Today we have important news to share with you. After 34 years, Servoflo will discontinue its distribution business at the end of 2024. The global nature of our business has dictated that we seek a larger partner to serve our loyal customers who frequently design, source, and manufacture in all corners of the globe.

To that end, we will transition many customers to Angst+Pfister this year. Angst+Pfister (A+P) is an international distributor and manufacturer, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. They have a US division and lengthy experience with many of our factory partners in Europe. Our long-standing global relationship with A+P makes us confident you will be in good hands with them.

What does this mean for you, our cherished customer?

All current orders will be shipped as committed by Servoflo.  Expediting is possible as long as our inventory can meet an earlier date. All orders remain non-cancellable and non-returnable. If we have an excess inventory of parts you have previously ordered, we can accept orders anytime. In principle, A+P will begin accepting orders in May 2024. For the next several months, we will work closely with A+P to ensure a smooth transition of key personnel and business practices. Those with blanket orders, please be assured we will work closely with you to ensure you receive all your deliveries and we will put you in touch with the appropriate contacts for future orders. We will handhold every customer during this transition.

A+P will become the North American representative for Fujikura, Sensormate, Metallux, Consensic, HYB, and Siargo. While our two companies will not overlap in order taking, Servoflo will support A+P and our customers during this critical transition. A+P is a large, worldwide organization with in-house technical experts in various sensor technologies, applications, and architectures. Angst+Pfister can be contacted via their email box info.apus@angst-pfister.com for any sample, quote, order, or technical information request. For all other factories not mentioned, you may contact them directly.

Our factory partners have been fully supportive of this transition as they see the potential of A+P to support you:

"Fujikura has worked with Angst & Pfister in Europe for over 30 years. We are pleased to extend our relationship to North America with the new U.S. division of Angst & Pfister. We are confident our customers will be in capable hands." - Jason Peng, President of Fujikura America, Inc.

“Metallux is grateful for Servoflo’s past work in North America, and we are looking forward to continuing our growth and presence with our new Angst & Pfister partnership. We are confident in their technical knowledge and professional expertise.” – Massimo Romano - General Manager, Metallux SA

“Sensormate is excited to be part of the Angst & Pfister team in North America" - Leo Wu, President of Sensormate Enterprise Co., Ltd.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at info@servoflo.com or reply to this email. You may also call our office at 781-862-9572.

We are eternally grateful and humbled to have been in this business for 34 years. We have enjoyed this journey and have been privileged to learn from our customers who design and manufacture the best products in their markets.

Sincerely,

David Ezekiel, Owner
david@servoflo.com

About Angst+Pfister

Angst+Pfister is a leading supplier of technical components and comprehensive solution provider for a wide range of industries and has been ensuring business continuity and serving the world’s leading manufacturers for over 100 years. Their professional capabilities center on being an engineering-led solution provider with in-depth customer application knowledge; globally sourcing a wide range of high-quality standard and customized industrial components; and proactively serving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) around the globe through multiple sales channels.

Angst+Pfister North America Inc. | 10391 Brecksville Rd. | Brecksville, OH 44141 | USA

Phone +1 (440) 375-5212

info.apus@angst-pfister.com

sensorsandpower.angst-pfister.com/en/

Servoflo is pleased to announce updated data sheets for the ME78X and ME79X ceramic pressure sensors from Metallux. These state-of-the-art ceramic pressure sensors have excellent accuracy and versatility for those users designing a pressure transducer or embedding a sensor in a pump, valve or other part of a pressure control system. A notable change is new designs for both the ME78X and ME79X will use an SSOP14 package rather than the previous DFN package.

The ME78X are a flush diaphragm, piezoresistive sensor with signal conditioning electronics embedded into the ceramic to provide a 0.5 to 4.5V ratiometric output or I2C output with pressure & temperature information. Calibration can be done in bar (0.5 to 600 bar) or psi (7.5 to 8500 psi). Furthermore, the sensor is available in a variety of configurations including absolute, gauge or sealed gauge. Accuracy choices include high accuracy, standard accuracy, no temperature compensation, or uncalibrated & uncompensated. The ME78X provides incredible versatility for users. The most updated information on the ME78X can be found here.

ME79X are monolithic piezoresistive ceramic pressure sensors. The Wheatstone bridge is screen-printed directly on one side of the ceramic cell by means of thick film technology and signal conditioning electronics generate 0.5 - 4.5V ratiometric output. Pressure and temperature calibration are done electronically with the on-board ASIC and can be performed in bar (3 to 400 bar) or in psi (50 to 5000 psi).

Electronics provide offset and span correction when the temperature changes. Aging detection is constantly performed. This new method guarantees good precision and long-term stability. The most recent data sheet includes a new mechanical configuration where springs are used for contacts. This innovative methods eliminates the need for soldering, increasing assembly speed, as well as improving ease of assembly resulting in lower overall costs. This mechanical configuration has been tested and validated in the automotive field for many years. Get the most recent information on the ME79X here.

You may notice that the ME78X is flush with a smooth side exposed to the pressure media and the ME79X are monolithic with a small indentation in the middle exposed to the media. Why choose one or the other? If a customer is making an absolute or sealed gauge sensor, then flush mount is ideal as they have a fixed reference. 

Both the ME78X and ME79X have excellent chemical resistance due to the AI₂O₃ ceramic, making them suitable for nearly all aggressive media.

Do you want to learn more about ceramic pressure sensors? Our e-book is a great place to start!

Data sheet links:

ME78X

ME79X

Ceramic pressure sensors are utilized in a variety of ways across numerous industries – but not all sensors are created equal. While all serve the function of measuring the pressure of liquids and gases, their applications range as far as measuring oil levels in the automotive industry to supporting life-saving medical devices.

Ceramic sensors can operate in harsh environments with extreme pressure and temperature factors at play due to their robust, stable, and cost-efficient nature. They are also valuable in applications where harsh chemicals may be present. As such, ceramic pressure sensors often present the best solution for difficult measuring applications. Many types of ceramic pressure sensors exist to address a broad range of challenges in numerous industries.

Types of Ceramic Sensors

Servoflo offers a wide range of ceramic pressure sensors that can be used to measure pressure rates or fluid levels. From full transducer packages to smart metering systems, our range of ceramic sensors provides solutions for every potential application.

Flush Mount vs. Monolithic

Flush mount sensors are flat, smooth, and feature no dead volume of media pressure. Monolithic sensors, on the other hand, have an indentation in the side that is exposed to the pressure media. Flush mount solutions from Servoflo offer a wider range of pressure tolerances, from 0.5 bar to as high as 600 bar.

Which sensor you choose will be determined by your application requirements, as flush and monolithic mounts each have strengths in different areas. For example, a flush mount would be ideal if sealed gauge or absolute sensors are required by the application, while monolithic sensors are often ideal for a range of industrial automation or process control applications.

Piezoresistive vs. Capacitive

Servoflo's Metallux line of ceramic pressure sensors are, either piezoresistive or capacitive by nature. Both are resistant to corrosion and are compatible with a wide array of environmental conditions and are suitable for various industrial, automotive, or medical applications.

Capacitive sensors are often preferred for applications that feature high overpressure values but also require accurate low pressure measurement or high resolution measurements.

Differential Pressure Sensors

The ME800 ceramic differential pressure sensors measure differential pressure using a single sensor rather than two. This saves on cost and improves accuracy by narrowing down the possibility of error. Should errors occur, a single sensor makes them easier to pinpoint, which helps you to repair, replace, or recalibrate equipment quickly and limit costly downtime.

Amplified vs. Unamplified

If you'd prefer to calibrate and amplify your own sensors, we offer sensors with a millivolt of output that provides a blank slate for your design. This option gives you the freedom to amplify your own transducer signal and allows you to maintain control over both pressure range and output frequency.

For users who don’t require advanced customization or are simply seeking a standardized solution, we also have calibrated, temperature-compensated sensor models that are amplified and ready for use. We can provide ratiometric, non-ratiometric, current loop, and I2C sensors that integrate directly into existing systems and provide a wide range of sensitivity suitable for myriad applications.

Ratiometric vs. Non-Ratiometric

Amplified units consist of ratiometric and non-ratiometric sensors. Which of these two models will be appropriate depends largely on the voltage requirements of the application. Generally, lower voltage applications (0.5V to 4.5V) should choose a ratiometric sensor, while applications that use 12V or more should use a non-ratiometric sensor.

Choosing the incorrect solution for your voltage requirements will impact the reliability of digital conversion readouts.

Ceramic Pressure Sensor Sizes

Servoflo's sensors come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 9 mm (model ME900) in diameter up to 32.4 mm in diameter. The 9 mm sensor is an exciting addition to the Servoflo line of pressure sensors because it provides an ideal solution for small spaces and applications which otherwise may have been too constrictive for simple installation. The 9 mm solution comes pre-calibrated and pre-amplified, so customers must only add a cable to begin using it.

Ceramic Pressure Sensor Solutions from Servoflo

Choosing the proper ceramic pressure sensor solution can be an intimidating process—especially when your application requires precise readings. It’s often best to consult with a sensor expert in advance of your purchase to make sure you get the ideal solution for your needs.

For more information and deeper insights, please download our eBook: Ceramic Pressure Sensors 101.

Industry professionals employ pressure sensors in a variety of applications, ranging from aerospace to oil and gas to utilities. In many cases, they are subjected to harsh operating and environmental conditions, such as high pressures, corrosive compounds, and temperature extremes. For use in these circumstances, ceramic pressure sensors are a suitable option.

Pressure sensors are often employed to handle extreme conditions such as high pressures, corrosive atmospheres, and high temperature processes. Ceramic pressure sensors are an ideal alternative to conventional oil-filled pressure sensors under such circumstances.

Because of their unique construction and ceramic’s chemically inert nature, ceramic pressure sensors can withstand harsh atmospheric conditions without sacrificing performance. Robust, reliable, and washable, they are a durable and cost-effective solution to a variety of demanding applications.

The following blog post provides an overview of ceramic pressure sensors, outlining the benefits, types available, and applications.

Benefits of Ceramic Pressure Sensors

Ceramic pressure sensors offer several benefits, including:

• Greater strength and durability. Compared to their stainless steel counterparts, sensing diaphragms made of ceramic are 10x stronger. This quality results in greater durability and longevity. Ceramic’s superior resistance to abrasion further enhances these characteristics.
• Lower cost. Ceramic diaphragms are less expensive to manufacture than stainless steel ones. This quality, coupled with longer service life, can result in significantly lower equipment costs.
• Better corrosion and chemical resistance. Ceramic is chemically inert and corrosion resistant, making it highly compatible with most process materials.
• Smaller environmental risk. Ceramic sensors do not contain oil, reducing their risk of negatively impacting the surrounding environment due to fluid leaks.
• Higher temperature and pressure operating capacities. Ceramic is capable of withstanding greater pressures and temperatures than stainless steel. It also displays a broader range of sensitivity, with the ability to simultaneously measure low pressure while withstanding high overpressure.

The above qualities, among others, make ceramic pressure sensors well-suited for applications with harsh environments. Even when exposed to high pressures, extreme temperatures, corrosive compounds, or high levels of shock and vibration, they provide consistent and reliable performance.

Ceramic pressure sensors have many advantages over traditional stainless steel counterparts. Perhaps most importantly, they are significantly stronger than oil-filled diaphragms. Similarly, they can withstand high operating temperatures and pressures without losing sensitivity at low pressure values. They tolerate relatively high over pressures as well.

Since ceramic sensors do not rely on oil, the diaphragm can be thicker, and it does not carry the risk of a leak that could compromise an entire batch of sensors. Because they are sturdier, ceramic pressure sensors will not deviate from their calibrated setting even after multiple operating cycles, thus minimizing the risk of sensor drift. All these features make ceramic pressure sensors ideal for a large number of industrial applications, particularly if accuracy, dynamic range, and corrosion resistance are critical requirements.

Types of Ceramic Pressure Sensors

Ceramic pressure sensors are available in a wide range of designs, each suited for use in particular applications. Some of the most common ceramic pressure sensor variations include:

Flush Mount vs. Monolithic Sensors

The key difference between flush mount and monolithic ceramic pressure sensors lies in the surface design. While flush mount sensors provide a flat surface for exposure to the pressure media, monolithic sensors feature an indentation in the exposed side of the sensors. As flush mount sensors maintain a fixed reference, they are generally used for applications that require absolute or sealed gauge sensing.

Piezoresistive vs. Capacitive Sensors

Ceramic pressure sensors employ either piezoresistive or capacitive means to measure pressure. Piezoresistive sensors measure the changes in electrical current in direct correlation to changes in pressure on the diaphragm. Capacitive sensors measure pressure displacement by analyzing the difference in electrical frequency between two sensors. The latter type is preferable for applications that require the measurement of low-pressure values under high overpressure conditions.

Amplified vs. Unamplified Sensors

Pressure sensors come with several amplification options—including ratiometric, non-radiometric, current loop, and I2C—each of which can be calibrated as needed. For users who wish to perform their own amplification and calibration, unamplified ceramic sensors are also available.

Ratiometric vs. Non-Ratiometric Sensors

Ratiometric sensors take into account the power supply when converting sensor output, allowing for more accurate measurement without the interference of power supply variation. Non-ratiometric sensors are used when the measurements are against an absolute reference and not affected by fluctuation of the power source.

When to Use Ceramic Pressure Sensors

Ceramic pressure sensors are suited to a wide variety of industries. In the automotive industry, for example, they are often used to measure oil levels. Within the transportation industry, they are used to maintain hydraulic systems (which benefit from greater water resistance) and control emissions (where greater resistance to heat and corrosion may be necessary). They are also used to measure the flow rate of the working fluid in water reservoirs, wastewater treatment plants, and other chemical processing plants.

Due to their superior resistance to corrosion, high pressures, and extreme temperatures, ceramic pressure sensors find use in a variety of industrial applications with harsh environmental and operating conditions. Typical industries that employ these devices include:

• Automotive instrumentation
• Chemical
• Food and beverage 
• Heavy manufacturing
• HVAC
• Oil and gas
• Water and wastewater treatment  

The high strength of ceramic sensors makes them ideally suited for applications that feature a large number of pressure cycles. Because of ceramic’s chemically non-reactive nature, they can be used in HVAC systems to measure refrigerant levels and for flow measurement in the oil and gas industry. They are also inert enough for use in the food and beverage industry to monitor ingredient flow.

High-Quality Ceramic Pressure Sensors From Servoflo

For decades, Servoflo has served industries with quality pressure sensor support, optimization, and system design services. With customers from every major industry, ranging from aerospace to waste management, we have the knowledge and experience to provide ceramic pressure sensors that suit any requirement.

For the last 30 years, Servoflo has offered technical support, product optimization, and system design services to users of pressure sensors in every major industry. Trusted by companies of every size, our pressure sensors can handle difficult applications with accuracy and efficiency.

In particular, our ceramic sensors offer unmatched quality and reliability in industries ranging from aerospace to waste management. Regardless of your demands, Servoflo can help you meet any requirement.

If you’d like to learn more about Servoflo’s ceramic pressure sensors or discover how they can improve your business, download our “Ceramic Pressure Sensors 101: Why, When, and Where to Use Them” eBook today.

Ceramic pressure sensors from Metallux have unique features making them ideal in many applications. These features include:

• Long-life
• Robust and reliable
• High temperature tolerance
• Ability to have direct contact with liquids and harsh media
• Washable

Servoflo has in depth experience in helping customers integrate ceramic sensors into their designs. Here are some examples:

• Utilizing a ceramic sensor to develop an oil level sensor in an automotive application
• Hydraulic & emissions controls for other types of transportation equipment
• Industrial transducer development for use in the gas & oil industries as well as heavy manufacturing
• Semiconductor applications to measure process flows
• Level sensing applications such as reservoir water level management, wastewater controls and chemical processing
• Food & beverage applications to monitor ingredient flow
• HVAC pressure transducers to measure refridgerant levels

One of the most important aspects of our customers' success is the wide range of ceramic sensors offered. Our ceramic pressure sensor line includes many models with unamplified mV signals or signal-conditioned with analog or digital outputs. Customers can use sensors with the mV output if they are able to do signal conditioning and calibration. This allows the customer to modify pressure ranges, output, and accuracy to meet their specific application. The fully calibrated versions with voltage, 4-20 mA or I2C come in two levels of accuracy. Customers can do offset calibration after packaging the ceramic sensor. A customer can utilize these many options in one particular sensor model to create a family of products that can be offered to their own customers. 

Unlike typical board mount pressure sensors, ceramic pressure sensors do need to be packaged. Our team of experts can assist you in designing the ideal package for your application. Furthermore, Servoflo offers a special evaluation mounting kit called MEKIT 0400 to help users test ceramic pressure sensors.  This kit costs $145 and is useful for the following 18 mm diameter Metallux sensors: ME501/ME505/ME662/ME651/ME75X/ME77X/ME780.

Learn more about Metallux ceramic pressure sensors

Download the information on the MEKIT 0400

Servoflo, a premier supplier of pressure, mass flow, environmental sensors and micropumps,  is pleased to announce expansion of its design engineering services for custom sensor development. The objective is to be a primary resource for customers who require modification or customization of sensors and how they are integrated into product designs. Services include but are not limited to:

• adding flex to a sensor
• creating a custom flow path for mass flow sensors
• adding Wi-Fi or BlueTooth™ capabilities to a sensor
• adding a display
• custom packaging enclosures
• hybrid circuit design

This one-stop solution provides customers with efficient and reliable design expertise without having to manage multiple vendors as well as streamlining assembly. Purchasing a complete solution saves customers money and time. Often, a bill of materials is reviewed and pressure is put on individual component costs. This strategy neglects the labor needed to inspect, integrate, and test various separate components such as a sensor element, cable, and package. A complete sensor solution can actually reduce overall bill of materials and labor costs. This sensor design strategy is also important for customers who may not have design expertise in these areas.

Specific application examples include:

• Creation of a pressure gauge with display and enclosure
• Hybrid circuit design to integrate a pressure sensor and electronics for better protection in a high temperature and high humidity environment
• Adding a flex cable to a standard board level sensor to eliminate the assembly and testing steps at installation
• Customized sensor calibration and output to meet a specific customer requirement
• Design of a special flow path in a mass flow sensor for medical equipment
• Design custom electronics to create a pressure or mass flow switch (or other environmental sensor)

If you have a special requirement you would like to discuss, please utilize the button below for fastest response.

Metallux SA, based in Switzerland, not only offers ceramic pressure sensors but also thick film technology hybrid circuit design and manufacturing, i.e  screen printing on ceramic, FR4, Flex, steel, aluminium nitride, sapphire, etc. Metallux SA also offers the capability to integrate electronic components such as IC's, resistors, capacitors, etc.

Why use a hybrid circuit?

• High temperature demands. Circuits can be designed to withstand more than 85°C or for harsh environmental conditions such has high humidity.
• Low & medium power requirements around 2-3 kW. Ceramic is a very good heat dissipator.
• When trimming is required. It is possible to trim the screen-printed resistor on circuits with electronical components to adjust a voltage, current or frequency output.
• A smaller size is needed
• Enhanced security. It is very difficult to reverse engineer a hybrid circuit.
• Need to use resistors and conductor tracks to create a power source (such as from millawatts to 3-3 Kilowatts)
• More resistant to shock & vibration

From design to screen printing to assembly, Metallux provides a complete hybrid circuit solution for their customers. Some examples of their capabilities include:

• Superior manufacturing area with 3 cleanrooms
• Multilayer hybrid circuits with integrated trimmed resistors (from mohms to Gohms)
• Active/passive SMT, from 0201 size to BGA and µBGA
• Chip & wire: die attach, wedge & ball bonding, encapsulation, on all kinds of substrates
• Flip-chip: solding & epoxy 
• Finishing & encapsulation with conformal coatings, epoxy & silicone resins

As an example, here is a real world hybrid circuit design by Metallux:

Silicon pressure sensor for home boiler: A thick film hybrid circuit was designed for better stability in a harsh temperature and humidity environment. The stable and rigid substrate had the die pressure sensor glued onto it. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the Alumina is lower compared to a standard PCB.

To discuss how hybrid circuit technology can help you, please contact us.

Ceramic pressure sensors by Metallux of Switzerland are high quality, high performing sensors for harsh environments and/or higher pressures (models up to 800 bar). With various models including piezo-resistive, ceramic capacitive, monolithic, flush-mount, compensated, unamplified and more, a user reviewing ceramic pressure sensors may want some help understanding the various options.

Piezo-Resistive Versus Capacitive: At a high level, Metallux ceramic pressure sensors are either piezo-resistive or capacitive pressure sensors. Why choose one over the other? Capacitive sensors are used when the pressure sensors must withstand high overpressures. In addition, capacitive models such as the ME550 (shown right) are very good at measuring low pressure down to 60 mbar. Both capacitive and piezo-resistive have similar chemical resistance and media compatibility.

Flush Mount Versus Monolithic: In a flush mount sensor such as the ME77X Series, the sensor side exposed to the pressure media is flat and smooth. A monolithic sensor such as the ME75X has an indentation in the center of the exposed side. Why choose one or the other? If a customer is making an absolute or sealed gauge sensor, then flush mount is ideal as they have a fixed reference. Flush mount also come in lower (0.5 bar) and higher pressures (up to 600 bar). Flush mount ceramic sensors also have no dead volume of the pressure media.

Amplified or Unamplified: Another choice in ceramic pressure sensors involves whether or not to choose an amplified, calibrated sensor (ME75X, ME78X, ME790) or an unamplified model (ME501, ME504, etc). The choice depends on the users' requirements. For customers who do not have the capacity to amplify the signal and wanted a completely calibrated and temperature compensated sensor, Metallux offers many models with either a ratiometric, non-ratiometric, current loop, or I2C. The integrated signal conditioning lets users start using the sensors quickly. A user who is perhaps designing their own transducer will likely consider purchasing an unamplified model. Then, these users who typically have the experienced needed, can create a customized signal conditioning design based on their specific application requirements. 

Physical Size: Not all Metallux ceramic pressure sensors are the same size! The largest is the ME509 at 32.4 mm in diameter. The smallest is me ME657 at 12.85 mm in diameter. Many models are 18 mm in diameter.

Ceramic pressure sensors are a great choice if you are looking for higher pressures (up to 800 bar) in a harsh or wet environment. Gauge, sealed gauge and absolute models are also available. Strong chemical resistance due to the user of the AI2O3 ceramic lets users expose the sensors to a wide variety of environmental factors. Typical applications for Metallux ceramic pressure sensors include transducer development, tank level monitoring, process control and industrial automation.

We hope you found this blog post to be useful! Please feel free to reach out to us at info@servoflo.com with questions or comments. We welcome your feedback.

Download the metallux-family-tree here.