PPS50 Board Level Ceramic Pressure Sensor

The PPS50 board level ceramic pressure sensor is a compact, uncompensated MEMS pressure sensing element designed for OEM applications that require direct integration, broad media compatibility, and a small package. Available in pressure ranges from 1 to 500 psi, the PPS50 supports both absolute and gauge pressure measurement. Designed and manufactured in the USA, the PPS50 combines a silicon MEMS piezoresistive sensing element with a ceramic package engineered to isolate sensitive electrical components from the measured media.

Ceramic Pressure Sensor for Harsh Media

Unlike conventional front-side sensing elements, the PPS50 uses a backside pressure sensing architecture. Pressure enters through the port and acts on the backside of the silicon diaphragm while the piezoresistors, wire bonds, and bridge metallization remain isolated from the media. This construction makes the PPS50 suitable for air, gases, liquids, and many harsh media used in OEM fluid-handling systems. Media compatibility depends on the specific fluid, concentration, temperature, and operating conditions, so compatibility should be evaluated for each application.

Designed for OEM Board-Level Integration

The PPS50 is designed for compact OEM assemblies where the pressure sensing element becomes part of the customer’s PCB, manifold, control module, or pressure sub-assembly. Its 5 kΩ closed Wheatstone bridge provides an uncompensated millivolt output, allowing the OEM’s ASIC, microcontroller, or signal-conditioning circuitry to manage offset, span, and temperature compensation. This gives engineers greater control over the final transfer function while supporting cost-effective volume production. The sensor can be connected to discrete wires, ribbon cable, flex circuits, or surface-mount PCB pads and is available in tape and reel packaging for automated production. Explore additional pressure sensing elements available from Phoenix Sensors.

PPS50 Key Features

• Pressure ranges from 1 to 500 psi
• Absolute or gauge pressure configurations
• Ceramic package for harsh liquid, air, and gas applications
• Backside MEMS pressure sensing architecture
• 5 kΩ closed Wheatstone bridge with millivolt output
• Operating temperature from -40°C to +125°C
• Ceramic or Kovar pressure port options
• Compact board-level package
• Tape and reel packaging for automated production
• Made in the USA

For engineers working across different pressure units, the NIST pressure and gas flow conversion reference provides conversions between psi, Pa, bar-related units, and other commonly used pressure measurements.

Board Level Ceramic Pressure Sensor Applications

The PPS50 is well suited for OEM equipment that requires compact pressure measurement directly inside an electronic or fluid-control assembly. Typical applications include:

• Medical inflation and disposable pressure lines
• Water pressure and flow management
• Industrial process control
• HVAC and refrigeration equipment
• Pump monitoring and control
• Appliance and fluid-handling OEM modules
• Board-level pressure sub-assemblies

Pressure monitoring is an important part of water distribution and fluid-management systems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s water distribution resources include guidance on pressure management, pumps, distribution systems, and related operating considerations. For HVAC/R applications, engineers can also reference the ASHRAE Handbook, which provides technical resources covering refrigeration, HVAC systems and equipment, fundamentals, and HVAC applications.

Uncompensated Pressure Sensing for Flexible OEM Designs

The PPS50 ships as an uncompensated pressure sensing element, giving OEM engineers control over signal conditioning and the final system transfer function. Phoenix Sensors can support intermediate pressure ranges, absolute or gauge configurations, ceramic or Kovar pressure ports, cover options, custom port geometry, and application-specific media qualification for OEM programs. If your design requires an integrated digital output instead of an uncompensated millivolt bridge, explore the PPS34 Board Level Digital Pressure Sensor with SPI and I2C interface options.

Made in USA Board Level Pressure Sensor

Phoenix Sensors is a U.S.-based sensor manufacturer supporting OEM customers from early prototype development through production. The PPS50 provides engineers with a compact ceramic pressure sensing platform that can be configured around the pressure range, media, electrical interface, mechanical integration, and production requirements of the application. For projects requiring additional customization, learn more about our custom sensor solutions or contact our team to review your application.