Smart Pressure Measurement for Connected Industrial Systems

As industrial automation continues to advance, engineers need more than accurate pressure measurement. They also need fast, reliable access to data that can be shared across PLCs, SCADA systems, remote monitoring platforms, and industrial control networks.

ESI Technology’s GS4400, HP1400, and PR3930 pressure transmitters are available with RS485 or Modbus RTU digital communications. Combining advanced connectivity with proven Silicon-on-Sapphire (SOS) sensor technology, these transmitters provide accurate pressure measurement and dependable data transfer across industrial networks.

Whether used in manufacturing, water treatment, energy generation, or test and calibration systems, they help engineers monitor processes more effectively and make informed decisions in real time.

Why Choose RS485 and Modbus Pressure Transmitters?

RS485 and Modbus RTU work together to enable reliable industrial communication.

RS485 is the physical communication standard that carries data between devices, while Modbus RTU is the protocol that defines how that data is exchanged. Think of RS485 as the communication pathway and Modbus RTU as the language used by connected devices.

This combination has become a popular choice for industrial automation because it offers reliable communication over long distances, even in electrically noisy environments.

Key Benefits

• Reliable long-distance communication
• Excellent resistance to electrical interference
• Multi-device networking capability
• Simplified system integration
• Faster access to measurement data
• Reduced wiring requirements
• Improved diagnostics and monitoring
• Compatibility with PLC, SCADA and HMI systems

Because Modbus RTU is widely used throughout industry, pressure transmitters can communicate easily with equipment from different manufacturers.

Combining Accurate Measurement with Reliable Communication

A pressure transmitter is only as effective as its measurement performance and its ability to communicate that information accurately.

ESI Technology’s Silicon-on-Sapphire (SOS) sensor technology provides highly stable and accurate pressure measurement. When combined with RS485 or Modbus RTU communications, it creates a complete solution for modern industrial control systems.

Compared with conventional sensor technologies, SOS sensors offer:

• Excellent long-term stability
• High resistance to shock and vibration
• Wide operating temperature capability
• Minimal temperature drift
• High overpressure protection
• Reliable performance in harsh environments

These advantages help ensure accurate pressure data throughout the life of the transmitter.

GS4400 RS485 and Modbus Pressure Transmitter

The GS4400 is a versatile pressure transmitter designed for demanding industrial applications. Using ESI Technology’s proven SOS sensor technology, it delivers excellent long-term stability, high accuracy, and strong resistance to vibration and mechanical shock.

Available with RS485 and Modbus RTU outputs, the GS4400 integrates easily with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and automation systems. Pressure ranges are available from vacuum up to 1,500 bar.

Typical Applications

• Water and wastewater treatment
• Hydraulic systems
• Pump and compressor monitoring
• Industrial automation
• Process control
• HVAC systems
• Energy management
• OEM equipment

Its stainless steel construction and digital communication capabilities make it a reliable choice for long-term industrial use.

HP1400 High-Pressure RS485 and Modbus Transmitter

The HP1400 is designed for applications where extremely high pressures must be measured accurately and reliably.

Pressure ranges are available from 0-100 bar up to 0-5,000 bar, making the HP1400 suitable for some of the most demanding industrial environments.

With RS485 and Modbus RTU outputs, engineers can transmit pressure data directly to monitoring and control systems, even from remote locations.

The SOS sensing element provides excellent resistance to pressure cycling, vibration, and harsh operating conditions while maintaining long-term measurement stability.

Typical Applications

• Water jet cutting systems
• High-pressure hydraulics
• Hydrogen compression systems
• Industrial gas storage and distribution
• Pressure testing and calibration
• Research and development facilities
• Energy generation systems
• Oil and gas applications

For critical high-pressure applications, the HP1400 delivers reliable performance and seamless digital integration.

PR3930 Subsea Pressure Transmitter with RS485 and Modbus

The PROTRAN® PR3930/PR3940 series has been developed for deep subsea pressure measurement, particularly within offshore oil and gas applications and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems.

Its fully welded construction provides a durable solution for long-term deployment in challenging underwater environments. The transmitter uses ESI’s Silicon-on-Sapphire sensor technology with titanium wetted parts, offering excellent media compatibility and long-term reliability.

The PR3930/PR3940 is available with either:

• Half-duplex RS485 and 0-5V analogue output
• Modbus RTU and 0-5V analogue output

Pressure ranges are available up to 1,500 bar.

Designed for permanent immersion, the transmitter can withstand external pressures equivalent to depths of up to 6,000 metres. Hyperbaric test certification to 3,000 metres water depth is also available.

For offshore monitoring systems, Modbus RTU communication allows multiple transmitters to be connected on a single network, helping to reduce wiring requirements and simplify installation.

ESI-USB© Software for Configuration, Monitoring and Data Logging

For applications requiring local configuration, monitoring, or data logging, the GS4400, HP1400, and PR3930 can also be used with ESI-USB© software. This intuitive Windows-based package allows users to view live pressure readings, configure transmitter settings, record measurement data, and analyse system performance directly from a PC or laptop.

ESI-USB© provides a simple way to commission new installations, troubleshoot process issues, and collect valuable operational data without the need for complex control systems. When used alongside RS485 and Modbus RTU communications, it offers engineers additional flexibility for both field diagnostics and long-term performance monitoring.

Future-Ready Pressure Measurement

As Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing continue to evolve, pressure transmitters must do more than provide accurate measurements. They must also deliver reliable, accessible data to increasingly connected control systems.

By combining Silicon-on-Sapphire sensor technology with RS485 and Modbus RTU communications, the GS4400, HP1400, and PR3930 provide a powerful solution for modern industrial applications.

From factory automation and process control to high-pressure testing and subsea monitoring, these transmitters deliver the accuracy, durability, and connectivity required by today’s engineers.

For more information about ESI Technology’s digital pressure transmitters, contact [email protected], call +44 (0)1978 262255, or speak to your local distributor.