Differential pressure sensors measure the difference in pressure between two points and convert it into an electrical signal for monitoring, control, or data acquisition. They are widely used for measuring liquid, gas, and air pressure differences in HVAC systems, pipelines, filters, pumps, tanks, and industrial processes. Available output options include 4-20mA, 0-10V, RS485, and other standard signals.
A differential pressure sensor measures the pressure difference between two separate pressure ports.
The two pressure inputs are commonly identified as:
P1 / High Pressure: Higher pressure input
P2 / Low Pressure: Lower pressure input
The differential pressure sensor detects the pressure difference between the two ports:
ΔP = P1 − P2
The sensing element responds to this pressure difference and converts the mechanical change into an electrical signal. The signal can then be transmitted to a display, PLC, controller, data acquisition system, or other monitoring equipment.
The output signal should match the input requirements of the connected controller, meter, or data acquisition system.
4-20mA Differential Pressure Sensor
4-20mA is one of the most widely used analog signals in industrial automation.
It is commonly used for:
The current signal represents the measured differential pressure within the sensor's configured measurement range.
0-10V Differential Pressure Sensor
A 0-10V output provides an analog voltage proportional to the measured pressure difference.
It is commonly used with controllers and building automation equipment, especially in HVAC and environmental control applications.
0-5V Differential Pressure Sensor
0-5V output can be used with compatible electronic controllers, data acquisition systems, and measurement equipment that require a lower analog voltage range.
RS485 Differential Pressure Sensor
RS485 provides a digital communication interface that can be used to connect the sensor to industrial monitoring and control equipment.
It is useful when digital communication is preferred over an analog signal.
Modbus Differential Pressure Sensor
When an RS485 sensor supports Modbus RTU, differential pressure data can be transmitted digitally to compatible PLCs, HMIs, computers, and monitoring systems.
This can simplify integration into larger industrial communication networks.
Although both differential pressure sensors and pressure sensors measure pressure-related parameters, they are designed for different measurement configurations.
| Feature | Differential Pressure Sensor | Pressure Sensor |
| Measurement | Difference between two pressures | Pressure at one measurement point |
| Pressure ports | Typically two | Typically one |
| Measurement formula | ΔP = P1 − P2 | Gauge, absolute, or other reference |
| Filter monitoring | Suitable | Generally not sufficient by itself |
| HVAC pressure difference | Suitable | Not the typical choice |
| Pipeline pressure | Suitable for pressure difference | Suitable for point pressure |
| Tank level measurement | Can be used indirectly | Can also be used depending on configuration |
A differential pressure sensor is the appropriate choice when the application requires comparison between two pressure points.
| Model | Measured Medium | Range | Output / Communication | Accuracy |
| SISCO-DPS-CYYZ3051SA | Liquid (compatible with contact material) | -500kPa~1MPa | 4-20mA | ±0.2% FS, ±0.5%FS |
| SISCO-DPS-CYYZ106 | Liquid / Gas (compatible with contact material) | 0~2.5MPa | Wireless | 0.5%FS |
| SISCO-DPS-CCY81 | Air and neutral gas (compatible with contact material) | 0~10kPa | RS485 | 0.5%FS or 0.25%FS (range ≥1kPa); 1%FS or 0.5%FS (range <1kPa) |
| SISCO-DPS-MIK-3051 | Gas, liquid, steam | 0~1.3~7.5kPa | 4-20mA | 0.5%FS |
| SISCO-DPS-GPT250 | Wind pressure and flow velocity measurement | 0~5kPa~5MPa | 4-20mA, 1-5V, 0-5V, 0-10V |
±0.5%FS, ±0.25%FS |
| SISCO-DPS-GPT244 | Liquid / Gas | 0~2000KPa | Wireless | ±0.5%FS |
| SISCO-DPS-CCY30 | Gas (compatible with wetted materials) | -100kPa~0~100kPa | 4~20mA, RS485, 0~5VDC, 0~10VDC, 1~5VDC |
0.5%FS or 0.25%FS (Range ≥1kPa); 1%FS or 0.5%FS (Range <1kPa) |
| SISCO-DPS-CCY11 | Gas (compatible with wetted materials) | -100~0~100kPa | Current output, RS485, Voltage output |
0.25%FS, 0.5%FS, 1%FS |
| SISCO-DPS-OHR-3051F1 | Gas, liquid, steam (universal) | 0~1.5kPa~4MPa | HART | ±0.075% |
| SISCO-DPS-HK-DP3851 | Liquid, Gas, Steam | 10000 (kPa) | 4-20mA | ±0.075% ~ ±0.1% |
| SISCO-DPS-CCY17 | Liquid or gas (compatible with wetted materials) | 0 ~ 2.5MPa | 4 ~ 20mA, RS485, 0 ~ 10VDC, 0 ~ 5VDC, 1 ~ 5VDC, 0.5 ~ 2.5VDC |
0.25% FS, 0.5% FS |