IFM PN3096 Pressure Sensor with Display – Compact, Precise Control for Low-Pressure Systems
The IFM PN3096 is an electronic pressure sensor with integrated digital display, designed for precise monitoring and control of low-pressure industrial processes. With a measuring range from 0 to 2.5 bar, ceramic-capacitive measuring cell, and a combination of switching, analogue and IO-Link outputs, it is ideal for applications in pneumatics, cooling circuits, pump monitoring and general machine automation .
Main Technical Data
| Parameter |
Value |
| Model |
IFM PN3096 |
| Pressure type |
Relative pressure |
| Measuring range |
0…2.5 bar / 0…2500 mbar / 0…36.2 psi / 0…250 kPa |
| Measuring element |
Ceramic-capacitive pressure measuring cell |
| Accuracy |
±0.5 % of span (typical) |
| Pressure rating |
20 bar (2000 kPa / 290 psi) |
| Minimum bursting pressure |
50 bar (5000 kPa / 725 psi) |
| Medium / ambient temperature |
Medium: -25…80 °C; Ambient: -25…80 °C |
| Media |
Liquids and gases (compatible with wetted materials) |
| Outputs |
1 PNP switching output + 1 analogue / IO-Link configurable output |
| Analogue outputs |
4…20 mA and 0…10 V, selectable |
| Output function |
Normally open / normally closed, parameterisable |
| Interface |
IO-Link (configurable instead of analogue) |
| Electrical connection |
M12, 4-pin |
| Supply voltage |
18…30 V DC, current consumption < 35 mA |
| Process connection |
G 1/4 internal thread with internal M6 port |
| Protection rating |
IP65 / IP67 (with suitable mating connector) |
| Display |
4-digit alphanumeric red/green display, housing rotatable by approx. 345° |
| Protective functions |
Short-circuit protection, overload protection, reverse polarity, integrated watchdog |
| Housing / wetted materials |
Stainless steel (e.g. 1.4404 / 316L) and high-grade plastics (PBT/PC) |
Precision Low-Pressure Monitoring for Fluids and Gases
The PN3096 is targeted at applications where relatively low pressure must be measured accurately and repeatedly. The 0…2.5 bar range covers typical pneumatic circuits, low-pressure water and coolant lines, and auxiliary utility systems. Instead of trying to be a “one sensor fits all” up to hundreds of bar, this model is optimised for good resolution and stability in the lower range.
The ceramic-capacitive measuring cell provides very good long-term stability and resistance to overload. Because the pressure rating is 20 bar and the bursting pressure is specified at 50 bar, the sensor tolerates temporary pressure peaks well above the 2.5 bar measuring range without losing calibration or suffering damage. That makes it suitable for systems where valves may close quickly or pumps occasionally generate short transients.
Output Concept: Switching, Analogue and IO-Link in One Device
One notable feature of the PN3096 is its flexible output architecture. Internally, it has two logical outputs:
-
One PNP switching output, which can be configured as normally open or normally closed.
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One second channel that can function as an analogue output (4…20 mA or 0…10 V) or as an IO-Link interface, depending on parameter settings.
This flexibility allows different integration strategies:
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In a simple machine, the switching output can drive a relay, valve, or PLC digital input to signal “pressure OK”, “tank full”, “filter blocked”, etc.
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The analogue output can feed a PLC analogue input for closed-loop control of pumps or compressors.
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In more advanced systems, IO-Link can be used to read the pressure value digitally with full resolution, access diagnostic information and change parameters remotely from the control system.
The switching output supports switching frequencies below about 170 Hz, and response times for both switching and analogue outputs are in the millisecond range. This ensures that rapid changes in pressure – for example, during fast pneumatic actuation – can still be detected and processed.
Display and User Interface Optimised for the Shop Floor
The PN3096 uses IFM’s characteristic 4-digit alphanumeric display with red/green colour capability. The sensor can show the live pressure value in bar, mbar, psi or kPa, and the colour of the display can be linked to the switching status or a defined threshold window. For example, green may indicate that the process is within the desired range, while red indicates an alarm or out-of-bounds condition. RS Components+2tme.eu+2
The upper housing portion can be rotated by approximately 345°. This design is helpful when the process connection is fixed in a manifold or piping arrangement that does not naturally face the operator. After installation, the display can be turned so that the values and status LEDs are clearly visible.
Parameter setting is done via front-mounted push buttons. Typical configuration options include:
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Switching point and reset point
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Hysteresis or window mode
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Switching logic (NO/NC)
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Analogue output type (current or voltage) and scaling
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Display units and damping time
This means commissioning technicians can fully adjust the device without additional tools, and service engineers can quickly check or modify settings directly in the field.
Robust Construction for Industrial Environments
Mechanically, the PN3096 uses a G 1/4 internal thread with an internal M6 port, which is widely used in pneumatic and low-pressure hydraulic systems. The stainless steel process connection and chemically resistant plastics in the housing ensure compatibility with many typical industrial media such as compressed air, water, coolants, and numerous non-aggressive liquids and gases.
The sensor’s enclosure provides IP65 and IP67 protection, when used with the correct M12 connector, so it can survive washdowns, oil mist, and dust-laden environments often found in production plants. Integrated protection features include:
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Short-circuit protection with pulsed short-circuit monitoring
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Overload protection on the output
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Reverse polarity protection
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An integrated watchdog function that improves operational safety by monitoring internal electronics
All of this contributes to long service life and reduced risk of failure in continuous operation.
Typical Application Areas
Because of its low-pressure range, ceramic measuring cell and IO-Link capability, the IFM PN3096 is particularly well suited to:
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Pneumatic systems – monitoring main line pressure, branch lines feeding actuators, and pressure in storage tanks.
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Cooling and lubrication circuits – verifying that pumps are delivering sufficient pressure to machine tools, spindles, or process equipment.
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Filter condition monitoring – detecting rising differential pressure in low-pressure filter lines that indicate contamination.
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Utility and process skids – general-purpose pressure feedback for dosing, washing, rinsing and low-pressure transfer systems.
In each of these situations, the sensor can provide both a local visual confirmation and the electronic signal needed for automatic control and diagnostics.
Benefits for Machine Builders and Maintenance Teams
For OEMs and system integrators, the PN3096 offers several practical design advantages:
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One compact part number covers display, switching and analogue/IO-Link output in a single device, simplifying the bill of materials.
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The 0…2.5 bar range is ideal for typical compressed air and water circuits, so there is no need to overspecify a 10 or 25 bar sensor that sacrifices resolution.
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The rotatable housing and clear display improve the ergonomics of panels and manifolds without additional indicator lights or gauges.
For maintenance and operations personnel, the device helps in day-to-day work by:
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Making system status visible at a glance through the red/green display.
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Allowing quick checks of actual pressure without connecting a separate gauge.
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Enabling fast sensor replacement, since wiring is via a standard M12 connector and parameters can be restored easily, especially when IO-Link is used to store device configurations at the controller level.
Conclusion
The IFM PN3096 pressure sensor with display is a specialised, robust solution for low-pressure monitoring in modern industrial systems. Its 0…2.5 bar measuring range, ceramic-capacitive element, flexible output concept (switching, analogue and IO-Link), and highly visible red/green display make it a strong choice wherever compressed air, cooling water or other low-pressure media must be controlled and supervised with confidence.
For engineers looking to standardise on a compact, versatile pressure sensor that combines measurement, indication and communication in one device, the PN3096 provides a solid platform for both new machine designs and retrofit projects.
