New Comprehensive Genuine Pressure Sensor With Display IFM PN7094 Optimize Performance

IFM PN7094 Electronic Pressure Sensor with Display (-1…10 bar)

The IFM PN7094 is an electronic pressure sensor with an integrated digital display, designed for applications that require both vacuum and low positive pressure monitoring in one compact device. It covers a measuring range from –1 to 10 bar (–14.5…145 psi, –0.1…1 MPa) and combines two configurable switching outputs with IO-Link communication for use in modern automation systems.

Built around a ceramic-capacitive measuring cell, the PN7094 offers very good overload resistance, stable long-term behaviour and fast response. This makes it a strong option for vacuum handling equipment, coolant and water circuits, low-pressure pneumatics and many general machine-building tasks where both visual indication and electronic feedback are needed.

Main technical data – IFM PN7094

Measurement concept: one device for vacuum and low pressure

The distinctive feature of the PN7094 within the PN7xxx family is its combined vacuum and positive-pressure range. It measures from full vacuum (–1 bar) up to 10 bar overpressure, relative to ambient atmosphere. This covers:

• Typical industrial vacuum levels used in pick-and-place systems and clamping devices.

• Low-pressure air and gas lines up to 10 bar.

• Low-pressure liquid circuits such as coolant or water loops in machine tools.

The ceramic-capacitive measuring cell is a proven technology for this working range. A ceramic diaphragm forms part of a capacitor; when pressure changes, capacitance changes, and the integrated electronics translate that into a stable digital value. Ceramic materials offer high resistance to corrosion for many media and tolerate pressure shocks better than many mechanical sensing concepts.

Because the sensor reports relative pressure, the value on the display and on IO-Link corresponds directly to the way most vacuum and pneumatics specifications are written (e.g. –0.8 bar for vacuum applications, 6 bar for compressed air). This removes the need to convert between absolute and gauge scales in the control logic.

Signal outputs and IO-Link integration

The PN7094 is not only a measuring device – it also functions as part of the control loop. It offers:

• Two digital switching outputs that can be used as high/low switches, window monitors or alarm contacts. Each output can be configured as PNP or NPN and as NO or NC. The maximum switching current depends on temperature (up to 250 mA at lower temperatures), with integrated short-circuit and overload protection.

• Configurable IO-Link output on one of the switching channels. In IO-Link mode, the device sends process data (pressure value plus bits for switching status) digitally to the controller and accepts parameter settings from the PLC or IO-Link master.

Typical parameters that can be adjusted via IO-Link or via the local menu include:

• Setpoint and reset point for each switching output.

• Hysteresis or window mode.

• Switch-on and switch-off delays (0…50 s) to filter short disturbances.

• Damping settings for smoother readings in pulsating systems.

• Display units (bar, psi, MPa) and display behaviour.

This mix of local switching and IO-Link communication means the PN7094 can serve both conventional PLC architectures (pure digital I/O) and more advanced, data-driven systems with central parameter management and detailed diagnostics.

Display, housing and mechanical design

On the front of the PN7094 is a 4-digit alphanumeric display, which can show the current pressure value and can change between red and green to indicate different operating states. For example, many users configure green for normal pressure and red for an alarm or warning band. Two LEDs near the display indicate units and switching status, so the sensor can be “read” from some distance during operation.

The housing includes three pushbuttons that provide access to all important parameters without external tools. This is helpful during machine commissioning, when quick adjustments directly on the device save time.

Mechanically, the PN7094 is designed for flexible mounting:

• The upper housing section can rotate by about 345°, so the display and M12 connector can be oriented after the sensor is threaded into its port.

• The G 1/4 internal thread process connection matches common adapters, manifolds and valve blocks in hydraulics and pneumatics.

• The combination of IP65/IP67 sealing and gold-plated M12 contacts supports use in harsh environments with splashing fluids or occasional wash-down.

The overall design is compact and cylindrical, making it easy to integrate into existing layouts or use as a drop-in upgrade for older pressure switches.

Performance, stability and protection

From a performance standpoint, the PN7094 is specified to maintain switch-point accuracy typically within ±0.5 % of the measuring span, with repeatability in the order of ±0.1 %. Long-term drift is low, around ±0.05 % of span per six months, so thresholds remain reliable without frequent recalibration in normal industrial conditions.

The pressure rating of 75 bar and a minimum burst pressure of 150 bar give a wide safety margin beyond the –1…10 bar operating range. This is valuable in systems where short-term spikes or water hammer can occur during switching events. Vacuum resistance down to –1000 mbar ensures that the sensor is suitable for deep-vacuum circuits within its specified range.

The sensor has a fast response time (< 3 ms) and supports switching frequencies up to 170 Hz, so it can react quickly to pressure changes and still provide stable behaviour when combined with configurable delays and damping.

Electrical protection features include reverse-polarity protection, non-latching short-circuit protection and overload protection on the outputs, reducing the risk of damage from wiring mistakes or unexpected load conditions.

Typical applications for the IFM PN7094

Because it covers both vacuum and low positive pressure, the PN7094 is suitable for a variety of tasks, such as:

• Vacuum handling systems: monitoring vacuum level in suction circuits for packaging, palletising or CNC workholding.

• Coolant and lubrication loops: supervising pressure in machine tool coolant systems or lubrication skids that run at modest pressures.

• Low-pressure air and gas lines: protecting compressors and distribution manifolds where 6–8 bar is typical and occasional vacuum can occur during shutdown.

• Filter monitoring: using one switching output to signal when a filter is approaching clogging and a second output to indicate a critical condition.

• Utility circuits in OEM machinery: combining local display, two alarms and IO-Link process data in a single unit simplifies wiring and panel layout.

In many of these situations, the PN7094 effectively replaces a mechanical vacuum gauge, one or two mechanical switches and a separate transmitter, reducing component count and potential leak points.

Installation and commissioning highlights

Typical installation steps include:

1. Mechanical mounting using the G 1/4 port with a suitable sealing ring or thread sealant compatible with the process medium. Torque should follow IFM’s guidelines for G-thread fittings to ensure leak-free operation without stressing the housing.

2. Electrical connection through the M12 plug to a 24 V DC supply and the PLC inputs.

3. Parameter setup using either the three buttons on the device or an IO-Link tool: choice of unit, switching mode, thresholds, delays and display colour behaviour.

4. Integration in the control program, reading the switching outputs as digital inputs or, when IO-Link is used, mapping pressure values and diagnostic bits into the PLC.

Once configured, the PN7094 provides continuous pressure monitoring with clear visual feedback, two alarm or control outputs and a digital data channel via IO-Link – all in a single, compact pressure sensor aimed at vacuum and low-pressure applications.