The response time of pressure sensors is reflected in a large number of varying parameters, like the response time, settling time or rise time in specifications or data sheets. Generally, it is usually assumed that the response time means the interval required by the output signal of a pressure sensor to display a change in the applied pressure. Of greatest practical relevance may be the so-called rise time. The graphic shows a simplified diagram of a steplike change in pressure (shown in blue) with a time-delayed change in signal of the pressure sensor (shown in red). With regard to simplicity, the picture only shows an ideal situation.
In reality, the response time of pressure sensors contains further influencing factors, such as for example dead time or overshoot, because of their particular constructive setups. Swoon-worthy on the response time usually contain additional data concerning the test conditions applied, such as for example T90 or 10 ? 90% (used below for exemplary calculation). These details defines the interval when a steplike change in the applied pressure from 10 to 90% of the full span (e.g. from 60 to 540 bar for a 0 ? 600 bar pressure sensor) results in a defined change in output signal of 10 to 90% of the ultimate value (e.g. from 1 to 9 V at an output signal of 0?10 V).
The standard design of modern pressure transmitters already allows rise times of ? 2 ms. However, special forms (such as for example submersible pressure transmitters) may also show clearly higher values of ? 100 ms on purpose. The essential rule is that in applications with high load cycles, such as for example in mobile hydraulics, short rise times are recommended, whereas in slow applications, such as level measurements by submersible pressure transmitters, long rise times are often advantageous.