Epcos has introduced the compact packaged sensors for barometric pressure measurement. With the dimensions of 1.7x1.7x0.9mm³, the sensors are small. The pressure sensors introduce numerous application perspectives for future generations of equipment and systems, and also for portable electronics. Portable navigation devices, watches and mobile phones, for example, will be able to measure air pressure and/or altitude above sea level.
An advantage of the sensors is the cost-effective CSMP (chip-sized MEMS package) packaging technology developed by the company. As an SMD pressure sensor, the T5000 is well equipped for the automated production of mass products. The company offers a sensor variant in a conventional package with a gel-protected stainless steel pressure port. With a footprint of 3x3mm², the ASB1200E SMD pressure sensor enables the further miniaturisation of barometric applications that are exposed to high humidity.
The SMD pressure sensors T5000 and ASB1200E are optimised for an absolute pressure measurement of 300 to 1200mbar and cover a measurement range of 20mV/V/bar. The heart of the pressure sensors is a piezo-resistive MEMS sensor chip manufactured by Aktiv Sensor, a wholly owned EPCOS subsidiary. Further developments include a pressure sensor with integrated temperature compensation and a digital interface.
