Tank sensor with weight, with oil-resistant cable (approx 10 m / 11 yard cable length)
The humidity sensor is used in HVAC technology to monitor humidity and temperature. The measured values are output as a standard signal by the humidity sensor . Air humidity and temperature are accurately determined in this compact humidity sensor via a semiconductor component. For commissioning, the humidity probe is supplied with a DC voltage. The measured values are output via a two-wire cable.
The temperature sensor is used in HVAC technology to monitor humidity and temperature. The measured values are output as a standard signal by the temperature sensor. Air humidity and temperature are accurately determined in this compact temperature sensor via a semiconductor component. For commissioning, the temperature sensor is supplied with a DC voltage. The measured values are output via a two-wire cable.
The simple pressure sensor PCE-PS 420 can be used everywhere where simple pressure is to be measured. The measured pressure is provided as a 4 … 20 mA analog value on the pressure sensor.
The humidity sensor was developed and constructed for the permanent monitoring of temperature or humidity. The compact dimensions of the humidity sensor are the characteristics of this instrument. The measurement of the temperature and humidity is via a semiconductor component.
The humidity sensor is used in HVAC technology to monitor humidity and temperature. The measured values are output by the humidity sensor via the RS485 interface. In this compact humidity sensor, air humidity and temperature are precisely determined using a semiconductor component.
The stainless steel immersion pressure / fill level sensor is suitable for measuring the level in the process. The immersion probe is particularly suitable for level measurement of waste water, contaminated or highly viscous media.
With the temperature sensor PCE-IR 50, surface temperatures can measured quickly and easily. The measuring range of the temperature sensor is 0 …500 °C / 32 … 932°F. The measured temperature is output as a 4 … 20-mA standard signal which means that the temperature sensor can be easily integrated into different monitoring systems, including those in different production processes or food storage as well as the monitoring of electronic systems.
The pressure / fill level sensor is based on a ceramic measuring cell. This level sensor was developed for the measurement of levels in waste water, polluted and highly viscous media. As a special feature of this level sensor, the probe and cable part can be separated from one another.
PCE-VS10 is a vibration meter, analyzer or sensor condition monitoring switch used to measure RMS and peak value of vibration velocity or acceleration piezoelectrically. This IP67-rated vibration monitoring switch features a red and green visual warning or alarm with programmable high pass and low pass filters.
In technology, a sensor or probe is a component that reacts in a typical way to a certain physical or chemical variable. This reaction is output as an electrical signal that is transmitted, evaluated and can then be displayed, transmitted or stored as a measurement result. 
A sensor can be used, for example, to detect dangerous gases or to measure temperatures, forces, vibrations or other variables. The sensor and the evaluation unit must be coordinated to each other so that the evaluation unit can correctly assign the signal generated by the sensor to the measured variable.
Depending on the application, the ready-configured measuring devices or measuring systems with sensor or sensors and display unit can be used, or the individual components that can be matched to each other. Pre-configured systems are available with both internal and external sensors. Among the measuring devices with an external sensor, there are some, where the sensor can only be exchanged for another of the same type. In the other devices, also suitable sensors of other types can be connected. The evaluation unit of these devices recognises the connected sensor or it can be adjusted to it.
When deciding on a particular sensor, various aspects matter. One of the most important conditions that must be met is that this sensor must be able to detect the desired measured variable at the intended location with sufficient accuracy. In addition, the sensor must be suitable in its design for the conditions prevailing at the measuring point and must be able to transmit the measured value as a signal in the desired form to the intended transducer or display unit.
Here is a short list of the most important selection criteria for the sensor:
| - Measured variable and measuring range | e.g. temperature from -20 to 60 °C, pressure in gases or liquids from 0 to 10 bar. |
| - Measuring accuracy | e.g. 1 % of the measured value or 1 % of the measuring range |
| - Suitability for the measuring point | e.g. in size, shape and resistance |
| - Type of signa | l e.g. as analogue signal with 4 to 20 mA |
Display units for sensors
Not always the measurement results can or should be displayed directly at the measurement location. Moreover, for other tasks, the measurement data of several sensors should be displayed and evaluated together. This requires individual components that must be coordinated with each other. 
In order for the sensor and the display unit to be able to communicate, it must be possible to establish a corresponding connection and the sensor must provide the output signal in the format in which it is expected by the display unit. When selecting a display unit, however, many other points must also be taken into account:
Display
- Should only values from one sensor or from several be displayed?
- How far must the display be readable?
- Are the measured values sufficient or should additional calculations and evaluations or notes also be displayed?
- Should coloured info or warning lights light up for certain states or measured values?
Inputs for the measurement signal from the sensor
- How many signal inputs are required?
- Which signal types should the display unit process?
Outputs
- How many signal outputs are needed?
- Which signal types are to be passed on via the outputs?
Operability
- Can the unit be configured by the user?
- How complex are the settings?
Power supply
- With which operating voltage can the display unit be operated?
- Should the sensor be supplied with voltage via the display unit?
Dimensions and design
- Should the display unit be installed in a control panel or housing?
- From where should the interfaces and connections be accessible?
Memory
- Is storage of measurement and calculation data intended?
- Is data to be stored on an internal memory or a removable data carrier?
Data interface
- Should the current or stored data be transferred via an interface?
- Which interface types are available?
Classification of the sensors available at PCE Instruments according to the measured variable
Sensors combined with suitable dispalays or controllers can be used for a wide variety of applications for condition and process monitoring or for automatic process control. To select a sensor, the measurand and measuring range should be determined first, followed by the other requirements. PCE Instruments offers in its product range among others:
| - Sensors for pressure | to determine the level of pressure in liquids and gases. |
| - Sensors for humidity | to determine the moisture content of the air or in certain materials. |
| - Sensors for gases | to detect or measure certain gases. |
| - Sensors for tensile and/or compressive forces | to measure forces. |
| - Sensors for light | to determine the illuminance. |
| - Sensors for sound | to evaluate the sound level. |
| - Sensors for temperature | to determine the temperature of liquids, gases, solids. |
| - Sensors for vibration | to measure vibration acceleration, velocity and displacement. |
| - Sensors for wind | to measure wind speed and wind direction. |
