Bosch Launches Robust Barometric Pressure Sensor

By Tiera Oliver

Assistant Managing Editor

Embedded Computing Design

March 01, 2021

News

Bosch Launches Robust Barometric Pressure Sensor

Bosch Sensortec developed the BMP384, a robust barometric pressure sensor in a compact package. 

The high performance and low power consumption of the BMP384 makes it ideal for wearables, home appliances, and industrial applications in harsh environments. The new sensor's package design utilizes a special gel to protect it against the ingression of mainly water, but also to other liquids and dust in combination with the required integration concept. Per the company, it is now straightforward for OEMs to integrate a barometric sensor into products requiring high robustness.

The new BMP384 barometric pressure sensor is ideally suited for wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers in activities like swimming and running. Its compact size of just 2.0 x 2.0 x 1mm3 enables seamless integration even into extremely small devices. 

In addition to wearables, the sensor will be valuable in home appliances, for example water level detection in washing machines for ensuring accurate water volume measurement and flooding prevention. The BMP384 is durable, making it ideal for dusty environments in use cases such as clog detection in vacuum cleaners. 

Despite its ruggedness, the BMP384 does not compromise on performance. It provides a relative accuracy of +/- 9 Pa, an absolute accuracy of +/- 50 Pa, and a temperature coefficient offset (TCO) of +/- 1.0 Pa/K. Importantly, with a power consumption of just 3.2mA at 1Hz data rate (typical), the sensor will not drain the batteries of portable devices.

The BMP384 is available now.

For more information, visit: https://www.bosch-sensortec.com/products/environmental-sensors/pressure-sensors/bmp384/

Tiera Oliver is the assistant managing editor at Embedded Computing Design. She is responsible for web content editing, product news, and story development. She also manages, edits, and develops content for ECD podcasts, including Embedded Insiders.

She utilizes her expertise in journalism and content management to oversee editorial content, coordinate with editors, and ensure high-quality output across web, print, and multimedia platforms. She manages diverse projects, assists in the production of digital magazines, and hosts company podcasts by conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders to deliver engaging and insightful discussions.

Tiera attended Northern Arizona University, where she received her bachelor's in journalism and political science. She was also a news reporter for the student-led newspaper, The Lumberjack. 

More from Tiera