{"id":12525,"date":"2019-10-30T11:31:29","date_gmt":"2019-10-30T16:31:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/\/?p=12525"},"modified":"2026-02-02T10:44:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T15:44:01","slug":"pressure-transducer-vs-pressure-transmitter-is-there-a-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/products\/pressure-products\/pressure-transducer-vs-pressure-transmitter-is-there-a-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Pressure Sensors, Pressure Transducers, and Pressure Transmitters: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Almost everyone uses the terms pressure sensor<\/em>, pressure transducer<\/em>, and pressure transmitter <\/em>\u00a0<\/span>interchangeably, and that\u2019s okay!<\/strong><\/p>\n

What\u2018s in a name? When it comes to electronic pressure sensing, the answer for many users is \u201cnot much.\u201d Manufacturers do not always or consistently differentiate between pressure transducer<\/em> and pressure transmitter<\/em>, while some devices are simply called pressure sensor<\/em>. It\u2019s easy to see why, as all three terms refer to functionally similar instruments that measure and convert the physical property of pressure into an electronic signal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other names for electronic pressure measuring instruments includes\u00a0<\/span>I\/P<\/em> (current to pressure) converters<\/em> and I\/P transducers<\/em>,\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>P\/I<\/em> or P to I<\/em> (pressure to current) converters<\/em>,\u00a0<\/span>pressure senders<\/em>, and pressure switches<\/em>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Some of these are legacy terms, part of the industry\u2019s or manufacturer\u2019s history, while for certain users it\u2019s a matter of personal preference. It\u2019s little wonder that the market tends to lump together all devices with a wire and refer to them all as simply pressure sensors<\/em>!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Types of Electronic Pressure Measurement Instruments<\/h2>\n

The textbook definition of transducer<\/em><\/strong> is an instrument that measures pressure, load, force, or other states, and converts the reading into an electronic signal. A transmitter<\/em><\/strong> also converts a reading into an electronic signal, but it then amplifies, modifies, and sends that signal to a receiver. A switch<\/em><\/strong> is a device that, based on a preset switch point, interrupts the current or diverts the current from one circuit to another.<\/span><\/p>\n

At WIKA, a transducer (like the <\/span>TTF-1<\/span><\/a>) has a non-amplified output, while a transmitter (like the <\/span>A-10<\/span><\/a> or
\n<\/span>S-20<\/span><\/a>) has an amplified output. Other electronic pressure devices are simply called a sensor, as this is an easy way to refer to next-generation instruments like the <\/span>A-1200 with IO-Link<\/span><\/a> or the <\/span>MH-4-CAN<\/span><\/a> with CANopen and SAE J1939 CAN communication protocols. All the above electronic pressure measuring instruments are listed under the category <\/span>pressure sensors<\/span><\/a>, while <\/span>pressure switches<\/span><\/a> are grouped separately.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comparing Pressure Transducers and Transmitters<\/h2>\n

In a\u00a0pressure transducer<\/strong>, a thin-film or piezo-resistive pressure sensor is mounted on a process connection. The transducer converts pressure into an analog electronic output signal, typically as a millivolt per volt output. These signals are not linearized or temperature compensated.<\/span><\/p>\n

A\u00a0pressure transmitter<\/strong>\u00a0has additional circuitry that linearizes, compensates, and amplifies the signal from a transducer. The different signal types are typically\u00a0voltage signals (e.g., 0 to 5 or 0 to 10 volts), milliamp (e.g., 4 to 20 milliamp), or digital. The instrument then\u00a0can transmit the signal to a remote receiver.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many pressure transmitters offer a variety of calibration options, including turndown and\u00a0<\/span>zero\/span adjustment<\/a>. Smart transmitters can be calibrated, tested, and reset remotely using a bus network.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pressure Transducer or Transmitter: Which One to Choose?<\/h2>\n

Despite the amplified vs. non-amplified differences between transmitters and transducers, it really doesn\u2019t matter what people call them or which ones they use. What\u2019s more important is whether the device suits a particular application and offers the needed output.\u00a0<\/span>Accuracy<\/a>, range, working temperature, and the medium are all\u00a0determining factors when selecting the right pressure instrument for an application.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for the output signal, here are some factors to take into account:<\/span><\/p>\n