The functional principle of a resistive pressure transmitter is very simple.

The pressure
sensor converts the mechanical pressure value into a proportional electrical signal. The
pressure sensor typically consists of a stable main body and a (thin) diaphragm. The
diaphragm is the most important element for the measurement of the pressure and is
equipped with strain-sensitive and compression-sensitive resistance structures, so-
called strain gauges (DMS). The diaphragm is deflected under the influence of
pressure.

Thus, the strain gauges attached to it are elongated or compressed and its electrical
resistance changes. This change in resistance is directly proportional to the pressure.
For example, if the resistors are wired to a Wheatstone measuring bridge, the resulting
electrical signal can be measured and transferred to an indicator.

Piezoresistive Effect

The piezoresistive effect also involves pressure or stress. However, changes in resistance
across the piezo material are the product, not a charge or voltage. It is a change in electrical
resistance of a semiconductor material due to mechanical stress.

Probably the most basic piezoresistive devices are, obviously, piezo resistors (Fig. 3). Form
factors include integrated resistor networks, potentiometers, and accelerometers. Made
from semiconductor materials, piezoresistive devices most commonly are used in pressure
measurement.

3. When pressure is applied to a piezo resistor, depending on the material, its resistance
increases.
In 1856, Lord Kelvin noted the change of resistance in mechanically loaded metal devices.
Almost 100 years later, C.S. Smith described the piezoresistive effect in silicon and
germanium in 1954.

The most common components that rely on the piezoelectric and piezoresistive effects
include, but are not restricted to, transducers and sensors. And as you might have guessed,
most applications are in detection and measurement.