruments. It provides an I2C output for easy integration into digital electronics.

The sensor uses piezo resistance in a full bridge circuit to detect pressure, and is fully temperature compensated giving an absolute temperature accuracy of ± 2°C. The 2SMPB-01-01 offers the benefit of low power consumption of just 9 µA typical, further simplifying its integration into portable and other battery powered electronic systems.

The 2SMPB-01-01 can operate in three different power modes: standard, high accuracy and low power mode. Product is packaged in 8 pin QFN structure with surface mounting terminals.

The new absolute pressure sensor complements Omron’s established range of gauge and differential pressure sensors. The Omron 2SMPP-03 and 2SMPP-02 MEMS based gauge pressure sensors offer precise measurement between -50kPa to +50kPa and 0 to 37kPa respectively. They are also based on a piezo-resitive principle and are ideal for medical applications such as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) as well as leak detection, movement control, level indicators, home appliances and industrial control instruments. Both devices share exceptionally compact external dimensions, of just 6.1 by 4.7 by 8.2mm.