Born in the 90’s!

Celebrating 30 years of innovation from ESI Technology

Back in 1994, back when a litre of fuel was about 52p and alongside significant events such as the opening of the Channel Tunnel and the establishment of the World Trade Organisation, ESI embarked on a journey that would revolutionise pressure measurement…

ESI proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone – 30 years of pioneering Silicon-on-Sapphire (SOS) technology in pressure transmitters and transducers. In the landscape of pressure measurement, SOS technology has been a game-changer, propelling ESI to the forefront of the industry. The year 1994 witnessed the birth of a cutting-edge approach, where the ingenious combination of silicon and sapphire substrate was integrated into the high accuracy HI2000 range. It not only offered exceptional stability and reliability but also paved the way for enhanced performance in various applications.

The new Silicon-on-Sapphire sensor technology (SOS), with its unique properties, brought about a paradigm shift in the industry, setting new standards for accuracy and reliability. The combination of silicon grown onto the sapphire substrate provides a very durable and stable sensor that exhibits virtually no hysteresis. With its outstanding insulation properties, the sapphire protects the strain gauge from electromagnetic pulse radiation and allows the sensor to operate over a very wide temperature range without loss of performance. It can endure high over pressures and provides superb corrosion resistance. The excellent elasticity of the sapphire ensures high repeatability which is a highly desirable characteristic for sensors.

Over the past three decades, ESI’s SOS technology has found applications in diverse industries, ranging from aerospace and automotive to oil & gas and beyond. Available in pressure ranges from vacuum all the way up to 5,000 bar, the thin diaphragm of silicon on sapphire ensures minimal hysteresis and outstanding sensitivity, making it an ideal choice for critical pressure measurement requirements. Whether in the harsh environments of oil & gas processes or the precision demands of aerospace applications, ESI’s SOS technology has consistently delivered unparalleled performance.

As we celebrate this 30-year milestone, we reflect not only on the technological achievements but also on the impact ESI has had on advancing various sectors. SOS technology has not just withstood the test of time; it has thrived, evolving to meet the ever-growing demands of a rapidly changing world. ESI remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, ensuring that the next 30 years will be marked by continued excellence in pressure measurement technology.

Take a look at our range of Silicon-on-Sapphire pressure transmitters here