https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/Superior Sensor Technology is a leading developer of advanced pressure sensors specifically designed for Industrial, HVAC, and Medical markets. Our ground-breaking NimbleSense™︎ architecture, the industry’s first intelligent System-in-a-Sensor, empowers ouen-USTelligent Community 12https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/maintaining-pressure-in-hyperbaric-therapyTue, 21 Oct 2025 20:20:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:1de88d24-1a79-442c-ae0b-45bad2dab3e0AnthonyGHyperbaric Therapy Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure, 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment inside a sealed chamber. It is common for treating a long list of medical conditions, including: Decompression sickness Severe anemia Traumatic brain injury or brain abscess Burns Carbon monoxide poisoning Sudden deafness Gangrene Skin or bone infection where there is tissue death Radiation exposure Skin graft Sudden vision loss In a hyperbaric chamber, the air pressure is increased 2 to 3 times higher than normal air pressure. Under these conditions, the lungs can gather much more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. This extra oxygen helps fight bacteria and also triggers the release of substances called growth factors and stem cells, which promote healing. The role of pressure sensors in hyperbaric chambers As hyperbaric chambers monitor pressure, pressure sensors are critical in hyperbaric care. Specifically, pressure sensors are used to: Monitor and control the pressure inside the chamber during hyperbaric therapy sessions: sensors measure the air pressure inside the chamber to ensure it is at the correct level for the specific therapy being applied. If the pressure falls outside of the safe limits, the sensors can trigger an alarm. Typically, this is accomplished via absolute pressure sensors. Control the airflow into the chamber: sensors can adjust the pressure of the incoming air and/or regulate the flow of oxygen into the chamber. If the flow falls below the required level, it can indicate a blockage or other obstruction that can affect the therapy or possibly have a harmful impact on the patient. This is implemented by either differential pressure sensors (measuring the pressure between two points) or gauge pressure sensors (measuring the pressure relative to the environment). Monitor patient vital signs: sensors can continually monitor vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate. This can confirm that the therapy is being tolerated well by the patient. This is measured via gauge pressure sensors. Superior Sensor Technology’s Solutions for Hyperbaric Chambers Ideally suited for hyperbaric chambers, Superior Sensor’s ND Series measures differential, gauge and absolute pressures from as low as 62.5 pascal to as high as 150 psi. Having an expanded operating temperature range to go along with the industry’s lowest noise floor and the ability to support up to 7 factory calibrated pressures in one device, the ND Series is ideal for the most demanding monitoring applications, including hyperbaric care. The ND Series provides a new level of integration combining an advanced piezoresistive sensing element with integrated amplification, ADC, DSP and interface which greatly simplifies design and integration efforts. Advanced digital processing enables new functionality. Furthermore, this highly integrated solution simplifying system development and manufacturing while increasing product reliability. There are several optional capabilities than can be integrated into the sensors, including closed loop control, advanced digital filtering and a 3-mode pressure safety switch. With all these advanced capabilities, the ND Series is more than a pressure sensor – it is a complete pressure sensing sub-system. The ND Series consists of three product families: The ND Series Low Pressure products are a family of differential/gauge pressure sensors that measure pressures from as low as ±62.5 Pa to as high as ±7.5 kPa. The ND Series Mid Pressure products are a family of differential/gauge pressure sensors that measure pressures from as low as ±0.5 psi to as high as ±150 psi. The ND Series Absolute products are a family of absolute pressure sensors that measure pressures from 15 psia to 150 psia. Availability All the ND Series sensors are in production.industrial applicationsAdvanced digital filteringdifferential pressure sensorspressure sensorsHyperbarichttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/pressure-sensors-monitoring-nuclear-powerTue, 21 Oct 2025 20:15:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:75e8e5d7-2a3d-44ef-b2d3-7f1314accf6aAnthonyGThe importance of monitoring nuclear power plants Accurately monitoring nuclear power plants is important for many reasons, including guaranteeing the safety of the facility and the surrounding community, averting accidents, preventing the release of radioactive materials, and complying with regulatory requirements. Regular monitoring and inspections can help identify issues before they become major problems and can ensure that the facility is operating within safe and legal limits. Finally, monitoring can help detect and prevent acts of sabotage or terrorism. The role of pressure sensors in monitoring nuclear power plants Pressure sensors play a vital role in monitoring two key areas to ensure the safety of nuclear power plants: Leakage of radioactive materials: by monitoring the pressure inside the containment vessels of nuclear reactors, pressure sensors can provide early warnings of any leaks that could lead to a release of radioactive materials. This is done by tracking the pressure inside the containment vessels and notifying the system if pressure drops below a predetermined acceptable level. Proper functioning of the reactor: by monitoring the pressure inside the coolant system of a reactor, the pressure sensor can confirm that it is functioning properly. In the event the pressure travels outside the acceptable band, the system can generate an alarm to notify a technician. Superior Sensor Technology’s Pressure Sensor Advantages Superior Sensors’ proprietary NimbleSense TM architecture is the industry’s first System-in-a-Sensor integrated platform. Incorporating a highly differentiated advanced pressure sensing system with the ability to integrate optional building blocks enables us to combine the highest accuracy and reliability with application exclusive features. With unique technology deployed in our ND Series, Superior’s products offer many advantages for critical monitoring applications such as nuclear power plants. The ND Series measures differential, gage and absolute pressures from as low as 62.5 pascal to as high as 150 psi. Having an expanded operating temperature range to go along with the industry’s lowest noise floor and the ability to support up to 7 factory calibrated pressures in one device, the ND Series is ideal for the most demanding monitoring applications. The ND Series measures dry air and non-aggressive gas pressure with very high accuracy and a stable zero point. Non-linearity is also industry leading which is typically 0.05% FSS. The ND Series has a selectable bandwidth filter from 1Hz to 200Hz, and 16-bit resolution. For added performance, the ND Series has an integrated 50/60Hz notch filter to minimize impact of power noise spikes. Finally, the ND Series is an excellent choice for applications requiring the utmost reliability. The ND Series provides a new level of integration combining an advanced piezoresistive sensing element with integrated amplification, ADC, DSP and interface which greatly simplifies design and integration efforts. Advanced digital processing enables new functionality thus simplifying system development and manufacturing while increasing product reliability. With optional integrated closed loop control customization, advanced digital filtering and a 3-mode pressure switch, the ND Series is more than a pressure sensor – it is a complete pressure sensing sub-system. The ND Series consists of three product families: The ND Series Low Pressure products are a family of differential/gage pressure sensors that measure pressures from as low as ±62.5 Pa to as high as ±7.5 kPa. The ND Series Mid Pressure products are a family of differential/gage pressure sensors that measure pressures from as low as ±0.5 psi to as high as ±150 psi. The ND Series Absolute products are a family of absolute pressure sensors that measure pressures from 15 psia to 150 psia. All the ND Series sensors are in production.industrial applicationsabsolute pressuredifferential pressure sensorspressure sensorshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/maximizing-fuel-efficiency-with-pressure-sensorsThu, 16 Oct 2025 17:44:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:689cf019-885f-407e-84ca-74231916dd60AnthonyGThe need for continuous improvements in fuel efficiency While the future of vehicles is electrical, internal combustion engines will continue to drive the majority of vehicles on the roads for at least the next decade. Their environmental impact will continue to be scrutinized as the effects of climate change continue to impact our daily lives. Improving fuel efficiency will help minimize this impact. In addition, the upward trajectory in gasoline prices further drives the need for better fuel efficiency. Getting the fuel mixture right in an internal combustion engine is critical to improving fuel efficiency. However, this mixture will vary based on the many changing conditions. These conditions include speed of the vehicle, engine and manifold temperature, altitude, humidity and overall air quality. In addition to measuring the air temperature with a temperature sensor, air pressure needs to be measured in order to adjust the ignition timing and fuel mixture. Pressure Sensors Monitor Air Pressure Absolute pressure sensors measure pressure relative to a perfect vacuum and are the sensors that should be used to measure air pressure to determine fuel efficiency. Specifically, they measure the pressure both inside the manifold and the outside air pressure (since local air is entering the engine). This ‘barometric air pressure’ can have a significant influence on fuel mixture. Reporting this pressure measurement, the engine management system can continually tune the engine in order to maximize its fuel efficiency. Because absolute pressure is being measured, this can happen regardless of altitude or other changing driving conditions. NimbleSense TM Architecture Improves Fuel Efficiency Measurements Superior Sensors’ proprietary NimbleSense TM architecture is the industry’s first System-in-a-Sensor integrated platform. It incorporates a highly differentiated advanced pressure sensing system with the ability to integrate optional building blocks to combine the highest accuracy and reliability with lower overall system cost. This unique technology provides many advantages for barometric sensor applications. Lowest Noise Floor One of the biggest impediments to absolute pressure sensors deployed in automobiles is the noise generated by both the car and external elements such as the road and wind. Utilizing an integrated advanced digital filtering technology, Superior’s pressure sensors eliminate the noise created by these factors prior to their reaching the sensor sub-system. Thus, the noise is eliminated before it becomes an error signal that can lead to inaccurate air pressure reading. Highest Levels of Accuracy With a moving automobile, there are always changes in altitude and speed that can impact sensor accuracy. To minimize this potential impact, you need a barometric pressure sensor with the highest levels of accuracy. Superior’s absolute pressure sensors boast industry leading accuracy to as close as within 0.1% of the pressure range and total error band (TEB) within 0.15%. Fastest Response Times As a complement to accuracy, the amount of time it takes the pressure sensor to update its measurement data is just as crucial to maximize fuel efficiency. The faster you receive updated pressure measurements, the better you can manage fuel consumption. While user configurable, Superior’s absolute pressure sensors support update rates as fast as 2.25 msec. Solution: ND015A Absolute Pressure Sensor The ND015A absolute pressure sensor supports pressure range from 0 to 15 psia. It has a selectable bandwidth filter from 1 to 200 Hz and market leading accuracy of 0.1%. Other key attributes of the ND015A include: Highly integrated sensor with ADC and DSP Ultra-low noise 16.5-bit resolution Exceptional zero stability Integrated 50/60 Hz notch filter Optional integrate closed loop control Silicon gel protection Temperature compensated from -20°C to 85°C Supply voltage compensation Fully integrated compensation math Standard I 2 C and SPI interfaces Availability The ND015A is in production.fuel efficiencyabsolute pressureautomotivepressure sensorshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/pressure-sensors-ensure-dangerous-chemicals-don-t-leak-into-the-airThu, 16 Oct 2025 17:35:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:7003ffc1-dc08-45e1-a00c-62bb7aff3de0AnthonyGMonitoring Dangerous Chemicals Dangerous chemicals, such as ammonia, are used in various industrial and HVAC systems. While useful for their specific applications, they can be dangerous if exposed to humans. Being able to detect leaks, no matter how small, is crucial for safety and health. Differential pressure sensors are a common way to measure the flow of dangerous chemicals to ensure systems operate as intended. Example: Ammonia Ammonia is commonly used as a coolant in refrigeration and HVAC systems. However, ammonia is a chemical that can cause significant health damage in the event of a leak. Exposure to breathing air with ammonia is hazardous. Pressure sensors, specifically differential pressure sensors, can be effectively used to monitor the pressure of ammonia as it flows through the refrigeration or HVAC system. By measuring the ammonia flowing through the system, the sensor can detect if there is a drop in pressure from one point to another. A drop can signify either a leak (health hazard) or a clog (safety hazard). In either case, the problem needs to be addressed immediately. The more precise the differential pressure sensor can measure the change in flow, the earlier it can warn system operators of the hazard. The NimbleSense TM Architecture Incorporated into all our differential pressure sensors, Superior Sensor Technology’s NimbleSense architecture is a fully integrated sub-system that combines processing intelligence with signal path integration and proprietary algorithms to create modular building blocks that are easily selectable to support a wide array of applications. Using the NimbleSense architecture enables product designers to create highly differentiated advanced pressure sensing systems from a technology toolbox. This methodology greatly improves system performance in the end application, while providing enhanced features and cost-optimized manufacturing solutions. The NimbleSense architecture was developed with the overarching goal to knock out every bit of noise before reaching the customer’s system. We broadly define noise as anything that is not the ideal sensor response, and this approach includes mixing noise, long-term drift, thermal errors, and thermal or pressure hysteresis. This is extremely important when being used for a safety application, such as monitoring for exposure to dangerous chemicals. Choosing from a wide array of proven and tested building blocks, product designers integrate the appropriate modules to create a differential pressure system optimized for their specific chemical monitoring application. HV Series and ND Series Superior Sensor Technology offers two product series that are ideally suited for chemical monitoring: The HV Series and the ND Series. The HV Series has been designed specifically for HVAC and other air handling applications. With up to 8 pressure ranges available in one device, an integrated 50/60 Hz notch filter and optional integrated pressure switch, advanced digital filtering and closed loop control, the HV Series supports pressures as low as ±0.1 inH2O (±25 Pa) with accuracy as close as 0.05% of the selected range. Being able to detect changes at such low pressures is crucial for chemical monitoring. The ND Series has an extended temperature range and has been designed to support a wide-array of industrial applications. The ND Series supports up to 7 pressure ranges in one device with accuracy within 0.05% of the selected range. Like the HV Series, the ND Series has an integrated 50/60 Hz notch filter and optional integrated pressure switch, advanced digital filtering and closed loop control. Along with the extended temperature range, the ND Series supports pressures as low as ±0.25 inH2O to as high as ±150 psi. For those applications where operation is needed at more extreme temperatures, the ND Series is the perfect solution. Benefits The HV and ND Series of differential pressure sensors have a long list of benefits for monitoring chemical leaks, including: Highly integrated sensors with ADC and DSP Support from pressures from as low at ±0.1 inH 2 O to as high as ±150 psi Up to 8 calibrated pressure ranges in one device Industry leading accuracy to within 0.05% of the selected pressure range Exceptional zero stability Integrated 50/60 Hz notch filter Selectable bandwidth filter Optional closed loop control integration Optional advanced digital filtering Optional 3-mode integrated pressure switch Availability Both the HV Series and ND Series are in production.industrial applicationsdifferential pressure sensorsHVAC applicationshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/how-pressure-sensors-can-improve-gps-accuracyWed, 24 Sep 2025 18:05:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:873300a3-81cd-4b87-b61a-e7183b3ac67eAnthonyGGPS is Everywhere Chances are that you are carrying a GPS device with you right now. What was once limited to military and commercial applications expanded to automobiles and dedicated GPS devices for consumers. Today, most portable electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have a built-in GPS receiver with various mapping applications that can be used to pinpoint your location or provide directions to another locale. How GPS Works GPS receivers communicate with satellites to determine three values: Latitude of the GPS receiver: latitude specifies the device’s location distance north or south of the equator. Longitude of the GPS receiver: longitude specifies the device’s location distance east or west from an imaginary line connecting the North and South Poles, called the Prime Meridian . Elevation of the GPS receiver: elevation specifies the device’s distance above (or below) sea level. These three values become a three-dimensional geographic coordinate system that determines a location on Earth. Latitude and Longitude are measured in decimal degrees, while elevation is typically measured in meters. Mapping software takes these coordinates as input value to plot the device’s position on a map. As the device moves, the three-dimensional coordinates are constantly updated, and the software updates the plot on the map. Pressure Sensors Improve 3-Dimensional GPS Accuracy GPS signals can be impacted by structures. In urban areas, buildings, tunnels and other covered areas can obscure and degrade the signal the GPS receiver gets from satellites. This can impact all three coordinates: latitude, longitude and elevation. Of the three coordinates, pressure sensors can help a GPS application more accurately determine the elevation of the device. Specifically, a barometric pressure sensor can be used to augment the GPS signal in determining the device’s height above sea level. There are many instances when knowing the accurate altitude of a position is important. For example, there are many indoor applications where GPS is valuable. Whether it be an office building, shopping mall, multi-story parking structure, stadium, airport, etc., looking for someone or something is a lot easier if you know which level you need to go to. Another indoor application for GPS is tracking valuable assets. Asset tracking, knowing the exact location of an item, is important in many commercial and industrial applications. Knowing where something is located in a large, multi-story complex is difficult if you cannot determine its what floor it is on. Barometric pressure sensor makes accurate indoor navigation a possibility, and are built-in in many electronic devices, including most of the newer smartphones. Apple has been integrated barometric sensors since the iPhone 6. Many of the leading Android smartphones from Samsung, OnePlus and others also include barometric pressure sensors. Figure 1 – Using GPS in a Shopping Mall NimbleSense TM Architecture Improves GPS Elevation Measurement Having an extremely low noise floor, the NimbleSense architecture is ideal for the precise indoor elevation measurements that GPS solutions require to maximize their accuracy and performance. Not being impacted by external interference and noise, Superior’s barometric and absolute pressure sensors provide more accurate readings typically within ±1 meter that greatly reduce potential calculation errors. However, the NimbleSense advantages extend beyond the low noise floor as the architecture’s advanced digital filtering provides additional benefits. Smartphones and other devices with embedded GPS are subject to external sounds, vibrations and rapid movements, all of which can impact the accuracy of pressure sensors. Utilizing our integrated advanced digital filtering technology , Superior’s pressure sensors eliminate the noise created by these factors before they can impact product performance. Thus, the noise is eliminated before it becomes an error signal that can lead to inaccurate readings. Conclusion GPS receivers are with us almost all the time. In addition to mapping X,Y coordinates, they are being used more often indoors. In order to accurately measure indoor locations (thus expanding from X,Y to X,Y,Z), barometric pressure sensors are used to determine the altitude of the device (the Z coordinate). Barometric and absolute pressure sensors provide an easy, cost-effective solution. Superior Sensor Technology’s pressure sensors offer the highest levels of accuracy due to the NimbleSense architecture that has the industry’s lowest noise floor and advanced digital filtering. To learn more about the NimbleSense architecture, please visit our technology page . If you have a GPS project you would like to discuss, please contact us .Advanced digital filteringgpspressure sensorshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/benefits-of-pressure-sensors-for-measuring-airflowWed, 24 Sep 2025 17:57:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:c378ca2c-cd24-4c79-b3d3-830a5529f431AnthonyGApplications Requiring Airflow Measurements Measuring airflow is important for many HVAC, industrial and medical applications. Whether it is ensuring an air conditioning system is running smoothly or a hospital ventilator is providing the right amount of air to the patient, airflow measurements provide critical system feedback. The number of systems that require feedback on airflow measurement is extensive. Here are a few examples of the feedback provided: Air conditioning: notifying of partial airflow blockages, such as through dirty air filters or clogged air ducts Ventilators and Respirators: if the system is pushing too much (or too little) air to the patient Clean and isolation rooms: if non-pure air is entering and contaminating the room Anesthesia, oxygen concentrators, nebulizers: if the right mix of gases is being administered Gas chromatography: if there is a decrease in flow rate signaling potential blockages in the line Automobile engine: measure the air entering the intake system to determine how much fuel to supply to the engine. Figure 1 – Some Typical Airflow Applications The most common device for measuring airflow is an airflow sensor. However, in certain scenarios a differential pressure sensor is a better solution. Let’s take a look at the two devices and their unique advantages. Airflow Sensors An airflow sensor is a device with two pressure ports where air/gas flows from the first port to the second. Inside, there’s a sensing element with a heated surface. As air or gas flows across the sense element, heat is transferred. This creates a thermal imbalance proportional to the flowing mass. Note that the sensor is measuring the mass flow under standard conditions, not the actual volume of gas flowing through it. While most sensors are compensated for the effects of temperature, changes in atmospheric pressure that affect the density of the gas may affect the output. Airflow sensors must also be calibrated for a specific gas mix, as different gases have different thermal characteristics. Benefits of airflow sensors: As a thermal device, an airflow sensor is more stable at zero flow versus a differential pressure sensor. Airflow sensors have a higher output at low flows, resulting in better resolution at very low flows versus high flows. Challenges with airflow sensors: Airflow sensor performance can be impacted by contaminants, such as dirt. If dirt enters the sensor, it can impact the resistance and resulting output. Contaminants may also affect the heat transfer to the sensing element, which again would impact the output. Airflow sensors consume anywhere from 5x to 10x more power than differential pressure sensors. This can be critical for lower power and battery-operated devices. Due to the heating element, airflow sensors take much longer time to stabilize on both power-up and during operation. Whereas a differential pressure sensor can stabilize within 1 msec, an airflow sensor can take up to 35 msec. In addition, the frequency response of an airflow sensor can be 10x longer than a differential pressure sensor. These deltas can be result in significant disadvantages in many time critical applications, including medical and high-speed transportation. Figure 2 – Image of typical airflow sensor Differential Pressure Sensors Like a flow sensor, a differential pressure sensor also has two pressure ports. But unlike the flow sensor, there is no gas flow between the two ports of a differential pressure sensor. Instead, there is a diaphragm between the ports that measures the pressure difference between them. The two pressures to be measured are applied to opposite sides of the diaphragm. The deflection of this diaphragm, either positive or negative to the zero state, determines the difference in pressure. Differential pressure sensors have many uses and can be used to replace airflow sensors. As with any solution, there are positives and a negative in doing so: Benefits of differential pressure sensors over airflow sensors: Unlike an airflow sensor, a differential pressure sensor is ‘dead ended’ so the only air/gas flowing into it is a small amount caused by air/gas compression or expansion under pressure. This structure reduces the possibility of contaminants impacting the output to only those cases where the flow through the tubing is completely blocked. A differential pressure sensor’s output is linear over its working range, so its resolution remains consistent at both low and high flows. Differential pressure sensors consume anywhere from 5x to 10x less power than airflow sensors. This can be critical for lower power and battery-operated devices. As discussed above, differential pressure sensors can stabilize as quickly as within 1 msec during power-up and have a frequency response rate that can be up to 10x faster than airflow sensors. These are significant advantages for life critical and time critical applications. Challenges of differential pressure sensors compared to airflow sensors: Since a differential pressure sensor is not thermal, it is not as stable at zero flow. However, some differential pressure sensors utilize an auto-zero calibration technique that samples the output and corrects it based on thermal effects and drift. Figure 3 – Superior’s Differential Pressure Sensor Superior Sensor’s Unique Differential Pressure Sensors Having an extremely low noise floor, Superior’s differential pressure sensors are ideal for precise air flow measurements. However, the advantages extend beyond the low noise floor. Some of Superior’s NimbleSense TM architecture application-specific building blocks provide additional value add compared to airflow sensors. Multi-Range Technology TM Multi-Range technology allows one pressure sensor to operate at maximum performance over several different pressure ranges. Unlike airflow sensors and other differential pressure sensors, Superior’s Multi-Range allows pressure ranges to be changed ‘on the fly’ so that one device in the field can be used to serve multiple purposes. Multi-Range also enables manufacturers to bring product variants to market quickly and reduces inventory costs and product obsolescence since only one SKU needs to be stocked. Advanced Digital Filtering One of the biggest impediments to differential pressure sensors is errors caused by noise generated by fans, blowers and other elements. Utilizing an integrated advanced digital filtering technology, Superior’s pressure sensors eliminate the noise created by these factors prior to their reaching the sensor sub-system. Thus, the noise is eliminated before it becomes an error signal that can lead to inaccurate airflow reading. Position Insensitivity Superior’s unique dual-die implementation in our 210 models of sensors maintain consistent and highly accurate handheld readings regardless of physical orientation of the end device. Rated with a positional sensitivity to within 0.25 Pa, they are by far the industry leader with respect to position insensitivity. Fastest Response Times For time critical applications, the interval it takes the pressure sensor to update its measurement data is vital. The faster you receive updated pressure measurements, the more accurate your output. While user configurable, Superior’s sensors support update rates can be as fast as 1 msec. Excellent Long-Term Stability Long-term stability is defined by the maximum change in zero signal and output span signal of a pressure sensor under reference conditions within one year. This value is of greater importance in low pressure ranges as the effect on the signal is stronger. Factors such as temperature and mechanical stress can have negative effects on the long-term stability. Superior has market leading long-term stability measured typically within 0.15% of FSS within the first year. Low Power Consumption For handheld and other battery-operated devices, power consumption is another important factor in overall performance. With power consumption as low as 5 mA, Superior’s products will not adversely impact the battery life of even the most sophisticated equipment. Conclusion While airflow sensors are often used to measure airflow, differential pressure sensors provide several key advantages over them: less susceptibility to contaminants, consistent resolution, lower power consumption, faster stabilization on power-up and more rapid response times. Airflow sensors have a more stable zero, but many differential pressure sensors have auto-zero calibration features that minimize this advantage. When looking at differential pressure sensors, Superior Sensor Technology’s products have several unique features and performance benefits for airflow measurement applications: Industry’s lowest noise floor resulting in highest accuracy Multi-Range technology enabling one sensor to replace several Advanced digital filtering to block out external noise before reaching the sensing element Position insensitivity to eliminate any negative impact of device orientation Response times and update rates as fast as 1 msec Excellent long-term stability for consistent output Very low power consumption for handheld and other battery-operated devices Major worldwide manufacturers of medical, industrial and HVAC products have entrusted Superior Sensor Technology for their differential pressure sensors needs. For more detailed information about our various solutions or to learn how we can help improve the performance and reliability of your next product, please contact us .Air FliterAdvanced digital filteringMulti-Range Technologydifferential pressure sensorsHVAC applicationshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/the-importance-of-pressure-sensors-in-treating-sleep-apneaThu, 18 Sep 2025 17:47:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:5017d5fd-2d27-4fb9-827e-2da7d6532e06AnthonyGSleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. Untreated, those with sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep. This can happen hundreds of times over a 6 to 8 hours sleep cycle. When a person stops breathing, the brain – and the rest of the body – may not be getting enough oxygen. Potentially life threatening, sleep apnea is far more common than previously thought. It happens in both genders and all age groups. It is estimated that about 25% of men and nearly 10% of women suffer from sleep apnea. It can affect people of all ages, including infants, but it more common in those over 40 and overweight. Per the Cleveland Clinic, there are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common and occurs as repetitive episodes of complete or partial upper airway blockage during sleep. During an apneic episode, the diaphragm and chest muscles work harder as the pressure increases to open the airway. Breathing usually resumes with a loud gasp or body jerk. These episodes can interfere with sound sleep, reduce the flow of oxygen to vital organs, and cause heart rhythm irregularities. In central sleep apnea , the airway is not blocked but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe due to instability in the respiratory control center. Central apnea is related to the function of the central nervous system. If it’s not treated, sleep apnea can cause several health problems, including hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, cardiomyopathy (enlargement of the muscle tissue of the heart), heart failure, diabetes and heart attacks. Untreated sleep apnea can also be responsible for job impairment, work-related accidents and motor vehicle crashes, as well as underachievement in school in children and adolescents. Most Common Devices to Treat Sleep Apnea Positive Airway Pressure therapy, or PAP therapy, is the most common and recommended treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. With PAP therapy, patients wear a mask over their nose and/or mouth and an air blower gently forces air through the mask. The air pressure is adjusted so that it is just enough to prevent the upper airway tissues from collapsing during sleep. PAP therapy prevents airway closure while in use, but apnea episodes can return if PAP is stopped or if it is used improperly. Properly used, PAP helps patients breathe and maintain good blood oxygen levels throughout the night. There are three main types of positive airway pressure devices depending on specific needs of the patient: CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) . CPAP is the most common type of machine. This device is programmed to produce pressurized air at one steady air pressure level. To change the air pressure, you have to reset the device’s settings. If the patient needs more or less pressure during the night, the CPAP is not able to adjust. BiPAP (Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure) . BiPAP machines have two pressure settings, one pressure for inhaling and a lower pressure for exhaling. It’s used for individuals who can’t tolerate CPAP machines or have elevated carbon dioxide levels in their blood. BiPAP devices can also come with a backup respiratory rate for patients who have central sleep apnea. The backup respiratory rate ensures the person breathes, as the main problem with central sleep apnea is initiating breath. BiPAP is also helpful for other conditions affecting the lungs, such as COPD. APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) . APAP machines check a patient’s breathing throughout the night. They automatically adjust the air pressure to compensate for changes in sleep position or the effects of medications that may have changed breathing patterns. Unlike CPAP machines, APAP machines can automatically choose the right pressure setting based on a patient’s breathing needs. This allows for much greater flexibility. Figure 1 – Example of pressure patterns of CPAP vs. APAP vs. BiPAP (source: NIH) The Role of Pressure Sensors in PAP Machines PAP machines include several types of sensors to monitor and/or regulate different functions, including airflow, air pressure, temperature and humidity. While adjusting temperature and humidity is important for the patient experience, this document will focus on the two functions that are served by pressure sensors: airflow and air pressure. A gage pressure sensor is used to monitor the patient’s airflow. Specifically, airflow sensors monitor the patient’s breathing and send a signal to the machine to reduce the system airflow when a patient exhales and then increase it again when the patient inhales. Adjusting the system airflow when inhaling and exhaling results in the patient being much more comfortable as he/she is no longer ‘fighting’ against the sleep apnea machine when exhaling. The most effective airflow sensors have a very fast feedback loop (to tell the system to adjust the fan more quickly when a patient is inhaling/exhaling), are able to effectively block out noise from fans and motors (to reduce error rates), can support multiple pressures without any degradation in performance and have a high-resolution rate to ensure a very strong signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio. A differential pressure sensor is used for system flow measurement. While the gage sensor monitors the patient’s breathing, the differential sensor monitors the sleep apnea machine to ensure it is providing the right amount of pressurized air from the device to the patient. Just as with measuring patient airflow, the most effective system flow measurement sensors have a very fast feedback loop (to more accurately report the flow of pressurized air), are able to effectively block out noise from fans and motors (to reduce error rates), can support multiple pressures without any degradation in performance (depending on the patient, a different flow rate may be required) and have a high-resolution rate to ensure a very strong signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio. Superior Sensor’s Technology Advantage Having an extremely low noise floor, the NimbleSense architecture is ideal for the precise, low-pressure measurements that PAP equipment require to maximize their accuracy and performance. In addition, Superior Sensors has gone a step further with its CP Series by integrating the two pressure sensors (gage and differential) in one device. This highly integrated dual sensor solution eliminates the need of a second pressure sensor. Finally, several application-specific building blocks provide additional capabilities to further improve the sleep apnea solution. These include Multi-Range Technology TM , an advanced multi-order filter and integrated closed loop control. Figure 2 – NimbleSense Building Blocks that Benefit PAP Machines Highly Integrated Dual Pressure Sensor Solution Utilizing the same small package as our single sensor solutions, the CP Series is the industry’s first fully integrated dual pressure sensor solution that also provides 64 possible configurations (see below). By combining the two sensors in one device, you simplify PAP product design, speed time to market, reduce PCB space requirements and lower overall system costs. Industry’s Lowest Noise Floor = Best Performance The NimbleSense architecture was developed with the overarching goal to knock out every bit of noise before reaching the sensing system. This provides a much better SNR that competing solutions for both gage and differential pressure sensors. The net result is that both integrated sensors boast accuracy that is within 0.05% of the selected pressure range, total error band (TEB) within 0.15% of FSS and long-term stability within 0.15% of FSS per year. Very Fast Response Time As part of its superior performance, the CP Series has a very fast 2 millisecond response time. This ensures that both sensors are providing timely feedback to the PAP machine, resulting in maximum patient comfort and machine efficiency. Unprecedented Flexibility With one product SKU, you can support up to 64 possible configurations with your PAP mahcine. This provides maximum flexibility and the ability to quickly manufacture derivative products to expand your product portfolio. Each of the two pressure sensors has 4 factory calibrated pressure ranges. In addition, there are four bandwidth filter options that can be selected. This level of flexibility is a first with pressure sensors for sleep apnea devices. Optional Feature Integration In addition to all the advantages described above, the CP Series offers some additional features that can be integrated into the sensor. An advanced multi-order filter can be implemented to further reduce any interference coming from fans or blowers. This eliminates noise before it can become an error signal. In addition, an integrated closed loop control can be implemented to significantly reduce loop delays by controlling the fan/blower. Integrating these optional features will further simplify product design and improve system performance. Conclusion Potentially life threatening, sleep apnea is a serious disorder that affects hundreds of millions of people. PAP therapy is the most common and recommended treatment sleep apnea, and PAP machines rely on pressure sensors to monitor both the airflow of the system and the patient’s breathing. Superior’s CP Series of highly integrated sensors combines the two pressure sensors in one device to simply product design and reduce system cost. The company’s NimbleSense architecture provides superior performance, faster response times and maximum flexibility with 64 possible configurations from one SKU. For more detailed information about our sleep apnea solution, please visit our product page or contact us.medical applicationssleep apneadifferential pressure sensorscpappressure sensorshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/semiconductor-manufacturing-where-every-micron-countsThu, 18 Sep 2025 17:43:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:7bc3a04c-5a30-40f8-92b6-608bd46ace1bAnthonyGThe Precise Demands of Semiconductor Manufacturing As predicted by Moore’s Law, the semiconductor manufacturing process continues to advance at a rapid pace with each subsequent generation of technology reducing the size and spacing of features and layers on the integrated circuits (ICs). This greater density of circuitry on a wafer requires both greater precision and a more delicate fabrication process. Many of the newer, more complex ICs today consist of a dozen or more layers produced in 300+ sequenced processing steps. Then, once the wafers are complete there is post-processing followed by IC packaging and testing. Here is a summary of the some of the typical steps in the IC manufacturing process: Wafer processing Cleaning of the silicon wafers Surface passivation Photolithography Etching Various depositions (chemical, atomic, physical) Wafer testing Die preparation Wafer mounting Wafer backgrinding and polishing Wafer bonding and stacking Wafer bumping (if needed for flip chips) Through-silicon via (TSV) manufacture (if needed for 3D ICs) Die cutting IC packaging Die attachment to a substrate IC bonding (such as wire bonding) IC encapsulation Laser marking and silkscreen printing IC testing Figure 1 – Image of Silicon Wafer with Etched Circuitry Today, semiconductor manufacturing places very high demands on pressure measurement technology to ensure a high-quality process. All steps in fabrication, including cleaning, etching, and polishing, need to be extremely precise as the uniformity of the finished products are measured in microns. Thus, throughout all aspects of semiconductor manufacturing, testing and inspection are performed to measure variances. The Role of Pressure Sensors in Semiconductor Manufacturing Pressure sensors are used throughout IC manufacturing to perform real-time pressure measurements during the various stages of the semiconductor process. Some the common uses include: Improving the precision and control of the wafer polishing heads through consistent application of pressure. In chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) systems, measurements such as characterization and parallelism of the polishing heads is an important part of the fabrication process. Ensuring consistent wafer cleaning by confirming the effectiveness of the wafer polishing head. If the polishing head is not properly conditioned, or it lacks a consistent roughness on its surface, then external particles will not be properly removed. Any particle residue can result in ICs that fail inspection and test. Reducing the amount of cracked or unbounded wafers. As mentioned, CMP is a crucial manufacturing process for semiconductors as improving uniformity during the polishing process is key. An uneven polishing head can lead to cracks in the wafer, resulting in ICs being thrown away. Verify die-to-substrate planarization, especially for flip-chip bonding. Uniform pressure is required to avoid die cracking or open electrical connections. Just like wafer cracking, an IC with an open electrical connection or a damaged die inside cannot be used. Identifying wear on plates and other parts that could result in wafer bonding errors. In order to apply level amounts of pressure during attachment, the plates need to be even. However, over time they and other components are subject to wear that can cause them to become uneven. By identifying the pressure variations, the equipment can signal the problem and generate a repair alarm before faulty parts are assembled. Figure 2 – Image of Wafers in Fabrication Superior Sensor’s NimbleSense TM Architecture for Semiconductor Manufacturing Having an extremely low noise floor, the NimbleSense architecture is ideal for the precise pressure measurements required by semiconductor equipment to improve long-term stability, maximize accuracy and increase overall IC production yields. However, the NimbleSense advantages extend beyond the low noise floor. Some of its application-specific building blocks provide additional value add for semiconductor manufacturing. Multi-Range Technology TM Multi-Range technology allows one pressure sensor to operate at maximum performance over several different pressure ranges. As wafer lots have different numbers of layers, and bonding/packaging can vary, the pressure requirements will differ. Multi-Range allows one sensor to be adjusted without any performance degradation to meet the pressure requirements for different fabrication processes. Advanced Digital Filtering Semiconductor manufacturing requires precision, and any external factors such as noise from air conditioning or other equipment, building vibrations, etc. can impact the accuracy of pressure sensors. Utilizing our integrated advanced digital filtering technology , Superior’s pressure sensors eliminate the noise created by these factors prior to their reaching the sensor sub-system. Thus, the noise is eliminated before it becomes an error signal that can lead to inaccurate readings. Conclusion Semiconductor manufacturing continues to advance at a rapid pace with each subsequent generation of technology reducing the size and spacing of features and layers on ICs. This greater density of circuitry on a wafer places very high demands on pressure measurement technology to ensure a high-quality process. All steps in fabrication need to be extremely precise as the uniformity of the finished products are measured in microns. Superior Sensor’s unique pressure sensor technology, based on our proprietary NimbleSense architecture, provides many benefits for semiconductor equipment including excellent long-term stability, higher accuracy, advanced digital filtering and Multi-Range technology. To learn more about the NimbleSense architecture, please visit our technology page . If you have a semiconductor-related project you would like to discuss, please contact us .industrial applicationsAdvanced digital filteringMulti-Range Technologydifferential pressure sensorshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/how-pressure-sensors-can-improve-3d-printingTue, 09 Sep 2025 22:25:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:dbd95061-f194-4e10-aba9-f1d798bc0394AnthonyGWhat is 3D Printing? 3D printing is a manufacturing process that creates a physical object from a digital model file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced cross-section of the object. 3D printing is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing which is cutting out / hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic with for instance a milling machine. In contrast, 3D printing enables you to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods. Most common types of 3D printers 3D printing is actually a ‘catch-all’ term that covers several types of additive manufacturing technologies and processes. There are at least 10 different 3D printing technologies available. While all of them can be used for rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing, due to declining costs and advances in technology, some methods have also been adapted by hobbyists for home use, and light manufacturing in small businesses. These particular products are available in smaller desktop versions and are used for a wide array of applications including jewelry, dentistry, confections, fashion (e.g., sneakers) and toys. The two most common types of 3D printers today are: Fused deposition modeling (FDM): FDM is also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF) and is the most widely used 3D printing technology at the consumer level. It works by extruding thermoplastic filaments through a heated nozzle, thus melting the material and applying it layer by layer to build the object. Stereolithography (SLA): SLA was the first 3D printing technology invented in 1986 and is still very popular especially for professional applications. SLA 3D printers work by curing liquid resin into hardened plastic in a process called photopolymerization. SLA is typically better than FDM for manufacturing complex parts and those that must be watertight or airtight. Figure 1 – Desktop FDM 3D Printer There are many other 3D printing technologies that can work with numerous kinds of materials besides plastics, such as metals, concrete, ceramics, paper and edibles (including chocolate!). Many of these require more specialized, and expensive, 3D printing equipment. Depending on your business needs, one of these devices may be a better fit than FDM or SLA-based printers. Potential for Pressure Sensors in 3D Printers It is easy to see the value that differential pressure sensors can bring to 3D printers. For starters we look at the nozzle where there is a need for consistent, predictable flow of material. Otherwise, you run the risk of having inconsistent material placement when building the object. For example, is filament or another object blocking the nozzle from operating as intended? Measuring the pressure of material disposition through the nozzle can easily let you know. You also need to confirm that enough pressure (but not too much) is being applied by the ‘arm’ as you place one layer on top of the previous one. This makes sure that the layers bond well together. Otherwise, the object could become warped or lopsided. Here, a pressure sensor can be used to measure the arm pressure against the object as each layer is being applied. Differential pressure sensors can also be used to confirm the structural soundness of the object as it is being built. If values fall outside the pressure parameters, the sensor can inform the printer to slow down the process so that existing layers have enough time to ‘cool down’ and harden. This will make sure that the object conforms to its original design parameters. Finally, ensuring the structural soundness of the object during its manufacturing will reduce the need of printing support structures for any parts of the 3D model that hang outside of the core base. The pressure control coming from the differential pressure sensor will allow the printer to alter its speed until the placed materials are cured to the point of being able to support the overhang part of the structure. This reduces the amount of material needed to build the object and often results in a faster overall printing process since you eliminate the need to ‘print’ the support structures. Superior Sensor’s NimbleSense TM Architecture for 3D Printing Having an extremely low noise floor, the NimbleSense architecture is ideal for the precise, low-pressure measurements that 3D printers require to maximize their accuracy and performance. However, the NimbleSense advantages extend beyond the low noise floor. Several of its application-specific building blocks provide additional value add for 3D printers. Figure 2 – NimbleSense Building Blocks that can Benefit 3D Printers Multi-Range Technology TM Multi-Range technology allows one pressure sensor to operate at maximum performance over several different pressure ranges. Depending on the object being ‘printed’ and the materials used, the level of pressure required by the nozzle as well as the pressure needed for structural soundness will vary. Multi-Range allows one sensor to be adjusted ‘on the fly’ to meet the pressure requirements for that particular project. Closed Loop Control An integrated closed loop control can improve the reliability and speed/responsiveness of the 3D printer’s pressure sensing mechanisms. This capability significantly reduces loop delays and ensures accurate readings by directly controlling any motors, valves and actuators that control the nozzle, arms and other parts of the 3D printer. Advanced Digital Filtering 3D printers are loud and subject to vibrations. Both factors that can impact the accuracy of pressure sensors. Utilizing our integrated advanced digital filtering technology , Superior’s pressure sensors eliminate the noise created by these factors prior to their reaching the sensor sub-system. Thus, the noise is eliminated before it becomes an error signal that can lead to inaccurate readings. Conclusion 3D printers are changing the light manufacturing landscape. As they become more common in various market applications, the ability to ensure accurate material disposition and structural integrity will differentiate the best performing products from the rest of the field. Differential pressure sensors, particularly those from Superior Sensors, provide an easy, cost-effective solution. To learn more about the NimbleSense architecture, please visit our technology page . If you have a 3D printer project you would like to discuss, please contact us .industrial applications3D PrintingAdvanced digital filteringdifferential pressure sensorshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/lowering-hvac-energy-consumption-with-vavTue, 09 Sep 2025 22:17:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:fc1fc312-a66a-43c1-a43c-f9e1f21d3f78AnthonyGWhat is VAV? What are the benefits? Variable Air Volume (VAV) is a type of HVAC system that maintains a constant temperarture while varying the airflow in order to heat or cool buildings. This is in contrast to Constant Air Volume (CAV) systems, that supply a constant airflow while varying the temperature of that air. To better understand a VAV system, let’s use an example of how such an implementation works. An air handling unit pushes air into the HVAC duct system at a consistent temperature, let’s say 13°C. This air temperature is constantly maintained throughout the HVAC system, moving through the ductwork to each zone of the building. As the air goes to each zone, it passes through a VAV box or terminal, which allows different amounts of airflow into the zone depending on the thermostat setting of that area. In addition to a damper that adjusts to regulate airflow, many VAV boxes also contain a heating element for warming the air as needed. Each VAV terminal modulates according to the needs of the specific zone it is serving. This allows the HVAC system to more efficiently provide various temperatures and fan speeds throughout the system to accommodate the needs of the individual zones. The added control of VAVs provides several important benefits: More precise temperature control : unlike a CAV system that operates the fan and compressor at full capacity in an on/off cycle, a VAV system continually varies the fan speed to maintain a constant air temperature. Reduced compressor wear : as a VAV system modulates the control of the compressor, it reduces its wear over the long term. Lower energy consumption by system fans : VAV fan control, especially with electronic variable speed drives, reduces the energy consumed by fans which is a substantial part of the total cooling energy costs of a building. Less fan noise : CAV systems operate fans at full speed and constantly turn them on/off resulting in greater noise compared to a VAV system that runs a more consistent, lower speed fan at a reduced decibel level that more easily blends into the background. Increased dehumidification : a VAV system exposes air to cooling coils for a longer time than CAV systems, with more moisture condensing on the coils and thus dehumidifying the air. Figure 1 – HVAC Implementation with VAV Terminals The Role of Differential Pressure Sensors in VAV As VAV systems maintain a consistent temperature and vary the airflow to achieve the desired conditions, differential pressure sensors play a vital role in their operation. Specifically, the sensors measure the volume of air across two points and provides feedback to the control system to open or close dampers to maintain the appropriate temperature in each of its zones. Figure 2 – VAV Airflow Test While differential pressure sensors are a critical component of VAV systems, they are subject to external factors that can impact performance. For example, fans and blowers generate noise and vibrations that can impact the accuracy of the sensor. Filtering out that noise before it reaches the sensing element will greatly improve accuracy. A more important consideration in deploying sensors in a complex system is the need to maintain long-term stability as replacing sensors or VAV units is costly and time consuming, especially in larger HVAC implementations. Finally, as the various zones of the ‘air network’ may have different requirements (e.g., an interior lab or server room vs a window facing conference room), the ability to have one differential pressure sensor that can support all the different pressure requirements will simplify system design and VAV device inventory management. Superior Sensor’s Technology Advantages in VAV Superior Sensors’ proprietary NimbleSense TM architecture is the industry’s first System-in-a-Sensor integrated platform. Incorporating a highly differentiated advanced pressure sensing system with the ability to integrate optional building blocks enables us to combine the highest accuracy and reliability with application exclusive features. With unique technology deployed in our HV Series of differential pressure sensors, Superior’s products offer many advantages for VAV terminals. Excellent Long-Term Stability Long-term stability is defined by the maximum change in zero signal and output span signal of a pressure sensor under reference conditions within one year. This value is of greater importance in low pressure ranges as the effect on the signal is stronger. Factors such as temperature and mechanical stress can have negative effects on the long-term stability. Based on Superior Sensor’s implementation, the HV Series has market leading long-term stability measured typically within 0.15% of FSS per year. Highest Levels of Accuracy Sensor accuracy is important in measuring the responsiveness of HVAC systems. Superior’s HV Series of differential pressure sensors have the industry’s leading accuracy typically within 0.05% of the selected range and total error band (TEB) typically within 0.15% of FSS. Lowest Noise Floor External noise from blowers, fans and other sources can have a negative impact on the accuracy and long-term stability of differential pressure sensing systems. Utilizing our integrated advanced digital filtering technology, Superior’s pressure sensors eliminate the noise created by these factors prior to their reaching the sensor sub-system. By eliminating the noise before it becomes an error signal, we can offer the industry’s lower noise floor. Multi-Range TM Technology Multi-Range technology allows one sensor to replace several different sensors. On the HV Series, Multi-Range can support up to 8 different pressure ranges in one device with each pressure range factory calibrated and optimized to ensure no degradation in total error band, accuracy or long-term stability regardless of the range selected. Figure 3 shows the difference between a typical differential pressure sensor and Superior Sensor’s HV Series. Figure 3 – HV Series Multi-Range Technology Comparison With Multi-Range, manufacturers can offer one VAV terminal with up to 8 pressure range options that can be set with a single software command. This allows a building to implement the same box throughout the HVAC network and simply configure each box at installation. No need to worry about buying different VAV terminals for different zones, as the same terminal can be used throughout. The larger the HVAC system, the more benefit you get from Multi-Range technology. Conclusion HVAC systems greatly benefit when they implement VAV systems as they are more accurate and energy efficient. A key element of VAV boxes is differential pressure sensors that constantly measure airflow and direct the control system to make adjustments as needed. Superior Sensor’s unique differential pressure sensor technology, based on our proprietary NimbleSense architecture, provides many benefits for VAV systems including excellent long-term stability, higher accuracy and the ability to utilize the same VAV box throughout your network and configure each during implementation. For more detailed information about our solutions, please visit our HV Series product page or contact us .VAVdifferential pressure sensorsHVAC applicationshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/optimizing-air-filtration-with-differential-pressure-sensorsThu, 04 Sep 2025 16:13:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:76ea4ead-5733-445f-89c6-36f71d2c141dAnthonyGThe Importance of Air Filters in HVAC Systems Air filters are a critical component of HVAC systems and must function efficiently in order to maximize system performance. They ensure that the air being circulated is filtered to avoid the spread of dust or pathogens. As filters block out these particles, over time they can clog and impact the airflow of the entire HVAC system. Today there are a couple of common practices regarding the replacement of air filters in HVAC systems: Schedule to replace (or clean) the air filters at set time intervals. This eliminates the need to monitor them, but can lead to the replacement of filters that are still functioning effectively. Replacing filters before they need to be changed adds unnecessary expenses to the business. Have a technician or maintenance person go to each air filter to physically inspect it. This is both inefficient and inaccurate. Having a person go to each filter to inspect is a very inefficient and costly use of labor. Moreover, a visual inspection is subjective and similar to a time-based replacement may result is changing a filter before it is necessary. While replacing air filters before they need to be changed results in using more filters than needed (incurring additional costs), not replacing (or cleaning) air filters when necessary can have more serious consequences, including: Lower airflow that negatively impacts the office or factory environment Utilization of more energy to restore the airflow to required levels Placing additional wear and tear on the overally HVAC system that can result in long-term maintenance and performance problems Implementing a system that notifies the maintenance crew when is the right time to replace or clean air filters not only results in near-term cost savings, but also ensures that your overall HVAC system runs well over the long-term. Specific to air filters, you want the ability to accurately measure airflow before and after filtration to determine the effectiveness of the specific filter. Figure 1 – Industrial Grade HVAC System The Role of Differential Pressure Sensors in Air Filtration Differential pressure sensors are a very effective way to measure the difference in air pressure before and after an air filter. One port of the sensor measures the airflow before the filter, commonly known as the upstream side. The other port of the sensor measures the airflow after the filter, commonly known as the downstream side. This is depicted in figure 2. Figure 2 – Air Filter with Differential Pressure Sensing System The differential pressure sensor provides the air pressure readings of both the upstream and downstream airflows. When the differential air pressure reaches a pre-determined value, a notification is provided to alert those monitoring the HVAC system that the filter needs to be replaced or cleaned. This ensures the system continues to run optimally, while not causing any premature or unnecessary filter replacements. However, as with all electromechanical systems, differential pressure sensors are subject to external factors that can impact performance. For example, fans and blowers generate noise and vibrations that can impact the accuracy of the sensor. Filtering out that noise before it reaches the sensing element will greatly improve accuracy. Another consideration in deploying sensors in a complex system is that various parts of the ‘air network’ may have different pressure requirements. Having one differential pressure sensor that can support all these different pressure requirements both simplifies system design and guarantees consistent measures across the HVAC system. Superior Sensor’s Technology Advantages in Air Filtration Superior Sensors’ proprietary NimbleSense TM architecture is the industry’s first System-in-a-Sensor integrated platform. Incorporating a highly differentiated advanced pressure sensing system with the ability to integrate optional building blocks enables us to combine the highest accuracy and reliability with application exclusive features. With unique technology deployed in our HV Series of differential pressure sensors, Superior’s products offer many advantages for air filter implementations. Lowest Noise Floor External noise from blowers, fans and other sources can have a negative impact on the accuracy and performance of differential pressure sensing systems. Utilizing our integrated advanced digital filtering technology, Superior’s pressure sensors eliminate the noise created by these factors prior to their reaching the sensor sub-system. By eliminating the noise before it becomes an error signal, we can offer the industry’s lower noise floor. Highest Levels of Accuracy Sensor accuracy is important in measuring the effectiveness of air filters, especially for sensitive environments such as healthcare and precision manufacturing. Superior’s HV Series of differential pressure sensors have the industry’s leading accuracy typically within 0.05% of the selected range, total error band (TEB) typically within 0.15% of FSS and long-term stability typically within 0.15% of FSS per year. Position Insensitivity Extremely beneficial for eliminating concerns with sensor orientation and ideal for handheld pressure sensor measuring devices, Superior’s unique dual-die implementation with the HV210 maintains consistent and highly accurate readings regardless of physical orientation or movement of the differential pressure sensing device. Rated with a positional sensitivity to within 0.25 Pa, the HV210 is an industry leaders with respect to position insensitivy. Multi-Range TM Technology Multi-Range technology allows one sensor to replace several different sensors. On the HV Series, Multi-Range can support up to 8 different pressure ranges in one device with each pressure range factory calibrated and optimized to ensure no degredation in total error band, accuracy or stability regardless of the range selected. Figure 3 shows the difference between a typical differential pressure sensor and the Superior Sensor’s HV Series. Figure 3 – HV Series Multi-Range Technology Comparison With Multi-Range, pressure ranges can be changed ‘on the fly’ so that one device in the field can be used to serve multiple purposes. Multi-Range also enables manufacturers to bring product variants to market quickly and reduces inventory costs and product obsolescence since only one SKU needs to be stocked. Conclusion HVAC systems greatly benefit when differential pressure sensors are utilized to measure the efficiency of their air filters. Knowing when is the optimal time to replace or clean air filters not only results in near-term cost savings, but also ensures that your overall HVAC system runs well over the long-term. Superior Sensor’s unique differential pressure sensor technology, based on our proprietary NimbleSense architecture, provides many differentiating features resulting in the most accurate air filter monitoring system. For more detailed information about our solutions, please visit our HV Series product page or contact us .Air FliterAdvanced digital filteringdifferential pressure sensorsHVAC applicationspressure sensorshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/accurately-monitoring-clean-room-effectivenessThu, 04 Sep 2025 15:59:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:cc22d7c3-df18-47f7-b52c-82a1519423c2AnthonyGMany Types of Clean and Isolation Rooms There are many clean room applications where consistent air pressure and/or an extremely clean air environment is required. These purposes range from healthcare to manufacturing to technology R&D. Examples include: Hospital isolation rooms Hospital operating rooms Hospital critical care units Pharmaceutical plants Toxic waste isolation tents Biological labs Wafer fabrication facilities Electronic products manufacturing plants R&D laboratory clean rooms Some of the above applications require that a room maintain a higher or lower pressure compared to its ambient environment. If the isolated room has higher air pressure, it is considered a posititive pressure room. If the isolated room has lower air pressure, then it is a negative pressure room. In a positive pressure room, air from the room can escape while outside air cannot enter. This is accomplished by having fans or filters blow air into a properly sealed room in lieu of air from the ambient environment. This prevents contamination from the ambient environment to enter the room. Positive air pressure is common in pharmaceutical plants, wafer fabrication facilities, laboratory facilities, hospital operating rooms, etc. Figure 1 – Hospital Operating Room In contrast, negative pressure rooms maintain lower air pressure than the adjacent environment through a ventilation system. This ventilation system is designed so that ambient air can enter the room but air from within the room is forced out to a certain destination. These types of isolation rooms are typical in hospital enviroments where the patient is suffering from airborne communicable diseases such as Covid-19 and tuberculosis. These types are rooms are also used to control the spread of dangerous chemicals in labs and factories. Negative pressure rooms are extremely important to protect staff, other patients and to halt the general spread of diseases or other contaminants. Extending beyond air pressure, many laboratories and manufacturing facilities require a clean production environment where airborne particles, humidity, temperature and air flow can be measured and controlled. These facilities must maintain specific parameters to ensure that environmental conditions don’t compromise product research, development or production. Since, 2001 these clean rooms are rated based on the ISO 14644-1 standard that classifies them on the maximum acceptable number of particles by size in the air, per cubic meter. Figure 2 – R&D Clean Room The Role of Differential Pressure Sensors in Clean and Isolation Rooms Differential pressure sensors measure the difference in air pressure or air particles from two different sources. As such, differential pressure sensors play a critical role in clean rooms and similar applications where maintaining strict pressure differentials is essential to preventing contamination. For examples, changes in either pressure or air quality when someone enters a positive pressure room can impact the effectiveness of what is being examined. As the purpose of the clean room is to maintain a fixed air pressure and/or eliminate contamination by dirt particles, some of which potentially contain microorganisms or toxins, measuring accurate differential pressure levels ensures clean rooms work as intended. As such, it is essential to carefully measure and monitor pressure both inside and outside of the clean room to confirm the differential remains within the acceptable range. However, as with most electromechanical devices differential pressure sensors are sensitive to many external factors including noise, humidity, temperature and physical positioning. Differential pressure sensors that reduce the impact of external factors will provide the most accurate differential readings for ensuring clean and isolation room effectiveness. Superior Sensor’s Technology Advantage Superior Sensors’ proprietary NimbleSense TM architecture is the industry’s first System-in-a-Sensor integrated platform. Incorporating a highly differentiated advanced pressure sensing system with the ability to integrate optional building blocks enables us to combine the highest accuracy and reliability with application exclusive features. With unique technology deployed in our HV and ND Series of differential pressure sensors, Superior’s products offer many advantages for clean rooms, isolation rooms and othern air quality applications. Highest Levels of Accuracy Sensor accuracy is critical when ensuring clean rooms and isolation rooms are sealed correctly. Being able to determine even the smallest of leaks is important when either guaranteeing a clean manufactuting/lab environment or isolating airborne contaminants. Superior’s HV and ND Series of differential pressure sensors have the industry’s leading accuracy to as close as within 0.05% of the selected range, total error band (TEB) within 0.15% of FSS and long-term stability within 0.15% of FSS per year. Lowest Noise Floor External noise can have a negative impact on the accuracy and performance of differential pressure sensing systems. Utilizing our integrated advanced digital filtering technology, Superior’s pressure sensors eliminate the noise created by these factors prior to their reaching the sensor sub-system. Thus, the noise is eliminated before it becomes an error signal that can lead to inaccurate readings. Figure 3 – Measuring Air Pressure to Verify Seal Integrity Position Insensitivity Extremely beneficial for handheld applications such as room/building seal integrity testing, Superior’s unique dual-die implementation with the HV210 and ND210 sensors maintains consistent and highly accurate readings regardless of physical orientation of the differential pressure sensing device. Rated with a positional sensitivity to within 0.25 Pa, the HV210 and ND210 are industry leaders with respect to position insensitivy. Integrated 50/60Hz Notch Filter As all of Superior’s pressure sensors have an extremely low noise floor, power line interference can be ‘heard’ when taking measurements. The integrated 50Hz/60Hz notch filter eliminates this noise so you maintain the advantage of having such a low noise floor pressure sensor without any external interference. For more details, read the 50/60Hz Notch Filter blog post . Fastest Warm-up and Response Times For time critical applications, warm-up time is important. The ND Series essentially eliminates warm-up time as the device is ready in just 80 msec. In addition, the amount of time it takes the pressure sensor to update its measurement data is just as vital. The faster you receive updated pressure measurements, the more accurate your differential readings. While user configurable, Superior’s ND sensors support update rates as fast as 2.25 msec. Conclusion Clean rooms and isolation rooms are dependent on differential pressure sensors for both positive and negative pressure rooms. They need to be able to maintain consistent air pressure and/or an extremely clean air environment in order to be effective. Rapid, accurate pressure measurements confirm that seals are tight and there is no leakage of air or contaminants. Superior Sensor’s unique differential pressure sensor technology, based on our proprietary NimbleSense architecture, provides many differentiating features for providing the most reliable clean rooms and isolation rooms. For more detailed information about our solutions, please visit our HV Series product page , ND Series product page or contact us .clean roomsdifferential pressure sensorsHVAC applicationspressure sensorshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/superior-sensor-technology/b/blog/posts/boosting-spirometry-accuracy-with-advanced-pressure-sensorsTue, 19 Aug 2025 22:26:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:17254c46-1f62-48a5-a3f4-e87a02acc67dAnthonyGSpirometry Market Spirometers are non-invasive medical devices primarily used for evaluating and diagnosing lung conditions by measuring various parameters related to the volume of air inhaled and exhaled. Spirometers are widely used in respiratory health examinations, lung function tests, preoperative and postoperative evaluations, and are often integral to pulmonary rehabilitation and physical therapy. Spirometers are crucial in diagnosing various respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis. Tests determine the severity of these lung conditions and track the progress of disease treatment. Additionally, spirometers help identify potential lung disorders in people who are at risk, including smokers, industrial workers, or individuals with exposure to harmful airborne substances. Spirometers measure several key metrics, including: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) measures the largest amount of air one can exhale forcefully after taking in the deepest possible breath. A lower than normal FVC reading indicates restricted breathing. Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) measures the air a person can forcefully blow out in the first second after full inhalation. This reading assesses the severity of the breathing problem – the lower the FEV1, the more significant the obstruction. Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) measures the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled within one minute. Forced Expiratory Flow (FEF) is the flow or speed of air coming out of the lungs during the middle portion of the exhale. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) is the maximum flow of air one can exhale in a short burst after full inhalation. It is typically used to monitor asthma. Tidal Volume (TV) is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled when in a resting condition. Total Lung Capacity (TLC) is the maximum volume of air present in the lungs when inhaling. The FEV1/FVC Ratio is a critical measure. This ratio should be approximately 70 – 80% in healthy adults, but it does decline with age. In obstructive diseases (asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), FEV1 is diminished because of increased airway resistance when exhaling; the FVC may be decreased as well, due to the premature closure of the airway in expiration, just not in the same proportion as FEV1. In restrictive diseases (such as pulmonary fibrosis), the FEV1 and FVC are both reduced proportionally, and the value may be normal or even increased due to decreased lung compliance. Spirometers thus play a pivotal role in respiratory medicine, serving diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. They facilitate early detection, timely intervention, treatment tracking, and prognosis assessment for various lung diseases. Therefore, they are a significant tool in outpatient and hospital settings, benefiting clinicians, researchers, and patients. Figure 1 – Spirometer Example The Role of Differential Pressure Sensors in Spirometers Although various types of flow-sensing spirometers exist, including turbine, thermal, and ultrasonic models, this blog post will focus on differential pressure-based spirometers. These particular spirometers are widely utilized and renowned for their precision in measurements. A differential pressure sensor utilizes a thin diaphragm equipped with strain-sensitive and compression-sensitive resistance structures to convert pneumatic pressure values into proportional electrical signals. The measurement of pressure relies heavily on the diaphragm, which is deflected by air pressure during a patient's inhalation and exhalation from the spirometer. The resulting deflections are then converted into electrical signals, in the form of analog output voltages, that correspond to the applied differential pressure as detected by the diaphragm. However, differential pressure sensor-based spirometers pose potential challenges. Pressure sensors exhibit sensitivity to various external factors, including noise, humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure, and the physical positioning or orientation of the device. Another notable challenge differential pressure sensors face, especially when gauging low-pressure airflow, is the potential necessity for recalibration. Over time, these sensors tend to deviate from their initial zero reading. Differential pressure sensors that mitigate the influence of noise, remain unaffected by changes in position or orientation, maintain a stable, consistent zero value, deliver the utmost accuracy in readings, and empower healthcare professionals to diagnose lung performance more effectively. Superior Sensor’s Technology Advantage Superior Sensor's cutting-edge NimbleSense TM architecture stands out as the first-of-its-kind integrated platform in the industry. Incorporating a highly sophisticated pressure sensing system eliminates noise from external factors, providing a very high signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, the unique architecture’s building blocks provide exclusive features designed explicitly for spirometry. Superior's SP Series differential pressure sensors utilize advanced technology to offer numerous benefits to critical care medical devices and spirometry. Z-Track TM Auto Zero Superior’s proprietary Z-Track technology virtually eliminates zero drift by maintaining minimal zero-point deviation with consistent results regardless of elapsed time. For more details on Z-Track technology, read the Z-Track blog post . Position Insensitivity Superior’s unique dual-die implementation with the SP210 sensor maintains consistent and highly accurate handheld readings regardless of the physical orientation of the spirometry device. Rated with a positional sensitivity to within 0.25 Pa, the SP210 is an industry leader concerning position insensitivity. Highest Levels of Accuracy Sensor accuracy is critical as the difference between an effective and ineffective treatment plan can depend on the precision of the diagnosis. A slight difference in measurement can alter the dosage or even the type of medication prescribed to a patient. Superior’s SP Series spirometry sensors have the industry’s leading accuracy to as close as within 0.05% of the selected pressure range. Fastest Warm-up and Response Times The spirometer's warm-up time is important for time-critical situations. The SP Series eliminates warm-up time concerns, as the device is ready in just 60 msec. In addition, the amount of time it takes the pressure sensor to update its measurement data is just as vital. The faster you receive updated pressure measurements, the more accurate your spirometry readings. While user-configurable, Superior's sensors support update rates as fast as 2 msec. Lowest Noise Floor External noise can affect spirometer accuracy and performance. Superior's pressure sensors utilize our integrated advanced digital filtering technology to eliminate the noise created by these factors before they impact system performance. Thus, the noise is eliminated before it becomes an error signal that can lead to inaccurate lung measurements. Low Power Consumption Many spirometers are self-contained handheld devices connected to a computing device via a USB port, so power consumption is another important factor in overall device performance. With power consumption as low as 5 mA, the SP Series will not adversely impact the battery life of even the most sophisticated spirometry equipment. Figure 2 – Handheld Spirometer Example Conclusion Spirometers play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing various lung diseases. Accurate diagnosis requires spirometry products equipped with high-performance differential pressure sensors to precisely assess lung function. These sensors need to filter out noise and maintain accuracy despite elapsed time. Furthermore, handheld units must deliver consistently accurate readings during use, regardless of orientation. Superior Sensor's innovative technology, centered around our proprietary NimbleSense architecture, offers a range of distinctive features that enable medical device manufacturers to set their products apart in a competitive market. For comprehensive details on our Spirometry solutions, please visit our product page or contact us for further information.