A compensated silicon pressure sensor can often connect directly to a precision delta-sigma ADC, but only when the ADC’s input range, common-mode limits, noise, and excitation arrangement suit the sensor. Accurate pressure readings depend on the whole measurement chain—bridge wiring, temperature behavior, filtering, and calibration—not the ADC’s nominal bit count alone.
How the sensor-to-pressure measurement chain works
A silicon piezoresistive pressure sensor commonly uses a resistive bridge. Pressure changes the bridge balance, producing a differential voltage that may be small compared with the voltage shared by both input leads (the common-mode voltage). The ADC must measure the differential signal without exceeding its differential-input or common-mode limits.
The complete chain is: pressure at the sensing element, bridge output, excitation and reference, differential acquisition, filtering and conversion, then calibration that maps converter codes to pressure units. An error at any stage can dominate the final reading, even if the ADC is specified as 24-bit.
Can I connect a pressure sensor directly to a 24-bit ADC?
Sometimes. Direct connection is practical when the ADC provides suitable differential inputs, input common-mode range, low-noise performance, gain or buffering as needed, and an appropriate excitation/reference arrangement. Verify these against the sensor datasheet and worst-case output; “24-bit” alone does not establish compatibility.
#1 Best Overall
- This MicroPressure Sensor offers a calibrated and compensated pressure sensing range of 60mbar to 2.5bar, easy to read 24 bit digital I2C output. Boasts a small form factor (5 mm x 5 mm).
- Can be calibrated & compensated over a specific temperature range for sensor offset, sensitivity, temperature effects, & non-linearity using an on-board Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).
- With its ultra-low power consumption and Qwiic ports, you've got yourself a power packed little sensor!
- Pressure Type: Absolute. Operating Pressure: 25psi (172.37kPa). Maximum Pressure: 60psi (413.69kPa). I2C Address: 0x18. Accuracy: ±0.25%
- Voltage - Supply: 1.8V-3.6V. Port Size: Male - 0.1" (2.5mm) Tube. Port Style: Barbless. Compatible with a variety of liquid media. 2x Qwiic Connectors
Analog Devices’ liquid-level design reports directly interfacing a compensated sensor to the MAX11206 without an added instrumentation amplifier under that design’s conditions. The article reports 570 nV RMS input-referred noise at 10 samples/s for its stated configuration; neither the interface nor noise figure is a universal guarantee for other sensors or ADC settings. Analog Devices’ part-one article
A different architecture may use an amplifier to shift or remove bridge common-mode voltage and add gain. Analog Devices’ CN0355, for example, uses an AD7793 24-bit sigma-delta ADC with an internal PGA in a bridge signal-conditioning circuit. The note describes coverage for sensor full-scale signals of approximately 10 mV to 1 V and bridge drive voltages of 5 V to 15 V—ranges specific to that circuit, not to all bridge systems. Analog Devices CN0355
Do I need an instrumentation amplifier for a pressure sensor?
Not necessarily. The decision turns on whether the ADC can accept the bridge’s common-mode voltage and differential span while meeting the required noise and gain. An integrated PGA may be sufficient; an external amplifier can help when more gain or common-mode handling is needed. Compare the complete signal path rather than treating either direct connection or an external amplifier as a universal rule.
Rank #2
- [INNOVATIVE DESIGN] Utilizing advanced micromachining and thin-film metallization, the single transducer board in the MPXV7002 series offers superior performance and reliability. This pressure sensor board is built with state-of-the-art sensing technology. A robust breakout board for demanding applications.
- [PRESSURE SENSING] The MPXV7002 series features advanced technology for accurate measurement of positive and negative pressure, providing a high-level analog output for precise readings. This MPXV7002DP pressure sensor delivers reliable data for your projects. Ideal for digital barometric pressure sensor applications requiring high accuracy.
- [VERSATILE APPLICATIONS] Designed for microcontrollers and microprocessors, this sensor is ideal for a wide range of applications that require pressure sensing capabilities. The pressure sensor board works seamlessly with , APM2.5 breakout flight controllers, and other development platforms. A versatile transducer board for engineers and hobbyists.
- [ENHANCED FUNCTIONALITY] With a specific offset of 2.5V, this series delivers exceptional pressure measurement capabilities up to ±2kPa, suitable for both pressure and vacuum sensing. This APM2.5 breakout compatible sensor provides consistent output. Great for digital barometric pressure sensor setups requiring differential pressure monitoring.
- [PERFORMANCE] The MPXV7002DP pressure sensor breakout board is a dependable component for various electronic projects, ensuring consistent and precise pressure readings. This transducer board is a reliable choice for airflow, altitude, and HVAC monitoring. An essential electric component for any serious maker
- Check the bridge’s excitation voltage, output span, offset, resistance, and common-mode voltage across pressure and temperature.
- Check the ADC’s differential input range, common-mode limits, PGA settings, input noise at the chosen data rate, and input loading.
- Include protection, wiring resistance, filtering, and any amplifier’s offset, drift, noise, and settling in the error budget.
How does excitation and wiring affect accuracy?
In a ratiometric arrangement, the ADC measures the bridge output relative to the same excitation that drives the bridge. This can reduce dependence on the absolute value and drift of a separate voltage reference, provided the circuit’s sensing and reference connections are implemented appropriately. CN0355 describes a ratiometric approach for its particular circuit; its performance claims should not be generalized beyond that design.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Wiring can undermine the intended relationship. In half- and quarter-bridge configurations, completion resistors should be precision parts with low temperature coefficients when accuracy matters. With long or resistive excitation leads, the voltage at the bridge can differ from the voltage measured at the supply. Six-wire connections, which add remote sensing of bridge excitation, can address that problem. Texas Instruments discusses bridge configurations and these system considerations in its bridge ADC application report.
How do I compensate pressure sensor temperature drift?
First distinguish sensor compensation from temperature independence. Compensation reduces specified error terms over stated conditions; it does not eliminate unit variation or every residual temperature effect. Uncompensated silicon sensors can exhibit temperature-dependent full-scale output, initial offset, and offset drift. A useful first-order model treats output as a combination of offset and pressure sensitivity, each potentially varying with temperature.
Rank #3
- MPXV7002 is designed to measure both positive and negative pressure. In addition, the offset of this series is specifically 2.5V instead of the traditional 0V.
- This patented single-element transducer combines advanced micromachining technology, thin-film metallization and bipolar processing technology.
- The product can provide an accurate, high-level analog output signal proportional to the applied pressure.
- The MPXV7002 series piezoresistive sensor in a small form factor package (SOP) is an advanced monolithic silicon pressure sensor designed for a wide range of applications especially in using microcontrollers or microprocessors with A/D inputs application.
- This series allows measuring pressure up to 7kPa through each port, both for pressure sensing and vacuum sensing.
The MPX2010 series is identified in Analog Devices’ liquid-level example as compensated over 0°C to +85°C. That range applies to the cited example and series; do not assume it applies to other sensor families. Check the selected part’s own datasheet for compensation range, residual error, operating range, pressure span and reference type, overload limits, excitation, output characteristics, and media interface. Analog Devices’ part-two article
Where residual temperature error matters, characterize or calibrate at relevant temperatures as well as pressures. Store correction coefficients if the application requires them, and verify performance across the conditions in which the system will operate. A sensor’s compensated specification is not a substitute for checking the assembled system.
How many ADC bits do I need for a bridge sensor?
Choose based on the pressure resolution and accuracy the system must deliver, then budget noise and errors across the sensor, excitation/reference, analog path, ADC, and calibration. Nominal converter resolution is not the same as effective or noise-free resolution. Texas Instruments’ report distinguishes effective number of bits from noise-free bits and develops a system-level approach to bridge measurement.
Rank #4
- Voltage: 3.3-5V
- Pressure: 0-40KPa.
- Adopts 5K Ohm Resistor Bridge Sensor
- 3.3-5V Digital Barometric Pressure Sensor Module Adopts High Precision AD Sampling Chip and 0-40KPa Air Pressure Sensor
- 3.3-5V Digital Barometric Pressure Sensor Module Can connect 2.5mm Soft Tube and Detect the Water Level and Other Air Pressure
Delta-sigma ADCs can suit low-frequency pressure signals because their filtering can reduce noise and some devices offer 50/60 Hz rejection. The trade-off is response time: stronger filtering or a lower output data rate can reduce noise but increase settling time. Check the selected ADC’s filter and settling specifications, especially when switching channels or requiring fast updates. A converter’s data sheet and configuration—not its headline bit count—determine the relevant noise performance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do I calibrate a pressure sensor with an ADC?
Separate ADC calibration from pressure-system calibration. ADC offset and gain calibration correct converter errors; system calibration modes can include external components in the calibration path, depending on the part and mode. Analog Devices’ AN-1464 describes calibration options for specified AD717x and AD7124 families; supported modes and procedures vary by device. Analog Devices AN-1464
Then apply known pressures and map measured codes to the intended engineering units. A two-point calibration can correct offset and span for a linear mapping across the chosen range. The cited liquid-level design uses two points for its target operating span. If nonlinear response or temperature effects matter, validate additional pressure points and temperatures rather than assuming two points are sufficient.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteBest Value
- Accuracy: Pressure sensor chips offer high accuracy to accurately measure pressure changes.
- Wide operating range: These sensor chips are capable of reliable operation over a wide range of operating pressures.
- High durability: Pressure sensor chips are typically durable and capable of stable operation for long periods of time in harsh environments.
- Reliability: Designed for use in industrial and commercial applications, these chips are reliable and provide accurate data under a wide range of conditions.
- Low Power Consumption: To save energy and extend battery life, Pressure sensor chips typically feature low power consumption.
- Set up the assembled sensor and acquisition chain in its intended configuration, including excitation, wiring, filtering, and any amplifier.
- Apply known reference pressures across the operating span and record settled ADC readings at each point.
- Fit the conversion from code to pressure (or level), store the resulting coefficients, and check readings at points not used to fit the mapping.
- Repeat at relevant temperatures when the required accuracy calls for temperature characterization; define recalibration intervals from application needs and observed stability.
Using pressure to measure liquid level
Hydrostatic pressure can indicate liquid height when the pressure reference and liquid density are accounted for. In Analog Devices’ water-level example, a narrow tube connects to the sensor’s positive pressure port while the reference side sees atmosphere. Its trapped air column transfers pressure while keeping liquid away from the sensor. This is a system technique, not proof that arbitrary tubing, seals, or sensor materials tolerate every aggressive liquid; verify pressure range and material compatibility for the actual installation.
Precision readings also require keeping pumps and solenoid valves from disturbing acquisition. Plan switching-current return paths, grounding, wiring separation, and measurement timing so high-current transients do not corrupt the bridge or ADC input. Follow the component data and reference circuit for the specific implementation.
Quick Recap
What to verify before choosing the sensor and ADC
- Sensor: pressure span, gauge/absolute/differential reference, overload limits, compensation and operating temperatures, residual errors, bridge output and resistance, excitation needs, porting, and media compatibility.
- ADC and analog path: differential and common-mode ranges, PGA, input-referred noise at the required sample rate, filter response and settling, line-frequency rejection, and any external amplifier requirements.
- Reference and wiring: ratiometric versus separate reference strategy, lead resistance, grounding, bridge completion parts, and whether remote-sense wiring is justified.
- Calibration and operation: pressure and temperature points, stored coefficients, response time, recalibration expectations, power, isolation, and total system cost.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
