Piezoelectric transducer checks blood pressure

A compact, robust piezoelectric transducer is ideal for use as a high-accuracy, cost-effective blood pressure monitor in medical equipment applications.

New from Morgan Electro Ceramics is a compact, robust piezoelectric transducer ideal for use as a high-accuracy, cost-effective blood pressure monitor in medical equipment applications.

Following successful trials with medical device manufacturers in the USA, the APT arterial pressure transducer was launched in Europe this week at Sensor+Test 2006.

Equipment manufacturers working in the medical sector are realising the benefits of using electronic sensors over mechanical devices in blood pressure monitoring, for their greater accuracy and long-term reliability.

In addition to use in conventional systems, they facilitate long-term monitoring, allowing medical staff to analyse trends in a patient's blood pressure over time.

Designed for use with a standard blood pressure cuff, the new APT is attractive to OEMs because of its versatility and ease of use as a system component.

It offers high accuracy measurement in a cost-effective package that comes complete with a standard coaxial lead and a choice of connectors.

It is equally suited to single measurement and long-term trending devices used by doctors as well as self-operated machines in pharmacies and walk-in clinics.

The APT sensor has a resonant frequency of 1.8Hz, a capacitance of 2000pF, and an output of 3V/N.

The housing is made of passivated stainless steel, so it can be used directly on human skin - even worn for extended periods of time - with no adverse effects or requirements for special coatings.

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