Rõhuandur

Rõhuandur, also known as a pressure sensor, is a device that detects and measures pressure. It converts this physical quantity into an electrical signal that can be read by other electronic devices or systems. Pressure can be defined as force applied over a surface area. Rõhuandurid are used in a vast array of applications, from simple domestic appliances to complex industrial machinery and scientific instruments.

The working principle of a rõhuandur typically involves a sensing element that deforms or changes its electrical properties when subjected to pressure. Common sensing technologies include piezoresistive, capacitive, and piezoelectric effects. Piezoresistive sensors use materials whose electrical resistance changes with applied strain. Capacitive sensors measure the change in capacitance between two plates as the distance between them is altered by pressure. Piezoelectric sensors generate an electrical charge when pressure is applied to certain crystalline materials.

The output signal from a rõhuandur can be analog, such as a voltage or current that varies proportionally to the pressure, or digital, representing the pressure as a discrete value. These sensors are crucial for monitoring and controlling processes where pressure is a critical parameter. Examples include weather forecasting, automotive systems (e.g., tire pressure monitoring), medical devices (e.g., blood pressure monitors), and industrial process control in manufacturing and chemical plants. The selection of a specific rõhuandur depends on factors like the pressure range to be measured, required accuracy, operating environment, and cost.