The IFM PN2698 is a highly specialized electronic pressure sensor with a digital display, engineered for very low-pressure measurement in industrial automation where small changes matter and broad-range sensors simply aren’t sensitive enough. With a measuring range of -0.0125 to 0.25 bar (also expressed as -12.5…250 mbar or -1.25…25 kPa), the PN2698 is designed to detect subtle pressure variations in low-pressure pneumatic circuits, gentle process lines, and precision machine modules that operate close to atmospheric pressure. This narrow, high-resolution working band is the core reason the PN2698 exists—and why it can be a smarter choice than a general-purpose sensor when your control window is tight.
At the heart of the PN2698 is a ceramic-capacitive pressure measuring cell, a technology known for stable performance and mechanical robustness in long-running industrial conditions. The sensor is specified for liquids and gases and supports medium temperatures roughly from -25 to +80°C, which covers many real factory environments without forcing you into exotic variants. The process connection is a 1/4" NPT external thread, making it easy to integrate into common North American-style ports, manifolds, and adapters.
Designed for humans and PLCs at the same time
A standout feature of the PN2698 is the 4-digit red/green alphanumeric display. This isn’t just visual decoration; it’s an operator-centric design element that helps technicians confirm system status at a glance. You can define acceptable ranges so the display color and readout give immediate feedback during commissioning and troubleshooting. In high-mix production lines or maintenance-heavy environments, this can reduce “invisible fault” time—those frustrating scenarios where a machine seems fine but is quietly drifting out of spec. The upper housing can be rotated by 345°, improving readability even when the sensor is installed in tight or awkward orientations.
Output flexibility for mixed generations of equipment
The PN2698 provides a practical hybrid of classic and modern signal options. It offers two outputs with a signal architecture that supports switching, analog, and IO-Link configurations. The sensor is listed with two digital outputs and one analog output available within its configurable framework, allowing engineers to deploy it in traditional discrete logic systems or in more data-rich IO-Link cells. The electrical design supports PNP/NPN, and binary outputs can be configured as normally open or normally closed (NO/NC). This flexibility is helpful in global machine platforms and in plants that are gradually upgrading from legacy I/O to smart sensor networks.
For analog integration, the PN2698 supports 4–20 mA and 0–10 V signals with scalable ranges. The current output supports a load up to 500 Ω, and the voltage output indicates a minimum load resistance of 2000 Ω, aligning with common PLC analog input requirements. The sensor operates on 18–30 V DC and draws < 35 mA, which fits neatly into modern distributed I/O power budgets.
IO-Link for precision parameter control and diagnostics
When used in IO-Link mode, the PN2698 supports IO-Link revision 1.1 with COM2 (38.4 kBaud) transmission. It also supports Smart Sensor profiles for process data, device identification, and device diagnosis. The datasheet indicates a minimum process cycle time of roughly 2.3 ms and an IO-Link pressure resolution of 0.1 mbar, which is well suited to low-pressure applications that benefit from fine-grained digital monitoring and repeatable parameter sets. For maintenance teams, this can simplify sensor replacement and reduce configuration errors—swap the hardware and restore the saved parameter profile via the master.
Dynamic response and accuracy for small-signal control
Low-pressure systems often experience short transient spikes and tiny oscillations that can create nuisance alarms if the sensor is not tunable. The PN2698 addresses this with parameterizable hysteresis/window functions, switch-on/switch-off delays, and damping options. The response time is listed as < 1.5 ms, with a maximum analog response time around 3 ms. These figures support fast machine cycles while still allowing filtering of noise through software settings.
Accuracy and stability data in the product documentation emphasize suitability for precision monitoring in this narrow range, including strong repeatability and long-term stability values for industrial use. This matters when the difference between “good” and “bad” process conditions is measured in small fractions of a bar rather than in dramatic swings.
Mechanical robustness with generous safety margins
Although the PN2698 measures in a low-pressure band, its mechanical safety margins are more substantial. The documentation lists a pressure rating of 10,000 mbar (10 bar) and a minimum bursting pressure of 30,000 mbar (30 bar). This headroom helps protect the sensor from occasional pressure spikes, incorrect regulator settings, or commissioning mishaps. The unit is rated to IP65/IP67 and is built with a combination of 316L stainless steel and reinforced industrial polymers. Wetted materials include 316L stainless steel, Al₂O₃ ceramic, and FKM, supporting durability across typical industrial media choices. The sensor weighs about 246 g, with a compact tubular form factor suitable for tight assemblies.
Key Specifications of IFM PN2698
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Product type |
Electronic pressure sensor with display |
| Pressure type |
Relative pressure |
| Measuring range |
-0.0125…0.25 bar (-12.5…250 mbar / -1.25…25 kPa) |
| Measuring element |
Ceramic-capacitive pressure measuring cell |
| Media |
Liquids and gases |
| Process connection |
1/4" NPT external thread |
| Display |
4-digit alphanumeric, red/green |
| Housing adjustability |
Upper part rotatable 345° |
| Outputs |
Configurable switching / analog / IO-Link |
| Electrical design |
PNP/NPN |
| Analog output options |
4–20 mA; 0–10 V (scalable) |
| Supply voltage |
18…30 V DC (SELV/PELV) |
| Current consumption |
< 35 mA |
| Response time |
< 1.5 ms (switching) |
| Analog response time |
Max. 3 ms |
| IO-Link |
COM2, revision 1.1; Smart Sensor profiles |
| IO-Link resolution |
0.1 mbar |
| Protection |
IP65 / IP67 |
| Medium temperature |
-25…+80 °C |
| Pressure rating |
10 bar |
| Min. bursting pressure |
30 bar |
| Materials (wetted parts) |
316L stainless steel, Al₂O₃ ceramic, FKM |
| Weight |
~256 g |
(Compiled from PN2698 documentation.)
Where PN2698 delivers real value
The PN2698 is most compelling in applications that operate close to atmospheric pressure and where you need high sensitivity rather than broad-range capacity. Common fit scenarios include low-pressure pneumatic monitoring, precision air management in machine subcircuits, and process modules that use gentle pressure control for product handling or quality-critical steps. In these contexts, the PN2698 can help engineers avoid the hidden costs of under-resolved sensing—unstable control loops, inconsistent switching thresholds, and slow fault detection.
Bottom line
The IFM PN2698 is a purpose-built, high-sensitivity low-pressure sensor that combines fine-range measurement, operator-friendly red/green visualization, and configurable analog/IO-Link integration in a rugged industrial package. If your application lives in the subtle-pressure world where small deviations cause big headaches, this model is not just “another PN sensor”—it’s a more precise tool for a more delicate job.
