IFM PN3071 Electronic Pressure Sensor with Display (0–250 bar)
The IFM PN3071 is an electronic pressure sensor with an integrated digital display, designed for precise monitoring and control of relative pressure in industrial systems. Combining a robust metallic thin-film measuring cell, a rotatable housing head and a dual-output concept with analogue, switching and IO-Link functionality, it is suitable for both OEM machine builders and plant operators who require reliable pressure measurement up to 250 bar in liquids and gases.
Key Technical Data – IFM PN3071
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Product designation | IFM PN3071 electronic pressure sensor with display |
| Measuring range | 0…250 bar / 0…3620 psi / 0…25 MPa (relative pressure) |
| Pressure type | Relative pressure |
| Measuring element | Metallic thin-film cell |
| Approved media | Liquids and gases for industrial applications |
| Process connection | G 1/4 internal thread, with additional M6 internal port |
| Outputs | 1 × digital switching output, 1 × analogue output; IO-Link configurable |
| Analogue output | 4…20 mA and 0…10 V (configurable) |
| Output function | PNP, NO/NC programmable |
| Supply voltage | 18…30 V DC, SELV/PELV |
| Current consumption | < 35 mA (without load) |
| Pressure rating | 500 bar (50 MPa) |
| Burst pressure | 1200 bar (120 MPa) |
| Medium / ambient temperature | -25…80 °C |
| Protection rating | IP65 / IP67 |
| Display | 4-digit alphanumeric display, red/green colour; status LEDs for unit and switching state |
| Housing features | Upper housing rotatable by approx. 345° |
| Electrical connection | M12 connector with gold-plated contacts |
| Switching frequency | Up to 170 Hz (digital output) |
| Accuracy / repeatability | Switch point accuracy ≤ ±0.5 %, repeatability ≤ ±0.1 % of span |
Design and Measuring Principle
The PN3071 is built around a metallic thin-film measuring cell that converts applied pressure into an electrical signal. This type of sensor element offers high overload resistance, excellent repeatability and low drift over time, making it well suited to continuous industrial service.
The sensor measures relative pressure, meaning the internal reference is ambient atmospheric pressure. This is the standard approach for hydraulic, pneumatic and process systems where setpoints are usually given in bar(g). With a measuring range from 0 to 250 bar, the PN3071 covers both medium and higher pressure circuits such as hydraulic lines, high-pressure pump outlets and robust water or oil systems.
Media compatibility covers liquids and gases commonly found in industrial environments, provided they are compatible with the wetted materials (stainless steel and sealing materials specified in the datasheet). Applications include clean water, cooling media, hydraulic oils, lubricants, inert gases and compressed air within the device limits.
Triple-Function Output Concept
A distinctive feature of the PN3071 is its threefold signal concept:
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Digital switching output (OUT1)
The first output acts as a fully programmable electronic pressure switch. It can be configured as normally open or normally closed with adjustable setpoint and reset point, enabling classic on/off control for pumps, compressors, valves or alarms. With a switching frequency up to 170 Hz and a current rating up to 150–250 mA (depending on temperature), the output is suitable for fast control tasks and direct PLC interface. -
Analogue output (OUT2)
The second output provides a continuous pressure signal, selectable as 4–20 mA current or 0–10 V voltage. This allows the PN3071 to function like a pressure transmitter, feeding a proportional signal into analogue PLC inputs, data loggers or monitoring systems. The dual mode simplifies stock management because one part number can serve both current loop and voltage-based installations. -
IO-Link communication
The outputs can be configured so that the device provides IO-Link process data in addition to or instead of conventional signals. With IO-Link, real-time pressure values, status bits and diagnostic information are transmitted digitally, and parameters can be edited from the control system rather than at the sensor head. This makes integration into modern automation architectures straightforward and supports advanced diagnostics and recipe changes.
This architecture lets the same sensor serve simple on/off tasks, analogue process control and smart sensor integration without hardware changes.
Display, User Interface and Mechanical Design
On the front of the unit, a four-digit alphanumeric display shows the current pressure value in bar, psi or MPa. The display can change colour from red to green or use alternating colours, allowing quick visual recognition of acceptable and critical states directly at the machine. Additional LEDs indicate the selected unit and the switching status of the output.
Three pushbuttons below the display form the local user interface. They are used to set measuring units, switching points, hysteresis or window mode, output logic (NO/NC), time delays and damping. This allows full configuration even without IO-Link tools, which is especially convenient for service technicians performing quick adjustments in the field.
Mechanically, the PN3071 uses a G 1/4 internal process thread, a widely adopted standard in hydraulic and pneumatic manifolds. The upper housing section can be rotated by approximately 345°, so the display and M12 connector can be oriented after the process connection is tightened. This is helpful when the sensor must be installed in confined spaces or on vertical piping where direct visibility would otherwise be poor.
Gold-plated contacts in the M12 connector improve signal reliability, particularly in environments with vibration or humidity. Combined with IP65/IP67 ingress protection, the sensor is designed to withstand industrial atmospheres and washdown conditions within its temperature range of -25 to +80 °C.
Measurement Performance and Reliability
From a metrological perspective, the PN3071 offers switch point accuracy of typically ±0.5 % of the span and repeatability better than ±0.1 %, ensuring that setpoints remain stable and predictable over time. Characteristic deviation and hysteresis are tightly specified, which helps maintain consistent control behaviour in closed-loop or threshold-based systems.
The sensor is rated for a pressure rating of 500 bar and a burst pressure of 1200 bar, giving a large safety margin between the working range (0–250 bar) and mechanical limits. This is important in applications where transient pressure spikes occur, such as valve closure, pump start-up or water hammer events. Vacuum resistance down to approximately -1 bar allows use in circuits where negative pressure conditions can appear during shutdown or draining.
Electrical robustness includes reverse-polarity protection, integrated watchdog functionality and short-circuit protection on the outputs. The specified current consumption of less than 35 mA without load eases demands on the 24 V DC supply, even when multiple sensors share the same power rail.
Integration in Automation Systems
The PN3071 has been designed to fit seamlessly into a wide range of control architectures:
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In basic systems, the digital switching output can be wired directly to a PLC digital input or relay.
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In analogue control loops, the 4–20 mA or 0–10 V output provides a proportional signal for pressure regulation, trending and data logging.
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In advanced installations, IO-Link enables parameter management from the PLC, rapid sensor replacement without manual programming, and detailed diagnostics for predictive maintenance.
The ability to combine these approaches in a single device means machine builders can standardise on one sensor type while still supporting different levels of control sophistication across their machines.
Typical Applications
With its 0–250 bar range, robust construction and versatility, the IFM PN3071 is widely applicable in:
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Hydraulic power packs and actuator circuits
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High-pressure pump discharge monitoring in industrial water and oil systems
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Pressure supervision in process filtration lines
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Lubrication and cooling circuits in machine tools and forming machines
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Compressed air or inert gas systems operating in the mid to high pressure region
In each of these applications, the sensor not only provides the pressure signal, but also local visualisation and built-in switching, reducing the need for additional gauges and switches.
Installation and Commissioning Guidelines
For reliable operation, the PN3071 should be installed using an appropriate sealing method (such as a suitable sealing ring or thread sealant) and tightened to the torque recommended by IFM for G 1/4 connections. After mounting, the rotatable head can be aligned so that both the display and cable entry face an accessible direction.
Commissioning typically involves:
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Applying 18–30 V DC supply via the M12 connector.
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Setting the measurement unit and display mode.
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Adjusting setpoint and reset point for the digital output, including hysteresis or window mode.
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Selecting analogue output mode (4–20 mA or 0–10 V) and scaling if needed.
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If IO-Link is used, adding the device to the IO-Link master configuration and importing the parameter set.
Once configured, the PN3071 delivers continuous pressure feedback, local indication and switching control in one compact device, helping to simplify panel layout and reduce component count in modern industrial machines.
