Würth Elektronik WSEN-PADS absolute pressure sensor

Würth Elektronik presents a compact MEMS-based (microelectromechanical systems) absolute pressure sensor: the WSEN-PADS.

The 2 x 2 x 0.8 mm sized device measures pressure in the range between 26 and 126 kPa. Its output data rate can be selected between 1 and 200 Hz. The sensor contains an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) and a temperature sensor. This means the output values are already calibrated.

The absolute pressure sensor offers the possibility of preparing the measured data for various applications using activatable integrated algorithms in such a way that the programming workload for a connected controller is reduced. The measured data can be read out via a standard I²C interface. The I²C interface is extended by an additional interrupt pin whose function can be modified by the user.

An application example is the use of the pressure sensor as an altimeter. Due to its high resolution, the sensor provides information that enables the position of individual floors in buildings to be mapped. This supports an indoor navigation system.

The product is suitable for mobile devices on account of its slim design. Since the sensor can be operated at very low power consumption, it is also possible to supply it with batteries or even energy via energy harvesting. The piezoresistive sensor is specified for an industrial temperature range from -40 to +85°C.