New PVC4000 Series MEMS Pirani Vacuum Transducer
The PVC4000 Series is a family of vacuum transducers designed for cost-effective OEM integration. Devices in the series combine a MEMS thermal conduction sensor (Pirani sensor), measurement electronics, and a microprocessor in an ultra-compact PCB assembly.
The sensing element is based on Posifa’s second generation MEMS thermal conduction chip, which operates on the principle that the thermal conductivity of gases is proportional to vacuum pressure. The electronics and microprocessor amplify and digitize the sensor signal and provide output via an I2C interface. Because thermal conductivity varies with ambient temperature, the microprocessor applies a temperature compensation algorithm using input from a built-in temperature sensor.
Output from the PVC4000 Series is uncalibrated; as an option, users can enter up to ten pairs of calibration points via I2C, and a built-in piecewise linearization algorithm uses this data to provide calibrated output.
To further facilitate integration, devices in the series include a connector-terminated wire harness soldered onto the PCB assembly.
Key Features
- Range: 0.001 to 900 Torr (0.13 to 120K Pa)
- Fast Response Time < 200 ms
- Low power consumption for battery-powered instruments
- Temperature compensation
- Pulsed sensor excitation to prevent signal drift in high vacuum
- Piecewise linearization algorithm and I2C interface for storing calibration data (optional)
- Resistant to contamination
Applications
- Leak detection in any closed system maintained under primary vacuum, such as in Vacuum Insulated Panels
- Portable digital vacuum gauges
Absolute Maximum Ratings
- Operating Temperature: -25 to 85 °C
- Storage Temperature: -40 to 90 °C
- Shock: 100 g peak (5 drops, 3 axis)
- Overpressure: 27.5 bar
Device Options
The PVC4000 Series is offered in two device options. PVC4001 provides Pirani-based vacuum measurement over 10⁻³ to 760 Torr in an SMD-sensor configuration. PVC4001-C is the PVC4001 configuration with an onboard barometric pressure sensor added; because Pirani vacuum sensors typically lose resolution above 10 Torr, the barometric sensor supports measurement from 10 Torr to 900 Torr with 2% accuracy across that extended range.