Absolute (PSIa) Pressure Sensors
AEM offers high quality stainless steel PSIa sensors in 15 (1BAR),
30 (2BAR), 50 (3.5BAR), and 75 (5BAR). PSIa is referenced to absolute zero. Absolute zero is the pressure measurement
when all the pressure exerted by the atmosphere has been removed. The most common use for absolute pressure sensors
is reading manifold pressure. PSIa sensors are required if you wish to measure vacuum. A PSIa sensor will read about
14.7 PSI when the sensing element is exposed to atmospheric pressure at sea level however they can be recalibrated
to read zero at atmospheric and a negative number at values less than atmospheric pressure.
Which Pressure Sensor is right for you?
There are many different tools that can be used for measurement, but the degree of accuracy is dependent upon the tool.
For example, a ruler can measure distance with a good degree of accuracy, but for a more precise measurement a caliper
should be used. The difference between a brass pressure sensor and a stainless steel pressure sensor is similar if
we think about it in these terms:
Brass Pressure Sensor = Ruler
Use a Brass Pressure Sensor where you need a good reference to what
pressure is being seen.
Example: Brass Pressure Sensor used for a Boost Gauge – Reference/Information for knowing
manifold pressure, not for ECU calibration.
Stainless Pressure Sensor = Caliper
Use a SS Pressure Sensor where you need exact details of the
pressure.
Example: MAP Sensor information for the ECU – Calibration/crucial information for the ECU.
