When you need to measure pressure electronically, ifm offers two main families that are easy to confuse: electronic pressure sensors with a display, and pressure transmitters. Both turn pressure into an electrical signal, but they suit different jobs. This guide from Twin Hydraulics Engineering, an ifm supplier in Malaysia, explains the difference and how to choose.
Electronic pressure sensors with display (PN / PE series)
These combine a sensor, a switching output and a clear digital display in one unit. The programmable red/green display shows the live pressure and signals when it moves outside set limits, while switching and IO-Link outputs drive your control system. They are ideal at the machine, where an operator or technician needs to see the pressure and the device needs to switch a valve or signal a PLC. Browse the ifm electronic pressure sensors.
Pressure transmitters (PT / PU / PL series)
Transmitters do one thing extremely well: convert pressure into a precise analogue signal (typically 4–20 mA or 0–10 V) for a controller or data system. They are compact, sealless, vibration-resistant and accurate to better than ±0.5 %, which makes them perfect for OEM machinery and mobile equipment where space is tight and a display is not needed. See the ifm pressure transmitters.
Which one should you choose?
- Need a local readout and switching at the machine? Choose a PN/PE display sensor.
- Just need a clean analogue signal back to a controller, in a compact package? Choose a PT/PU/PL transmitter.
- Want IO-Link digital communication? The PN/PE display sensors support it.
In both cases, match the measuring range to your system (working pressure in the mid-range), the process connection to your port, and the output to your controller.
Get the right ifm device
Tell us your range, connection and output and we will quote the right ifm sensor or transmitter. Request a quote on WhatsApp.
