A low cost microprocessor based multiple pressure measuring system

Abstract

A low cost, wide range, six-channel pressure sensor, controlled by a 16-bit microprocessor has been designed and developed. The present design exploits the simplicity and reliability of manometers as well as the acquisition processing and control capabilities of microprocessors. The sensor is of digital output type and hence dispenses with the complex and expensive electronics normally required in conjunction with analogue pressure sensors. The data rate of the developed instrument is six samples/2·5 s for a range of ± 1000 mm of liquid column, with a resolution of 1·1 mm. Accuracy of the present unit is found to be better than 0·2 mm of the liquid column. The hardware and software design and implementation details of the unit are presented in this paper.