Barometric pressure sensor as a modern measuring device for static barometric pressure
The history of the barometer goes back a long way: in the mid-17th century, Evangelista Torricelli invented a mercury barometer that could be used to measure static barometric pressure. Today, most users no longer rely on liquid barometers, but on electronic barometric pressure sensors.
These barometric pressure sensors have three advantages:
- Their compact size allows them to be installed in small devices such as smartphones and wearables.
- These modules provide highly accurate measurements.
- Arduino barometers and similar devices allow the measurement data to be processed immediately.
Buy an electronic barometer: the benefits of an air pressure sensor
A barometric pressure sensor is a standard feature if you want to record weather data or reliably measure differences in altitude. In weather stations, it provides important information about high and low pressure areas, enabling you to better assess weather changes. Since air pressure decreases with increasing altitude, a barometer can also be used to measure altitude – for example, in outdoor navigation, in drone projects or to collect environmental data.
Barometric pressure sensors in practice: weather stations, smartphones and more
A reliably functioning barometer is indispensable in weather stations. The same applies to many smartphones and wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. With an air pressure sensor, these devices can provide information about the current air pressure at any time – and some models can also tell you what altitude the user is currently at.
Measuring altitude is also proving to be important for aircraft of all kinds, such as drones. Basically, there are two options: the barometer sensor and GPS. A comparison shows that barometers are more accurate than GPS technology.
Combined measurement modules: air pressure, humidity and temperature
If you want to buy an air pressure sensor, you should ask yourself the following question: Do I just need the air pressure value or do I need other values? Here in your specialist shop for electronics, you will find a wide range of measurement modules that provide other important measurement values with the relative humidity and the ambient temperature. Pay attention to the detailed descriptions when searching for products.
How to choose the right barometer for your purpose
When buying an air pressure sensor, it is not only the measurement accuracy that matters – compatibility with your existing hardware also plays a role. If you are using an Arduino board, we recommend a barometer module that works directly with the available pins and libraries. If you are working with a Raspberry Pi, look for suitable interfaces such as I²C or SPI, as well as existing software support. A glance at the voltage range, sampling rate and housing shape also helps to optimally integrate the sensor into the project.
Consider these factors when making your purchase decision:
- What range does the measuring device measure? (minimum and maximum air pressure)
- How accurate is the measurement and the possible deviation at altitudes?
- What are the dimensions of the air pressure sensor?
Take your time to browse this shop for a suitable sensor from brand-name manufacturers such as Pololu.
