The response time of pressure sensors is reflected in a lot of varying parameters, like the response time, settling time or rise time in specifications or data sheets. In general, it could be assumed that the response time is defined as the interval required by the output signal of a pressure sensor to show a big change in the applied pressure. Of greatest practical relevance is 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). For the sake of simplicity, the picture only shows a perfect situation.
The truth is, the response time of pressure sensors contains further influencing factors, such as dead time or overshoot, due to their particular constructive setups. Common data sheet specifications on the response time usually contain additional data concerning the test conditions applied, such as T90 or 10 ? 90% (used below for exemplary calculation). These details defines the interval in which 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) leads to a defined change in output signal of 10 to 90% of the final value (e.g. from 1 to 9 V at an output signal of 0?10 V).
Authority of modern pressure transmitters already allows rise times of ? 2 ms. However, special forms (such as submersible pressure transmitters) could also show clearly higher values of ? 100 ms deliberately. 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 for example level measurements by submersible pressure transmitters, long rise times are often advantageous.