How to Choose the Right OEM Pressure Sensor
Choosing the right OEM pressure sensor is essential when developing reliable equipment for industrial, automotive, aerospace, environmental or process applications.
Original Equipment Manufacturers need pressure sensors that can be configured around the application, including pressure range, output signal, electrical connection, media compatibility, size, accuracy and long-term stability.
Druck has spent more than 50 years developing pressure sensing technology for demanding applications, making its configurable pressure sensors a trusted choice for OEM pressure measurement.
What Is an OEM Pressure Sensor?
An OEM pressure sensor is a pressure transducer or transmitter designed to be built directly into another manufacturer's equipment, machine, test system or control process.
Unlike a standalone pressure gauge, an OEM sensor becomes part of the finished product, providing pressure data for monitoring, control, safety, testing or automation.
OEM pressure sensors are commonly used in:
- Automotive test systems
- Aerospace applications
- Hydraulic and pneumatic equipment
- Industrial automation
- Manufacturing and process control
- Environmental monitoring
- Oil and gas systems
- Power generation
- Research and development test rigs
Why Configurable Pressure Sensors Matter
Every OEM application is different. One design may require a compact sensor for limited space, while another may need high accuracy across temperature, fast response, hazardous area approval or a particular output signal.
A configurable pressure sensor allows engineers to specify the sensor around the application rather than compromising with a fixed standard product.
Typical configurable options include:
- Pressure range
- Gauge, absolute, sealed gauge, barometric or differential reference
- Analogue current or voltage output
- Digital output options where available
- Electrical connector type
- Mechanical pressure connection
- Media compatibility
- Operating temperature range
- Accuracy and stability requirements
VIEW DRUCK OEM CONFIGURABLE SENSORS
VIEW THE POPULAR DRUCK ADROIT SERIES
Druck Pressure Sensor Technology
Druck manufactures pressure transmitters and transducers using advanced silicon pressure sensing technology designed for accuracy, stability and long-term reliability.
Druck piezoresistive pressure transmitters and transducers are based on a diffused silicon strain gauge design. When pressure is applied, the sensing element produces an electrical output that can be used for monitoring, control or data acquisition.
The silicon element is bonded into a glass-to-metal seal module, with gold leads bonded to contact areas to create a stable, reliable sensor module.
Pressure Sensor Technologies Explained
Different pressure sensor technologies suit different applications. For OEMs, the correct choice depends on the pressure range, required accuracy, response time, temperature conditions, media and expected product life.
Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors
Piezoresistive pressure sensors are widely used in OEM applications because they provide accurate, stable pressure measurement in a compact format.
They are commonly selected where engineers need good sensitivity, linearity, repeatability and integration flexibility.
Piezoelectric Pressure Sensors
Piezoelectric pressure sensors are often used for dynamic pressure events where rapid pressure changes need to be detected.
They can be useful in specialist applications, although they are not always the best choice for long-term static pressure monitoring.
Resonant Pressure Sensors
Resonant pressure sensors measure changes in resonant frequency caused by applied pressure. Because frequency can be measured with extremely high precision, resonant silicon sensors can offer excellent accuracy and long-term stability.
Druck's TERPS technology, which stands for Trench Etched Resonant Pressure Sensor, is designed for applications requiring very high precision and stability.
Piezoresistive vs Piezoelectric Pressure Sensors
For many OEM applications, piezoresistive pressure sensors are preferred because they offer a strong balance of accuracy, stability, size and cost-effectiveness.
| Consideration |
Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors |
Piezoelectric Pressure Sensors |
| Sensitivity |
Suitable for accurate static and dynamic pressure measurement |
Often suited to rapid dynamic pressure events |
| Linearity |
Good linearity across a wide pressure range |
May require more application-specific signal interpretation |
| Long-term stability |
Strong stability and repeatability for OEM monitoring applications |
Often more suited to transient pressure conditions |
| Size and integration |
Compact designs support space-constrained OEM equipment |
May be less suitable for some compact embedded applications |
| Typical use |
Industrial, automotive, aerospace, environmental and process control |
High-speed dynamic pressure, shock and vibration-related measurements |
How to Choose the Right OEM Pressure Sensor
Choosing the right pressure sensor at the design stage can improve system performance, reduce integration issues and lower long-term maintenance costs.
Key selection factors include:
- Pressure range: The sensor must cover the required measurement range without sacrificing accuracy.
- Pressure reference: Choose gauge, absolute, sealed gauge, barometric or differential depending on the application.
- Accuracy: Consider total error, repeatability, non-linearity, hysteresis and temperature performance.
- Stability: Long-term stability is important where recalibration or replacement is difficult.
- Response time: Fast response is essential for dynamic systems such as engine testing or hydraulic monitoring.
- Environment: Consider vibration, shock, temperature, moisture, chemicals and hazardous area requirements.
- Output signal: Match the pressure sensor output to the control, monitoring or data acquisition system.
- Mechanical integration: Check size, form factor, pressure connection and electrical connector options.
Druck ADROIT Pressure Sensors
The Druck ADROIT 6000 and ADROIT 6200 pressure sensing platform is designed for applications where accuracy, response time, stability and compact size matter.
The ADROIT range combines micromachined silicon with digital processing to deliver high-performance pressure measurement in a compact, robust package.
Key capabilities include:
- Pressure ranges from 68 mbar to 700 bar
- Gauge, sealed gauge, absolute, barometric and differential references
- 4-20mA and configurable voltage outputs
- Total error down to 0.1% span
- Non-linearity, hysteresis and repeatability down to 0.02% span BSL
- Response time less than 1ms
- Frequency response up to 1kHz
- 316L stainless steel construction
- Operating temperature range up to -40°C to +125°C
- Hazardous area certification options
VIEW THE POPULAR DRUCK ADROIT SERIES
Druck DPS5000 Configurable Pressure Sensors
The Druck DPS5000 range is another configurable pressure sensor option for OEM applications requiring high performance, reliability and digital output options.
Depending on the configuration, DPS5000 sensors can support digital signals such as i2c, SDI-12 or CANBUS, making them suitable for integration into modern monitoring and control systems.
This makes the DPS5000 useful for applications where engineers need accurate pressure measurement combined with digital communication and long-term stability.
VIEW DRUCK OEM CONFIGURABLE SENSORS
OEM Pressure Sensor Applications
Industrial pressure sensors are used across a wide range of industries where accurate and reliable pressure measurement is essential.
| Industry |
Typical Pressure Sensor Applications |
| Automotive |
Engine test cells, fuel systems, cooling systems, hydraulic systems, emissions development and vehicle testing |
| Aerospace and Defence |
Cabin pressure, hydraulic systems, fuel systems, engine testing, ground support and flight-approved pressure measurement |
| Manufacturing and Process Control |
Pneumatic systems, hydraulic machinery, industrial automation, force control, leak detection and process monitoring |
| Environmental Monitoring |
Weather stations, barometric pressure, hydrology, water level, flood monitoring and remote monitoring stations |
| Oil and Gas |
Process pressure, gas correction, hazardous area sensing, offshore systems and subsea pressure applications |
Automotive Pressure Sensors
Automotive manufacturers and test facilities use pressure sensors in engine development, fuel system testing, cooling systems, exhaust systems, hydraulic circuits and vehicle validation work.
Engine test cells can involve high temperatures, vibration and rapidly changing pressure conditions. Fast response and long-term reliability are important because failed or unstable sensors can lead to lost data, repeated testing and increased development costs.
Druck pressure sensors are used in demanding automotive test environments where accurate, repeatable pressure data is needed to support product development and system refinement.
Aerospace Pressure Sensors
Aerospace pressure sensor applications demand high reliability, stability and performance under difficult conditions.
Pressure sensors may be used in aircraft systems, hydraulic systems, fuel systems, cabin pressure systems, engine systems and ground flight test applications.
For aerospace and defence users, sensor reliability is essential because pressure measurement can affect performance, diagnostics and safety-critical decision making.
Environmental Monitoring Pressure Sensors
Environmental monitoring applications rely on stable and accurate pressure data for weather monitoring, hydrology, water level measurement and remote monitoring systems.
Barometric pressure sensors can be used in weather stations and aviation-related monitoring systems, while depth and level sensors support water monitoring in urban, industrial and remote locations.
Long-term stability is especially important in remote systems where frequent recalibration or sensor replacement would increase maintenance cost.
Why Choose Druck OEM Pressure Sensors?
Druck pressure sensors are designed for demanding applications where accuracy, reliability, stability and long-term support matter.
Reasons OEMs choose Druck include:
- More than 50 years of pressure measurement expertise
- In-house silicon sensing technology
- Configurable sensor options for specialist applications
- High accuracy and long-term stability
- Compact and robust sensor designs
- Experience across automotive, aerospace, environmental, oil and gas, and industrial applications
- Support for demanding and harsh operating environments
If your application requires a pressure sensor that can be configured around your system, Druck's OEM pressure sensor range is a strong starting point.
VIEW DRUCK OEM CONFIGURABLE SENSORS
VIEW THE POPULAR DRUCK ADROIT SERIES
Druck OEM Sensor Brochure
For more detail on Druck OEM pressure sensing capability, applications and configurable sensor options, view the Original Equipment Manufacturer brochure.
OEM SENSORS BROCHURE
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is an OEM pressure sensor?
A. An OEM pressure sensor is a pressure transducer or transmitter designed to be integrated into another manufacturer's equipment, machine, test system or control process.
Q2: Why use a configurable pressure sensor?
A. A configurable pressure sensor allows engineers to select the pressure range, reference type, output signal, connection and other options needed for a specific application.
Q3: What is the difference between gauge and absolute pressure sensors?
A. Gauge pressure sensors measure pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, while absolute pressure sensors measure pressure relative to a vacuum reference.
Q4: What is a piezoresistive pressure sensor?
A. A piezoresistive pressure sensor uses a silicon strain gauge element that changes electrical resistance when pressure is applied, allowing pressure to be converted into an electrical signal.
Q5: What is TERPS pressure sensor technology?
A. TERPS stands for Trench Etched Resonant Pressure Sensor. It is Druck's resonant silicon pressure sensor technology, designed for high precision and long-term stability.
Q6: Which industries use Druck OEM pressure sensors?
A. Druck OEM pressure sensors are used across automotive, aerospace, environmental monitoring, oil and gas, manufacturing, process control and industrial applications.