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Sensor sensitivity in pressure measurement systems indicates how much the sensor’s output changes in response to a change in pressure. Calculating this sensitivity helps in selecting appropriate sensors and ensuring accurate measurements.
Understanding Sensor Sensitivity
Sensitivity is typically expressed as the ratio of output change to the pressure change, often in units such as mV/Pa or mV/kPa. It reflects the sensor’s ability to detect small variations in pressure.
Steps to Calculate Sensor Sensitivity
Follow these steps to determine the sensitivity of a pressure sensor:
- Apply a known pressure to the sensor.
- Record the sensor’s output voltage or signal.
- Repeat the measurement at different pressure levels.
- Calculate the change in output divided by the change in pressure.
Example Calculation
If a sensor produces an output of 2.0 mV at 100 kPa and 4.0 mV at 200 kPa, the sensitivity is calculated as:
Sensitivity = (4.0 mV – 2.0 mV) / (200 kPa – 100 kPa) = 2.0 mV / 100 kPa = 0.02 mV/kPa.