Pressure sensors

Gauge pressure transducers

AK2 series

AS SEN PD

2009-08-03

Please read

Cautions and warnings and

Page 6 of 7

Important notes at the end of this document.

Cautions and warnings

Storage (general)

All pressure sensors should be stored in their original packaging. They should not be placed in harmful environments such

as corrosive gases nor exposed to heat or direct sunlight, which may cause deformations. Similar effects may result from

extreme storage temperatures and climatic conditions. Avoid storing the sensor dies in an environment where condensation

may form or in a location exposed to corrosive gases, which will adversely affect their performance. Plastic materials should

not be used for wrapping/packing when storing or transporting these dies, as they may become charged. Pressure sensor

dies should be used soon after opening their seal and packaging.

Operation (general)

Media compatibility with the pressure sensors must be ensured to prevent their failure. The use of other media can cause

damage and malfunction. Never use pressure sensors in atmospheres containing explosive liquids or gases.

Ensure pressure equalization to the environment, if gauge pressure sensors are used. Avoid operating the pressure sensors

in an environment where condensation may form or in a location exposed to corrosive gases. These environments adversely

affect their performance.

If the operating pressure is not within the rated pressure range, it may change the output characteristics. This may also

happen with pressure sensor dies if an incorrect mounting method is used. Be sure that the applicable pressure does not

exceed the overpressure, as it may damage the pressure sensor.

Do not exceed the maximum rated supply voltage nor the rated storage temperature range, as it may damage the pressure

sensor.

Temperature variations in both the ambient conditions and the media (liquid or gas) can affect the accuracy of the output

signal from the pressure sensors. Be sure to check the operating temperature range and thermal error specification of the

pressure sensors to determine their suitability for the application.

Connections must be wired in accordance with the terminal assignment specified in the data sheets. Care should be taken

as reversed pin connections can damage the pressure transmitters or degrade their performance. Contact between the

pressure sensor terminals and metals or other materials may cause errors in the output characteristics.

Design notes (dies)

This specification describes the mechanical, electrical and physical requirements of a piezoresistive sensor die for

measuring pressure. The specified parameters are valid for the pressure sensor die with pressure application either to the

front or back side of the diaphragm as described in the data sheet. Pressure application to the other side may result in

differing data. Most of the parameters are influenced by assembly conditions. Hence these parameters and the reliability

have to be specified for each specific application and tested over its temperature range by the customer.

Handling/Mounting (dies)

Pressure sensor dies should be handled appropriately and not be touched with bare hands. They should only be picked up

manually by the sides using tweezers. Their top surface should never be touched with tweezers. Latex gloves should not be

used for handling them, as this will inhibit the curing of the adhesive used to bond the die to the carrier. When handling, be

careful to avoid cuts caused by the sharp-edged terminals. The sensor die must not be contaminated during manufacturing

processes (gluing, soldering, silk-screen process).

The package of pressure sensor dies should not to be opened until the die is mounted and should be closed after use. The

sensor die must not be cleaned. The sensor die must not be damaged during the assembly process (especially scratches on

the diaphragm).

Soldering (transducers, transmitters)

The thermal capacity of pressure sensors is normally low, so steps should be taken to minimize the effects of external heat.

High temperatures may lead to damage or changes in characteristics.

A non-corrosive type of flux resin should normally be used and complete removal of the flux is recommended.

Avoid rapid cooling due to dipping in solvent. Note that the output signal may change if pressure is applied to the terminals

during soldering.

This listing does not claim to be complete, but merely reflects the experience of EPCOS AG.