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David D · Guest

In regards to Pressure Transducers, does Pico offer an accessory for the PP-276 (Automotive Kit) that can measure pressure like a pressure transducer?

davidj · Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 9:33 am Post subject: Pressure Transducer

Hi

Thank you for your post.

The Firstlook sensor is designed around a pressure transducer. It depends on the application you have in mind. Please see here for more details.
http://www.picotech.com/auto/firstlook-sensor.html

Autonerdz · Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:38 pm Post subject: Pressure Transducer

Hi Davids

The FirstLook is a great tool but is not a pressure transducer. It is a true pulse sensor which is piezio based.

A transducer will output a voltage that is related to a pressure so you can make a pressure scale that converts the voltage values to pressure values. 1mv/1psi for example. The FirstLook doesn't work this way.

The FirstLook only outputs a voltage based on changes in pressure. Any steady state results in a zero output so you cannot relate the voltage output to pressure values.

The FirstLook is a unique and valuable tool which has varied automotive applications and I'm sure could be used in many other applications.

A Fluke PV350 would be an example of a pressure transducer. This can measure positive and negative pressure and you can make a custom probe in PicoScope that scales the output directly in pressure units. This also has varied automotive application, but is a completely different tool for completely different purposes.

davidj · Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 5:46 pm Post subject:

Hi Tom, David Wink

Thanks for the input Tom. The piezoelectric transducer contained within the Firstlook sensor responds to pressure. Intended in general terms as a device that converts one form of energy into another, and not to mislead !
David, apologies if I mislead you but hopefully the link clarified application suitability.

Autonerdz · Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 6:47 pm Post subject: FirstLook

I just wanted to be sure David understood that you cannot measure pressure with the FirstLook. It does respond to pressure....but only changes in pressure. The output is relative to the amount and speed of the change. Once the change stops, the output returns to zero, regardless of pressure.

Pressure transducers generally refer to devices that measure pressure. I guess you would call the FirstLook a 'pulse transducer'.

Here is a comparison between the Fluke PV 350 pressure transducer and the FirstLook. Channel A is the PV 350 with a pressure scaling in PSI. Channel B is the FirstLook voltage response. The pictures show the difference in behavior between the two devices on the same sample. One shows a positive pressure and the other negative.

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