Specifications
5
Hysteresis Errors
Hysteresis is the term used to describe the failure of pressure sensors to repeat previous readings after exposure to other
(typically higher) pressures. The Druck sensor employs a micro-machined silicon diaphragm into which the strain
elements are implanted using semiconductor fabrication techniques. Unlike metal diaphragms, silicons crystal structure
is perfectly elastic, so the sensor is essentially free of pressure hysteresis.
Power Turn-On Transient
Druck pressure sensors exhibit virtually no power turn-on transient. The plot below, for a 3500-meter pressure sensor in
an SBE 19plus SEACAT Profiler, is representative of the power turn-on transient for all pressure sensor ranges.
Thermal Transient
Pressure sensors exhibit a transient change in their output in response to changes in their environmental temperature, so
the thermal transient resulting from submersion in water must be considered when deploying the instrument.
During calibration, the sensors are allowed to warm-up before calibration points are recorded. Similarly, for best depth
accuracy the user should allow the CTD to warm-up for several minutes before beginning a profile; this can be part of
the soak time in the surface water. Soaking also allows the CTD housing to approach thermal equilibrium (minimizing
the housing's effect on measured temperature and conductivity) and permits a Beckman- or YSI-type dissolved oxygen
sensor (if present) to polarize.