Reliable New Pressure Sensor With Display IFM PN3093 for Industrial Application

Two additional LEDs indicate the active pressure unit and the switching status, and the front-panel pushbuttons provide direct access to key parameters: switching points, reset points, hysteresis or window mode, unit selection (bar/psi/MPa), and analogue scaling. TME+1

The upper housing can be rotated by approximately 345°, so after threading the sensor into a manifold or pipe, you can simply twist the head until the display faces the right direction. This is especially useful when space is tight or when the sensor must be mounted horizontally or upside-down. 

All of this reduces commissioning time: technicians can mount, align, set up and verify the device without extra tools or software.

Electrical design, outputs and IO-Link

Electrically, the PN3093 is a 4-wire PNP sensor operating from a standard 18…30 V DC supply. It includes reverse-polarity protection, short-circuit protection, overload protection and an integrated watchdog to increase robustness in real-world control cabinets. 

The sensor provides two signals:

• One digital PNP switching output, programmable as normally open or normally closed, with a continuous current rating up to 150 mA (higher permissible currents at lower ambient temperatures) and a switching frequency below 170 Hz. 

• One analogue output, configurable as either 4–20 mA or 0–10 V, with standard load limits of 500 Ω for current and 2 kΩ minimum for voltage. This allows direct connection to most PLC analogue input modules without external signal converters. 

On top of the classical outputs, the PN3093 supports IO-Link. Over a standard M12 connection, the sensor can transmit the pressure value as a digital process variable, along with diagnostics, device ID and parameter settings. This opens up convenient features such as remote parameterization, cloning of settings to multiple devices, and simple replacement during maintenance – the IO-Link master can push the correct configuration into a new sensor automatically. 

Mechanical design and environmental resilience

The PN3093 uses a G 1/4 internal thread (with M6 detail) as its process connection, a widespread standard in hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Wetted parts are stainless steel 316L combined with a ceramic diaphragm and FKM seal, giving good compatibility with many industrial fluids and gases. 

The medium temperature range of −25…+80 °C covers cold-start situations as well as typical oil and coolant temperatures in machinery. Protection ratings IP65 and IP67 mean the device can withstand dust, splashing water and temporary immersion when correctly mated with a suitable M12 connector. 

Housing materials include stainless steel plus reinforced PBT/PC plastics, chosen for mechanical strength and resistance to vibration. Gold-plated contacts in the M12 connector further enhance contact reliability in humid or high-vibration environments. 

Typical applications for IFM PN3093

Because it combines a moderate measuring range with strong overload reserves and IO-Link connectivity, the PN3093 is well suited to a wide mix of tasks, for example:

• Compressed air networks – monitoring main line pressure, compressor discharge pressure or receiver pressure, with the analogue output feeding energy-management systems.

• Vacuum and low-pressure handling – supervising vacuum grippers, pick-and-place devices or packaging machines; the ability to measure from 0 bar up to 25 bar and withstand full vacuum gives flexibility across different process phases.

• Cooling and lubrication circuits – ensuring sufficient pressure in coolant pumps, spindle lubrication or gearbox oil lines; early detection of clogged filters or pump failures helps prevent damage.

• Auxiliary hydraulic systems – pressure feedback for clamping devices, forming tools or auxiliary axes where system pressure is below 25 bar but occasional peaks occur.

• Skids and OEM machinery – as a standard pressure node on modular pump or filtration skids, assembly machines, or compact process units where a small footprint and digital readiness are required.

In all these cases, the local display supports on-site technicians, while the PLC uses the switching and analogue signals – and in IO-Link installations, engineering teams can also access high-resolution pressure data and health indicators for advanced diagnostics.

Installation and selection notes

To use the PN3093 effectively in a new design or retrofit:

• Select it where the normal operating pressure lies comfortably within the 0…25 bar range; ideally, the typical working band sits in the central portion of the span for best effective resolution.

• Use proper sealing for the G 1/4 connection (thread sealant or sealing ring), and avoid excessive mechanical stress by considering short flexible hoses or mounting blocks on extremely vibrating equipment.

• Decide early whether your control system will use only the switching output, only the analogue channel, or both – this determines the most convenient wiring and parameter set.

• In IO-Link installations, store parameter sets centrally so that replacing a sensor becomes largely plug-and-run.

Why the IFM PN3093 is a strong choice

The IFM PN3093 pressure sensor brings together several elements that matter in modern plants:

• Accurate, stable measurement from 0 to 25 bar with vacuum capability and generous overload protection

• Clear red/green display and rotatable housing for easy local diagnostics

• A flexible combination of switching output, analogue output and IO-Link in one compact device

• Robust mechanical design and IP65/IP67 protection tailored to harsh industrial environments

For machine builders and end users who need a compact, versatile and network-ready pressure sensor, the PN3093 offers a practical balance of performance, durability and integration flexibility.