New-Generation Monocrystalline Silicon Pressure Transmitters: China’s Breakthrough in Pressure Measurement Technology

Behind every pipeline, reactor, and storage tank in the process industry, pressure transmitters have always played the most fundamental and critical role. From the early days of the “Third Front Construction” in the 1960s to today’s era of “Intelligent Manufacturing 2025” and Industry 4.0, China’s pressure transmitters have undergone a complete journey from “following” to “keeping pace,” and now achieving localized “leadership.” Driving this leap forward is precisely the new generation of pressure transmitters based on monocrystalline silicon sensing elements — now a landmark product representing the independent and controllable development of China’s high-end instrumentation.

Sixty Years of Evolution: Three Stages in the Development of Chinese Pressure Transmitters

1960s–1970s: Force-Balance Type — Starting from Scratch, the Awakening of Domestic Manufacturing

During the Third Front Construction period, DDZ-II/III series force-balance transmitters became the backbone of Chinese industry. Typical accuracy was only ±1.0% to ±2.5%, with large temperature drift and high failure rates, but they marked the first step from reliance on imports toward domestic production.

1980s–1990s: Joint Ventures and Technology Introduction — Learning from the World, Catching Up Technologically

After the reform and opening-up, Xi’an Instrument Factory cooperated with Rosemount to produce the 1151 series. Products from Fuji FC, Yokogawa EJA, Hitachi, Siemens, E+H, and ABB were successively localized through joint ventures or technology introduction. During this stage, intelligent transmitters with HART protocol became widespread, accuracy improved to ±0.2% to ±0.5%, but core sensing components still relied heavily on imports.

After 2010: The Monocrystalline Silicon Era — Independent Breakthrough and Leapfrogging Development

With the maturation of MEMS processes and monocrystalline silicon materials, domestic monocrystalline silicon pressure transmitters achieved industrial-scale production. In micro differential pressure measurement, anti-interference capability, overpressure protection, and long-term stability, they comprehensively surpass traditional solutions, enabling Chinese instrumentation companies to compete head-to-head with top international brands.

Why Is the Monocrystalline Silicon Pressure Transmitter a “Generational Leap”?

Monocrystalline silicon pressure transmitters use monocrystalline silicon with a diamond lattice structure as the sensing material. Through advanced microfabrication processes such as photolithography, bonding, and thin-film shielding, they achieve fully isolated solid-state packaging. Their five core advantages are as follows:

1. Fully isolated solid-state structure with industry-leading anti-interference capability
      The sensing element is completely isolated from the process medium, avoiding the inherent susceptibility of metal capacitive electrodes to electromagnetic and vibration interference.

2. Natural frequency >500 Hz, response time ≤5 ms
      Extremely high material stiffness allows pressure changes to be converted into signals almost instantaneously, making it ideal for dynamic applications such as compressor anti-surge control and water hammer monitoring.

3. Dual overpressure protection with zero drift after recovery
      A dual-layer structure consisting of a central sensing diaphragm and an isolation diaphragm ensures that even severe overpressure will not damage the silicon chip, and accuracy remains unchanged after recovery.

4. Modular digital compensation with outstanding long-term stability
      Compensation data is stored in the sensor’s internal memory. After replacing the electronics board, data is automatically read, achieving zero drift within ±0.1% per year.

5. Unmatched micro differential pressure performance
      In the 100 Pa to 1 kPa range, signal-to-noise ratio, repeatability, and temperature stability are far superior, making it the preferred choice for thermal power plant draft systems, cleanrooms, and pharmaceutical HVAC.

   
   

Monocrystalline Silicon vs. Traditional Solutions: Intuitive Comparison

From real industrial operating conditions, monocrystalline silicon has become the optimal choice for harsh environments.

Nexisense Monocrystalline Silicon Series: A Reliable Domestic Solution for Chinese Industry

Nexisense focuses on industrial-grade high-performance sensors. Its monocrystalline silicon pressure transmitters cover a full spectrum of measurement needs:

• Range: 0–100 Pa to 60 MPa

• Accuracy: ±0.075% / ±0.05% optional

• Response time: ≤5 ms

• Overload capability: 10–20× unidirectional overload

• Protocols: HART 7, Modbus RTU, Profibus PA, FF

• Protection: IP67/IP68 + multiple explosion-proof certifications

The products have been widely applied in petrochemical, steel and metallurgy, thermal power plants, natural gas pipelines, and pharmaceutical cleanrooms, helping enterprises upgrade legacy instrumentation and achieve digital transformation.

In actual industrial installation scenarios, monocrystalline silicon transmitters are steadily safeguarding critical process parameters.

Future Outlook: Monocrystalline Silicon + Intelligent Manufacturing Reshaping the Process Industry Foundation

The next generation of monocrystalline silicon transmitters will further integrate:

• Native industrial internet protocols such as MQTT / OPC UA / TSN

• Advanced self-diagnostics (NAMUR NE107 standard)

• AI edge computing and predictive maintenance

• Energy harvesting and self-powered technologies

Within the next 5–10 years, they are expected to become the mainstream high-end configuration of China’s process industry, completely breaking long-term dependence on imported high-end instruments.

Conclusion

From the arduous beginnings of force-balance instruments, through the introduction and digestion of 1151/EJA technologies, to today’s monocrystalline silicon era of independent leadership, China’s pressure transmitters have completed a magnificent transformation from “manufacturing” to “intelligent manufacturing” through sixty years of perseverance.

The new generation of monocrystalline silicon pressure transmitters, with ultra-fast response, exceptional anti-interference capability, reliable overpressure protection, and superior micro differential pressure performance, are becoming the most solid sensing cornerstone in industrial upgrading. For enterprises pursuing long-term stability and ultimate reliability, choosing a truly mature domestic monocrystalline silicon solution is now an inevitable trend of the times.

Nexisense is willing to work hand in hand with more industrial partners, using more reliable and intelligent domestic pressure measurement technologies to jointly witness and promote China’s process industry toward a higher-quality and more sustainable future.