1. Key Technical Specifications

2. Measuring Performance for High-Pressure Systems

The PN7160 is designed for demanding applications where system pressure can reach several hundred bar. Its 0…600 bar range covers most hydraulic power units, clamping circuits, test benches and high-pressure process systems. 

At the core of the sensor is a metallic thin-film measuring cell bonded to a stainless-steel diaphragm. This technology provides excellent overload capability, resistance to pressure peaks and long-term stability under continuous cycling.  Combined with tight manufacturing tolerances, the PN7160 offers high accuracy and repeatability, enabling stable switching points and reliable analogue readings over the entire service life.

The vacuum resistance down to about -1000 mbar means the sensor can tolerate short periods of negative pressure (for example during rapid pressure changes or pump shutdown) without damage. A high bursting pressure of 2500 bar and a pressure rating of 800 bar give a generous safety margin beyond the normal measuring span, which is important for hydraulic circuits with dynamic loads and shock events. 

Engineers can set switching thresholds and reset points with fine resolution in bar, psi or MPa. The minimum difference between set point and reset point is only a few bar, so narrow switching bands can be implemented to avoid unnecessary pump cycling while still maintaining controlled pressure. 

3. Electrical Interface, Outputs and IO-Link

Electrically, the PN7160 is a 24 V DC device with a supply range of 18…30 V DC. It uses a 4-pin M12 connector, and the pins can be configured to support PNP or NPN switching logic depending on the control system requirements. 

The sensor offers two fully configurable digital outputs. Each output can be set as:

• Normally open or normally closed

• PNP (sourcing) or NPN (sinking)

• Standard switching, window function, or diagnostic behaviour depending on the selected operating mode. 

The outputs are rated up to around 150 mA continuous, with even higher values allowed at lower ambient temperatures, and feature pulsed short-circuit protection and overload protection. The maximum switching frequency of under 170 Hz is more than sufficient for the majority of hydraulic and pneumatic pressure control tasks. 

One of the digital outputs can alternatively operate as an IO-Link interface. In IO-Link mode, the PN7160 becomes a smart field device that transmits the pressure value as digital process data, together with status bits and diagnostic information. Parameters such as units, switching points, hysteresis, filters and output behaviour can be configured remotely via the IO-Link master or engineering software. 

This capability simplifies commissioning in machines where several identical sensors are used: once a parameter set has been created, it can be copied to other PN7160 units, reducing manual setup time and avoiding configuration errors.

4. Mechanical Construction and Installation

The PN7160 is built with industrial environments in mind. The process connection is a G 1/4 internal thread (BSPP), which is widely used in hydraulic power packs, manifolds and pressure blocks.  This allows direct mounting into many standard ports without adapters.

The sensor housing combines stainless steel in the wetted area with a rugged electronics head. An ingress protection rating of IP65/IP67 ensures resistance to dust, splashing fluids and wash-down conditions typical of production lines and machine tools. 

A practical mechanical feature of the PN series is the rotatable sensor head. On the PN7160, the upper housing section can be rotated by roughly 345°, so the display and pushbuttons can be aligned optimally after the process connection has been tightened. This is especially useful in compact manifolds, cabinets or skid systems where space is limited and standard straight-view devices would be difficult to read.

The allowed medium and ambient temperature range of -25…80 °C covers most industrial environments, from cold workshops through to warm hydraulic cabinets. 

5. Local Display, Operation and Diagnostics

Unlike “blind” transmitters, the PN7160 offers a clear on-device user interface. A 4-digit alphanumeric display shows the current pressure, configuration values and error codes. The display can switch between red and green, which enables simple colour-based indication of normal operation versus alarm conditions. 

LEDs located beside the display indicate the active unit (bar, psi, MPa) and the status of each switching output. Three pushbuttons on the front are used to navigate the menu. Technicians can configure:

• Measurement units

• Switching mode (hysteresis or window)

• Set point and reset point for each output

• Damping and response time

• Output logic (PNP/NPN, NO/NC)

• IO-Link communication parameters (when used in IO-Link mode)

This combination of local configuration and digital communication means the PN7160 can be deployed quickly. For simple machines, all settings can be done directly on the sensor. In networked systems, configuration and diagnostics can be integrated into central engineering tools via IO-Link, including reading diagnostic events and process trends.

6. Typical Applications

With its 0…600 bar range and robust design, the IFM PN7160 is suited to a wide set of high-pressure and general automation tasks, such as:

• Monitoring main pressure in hydraulic power units and power packs

• Measuring clamping and forming pressure in presses, injection moulding machines and metal forming systems

• Supervising outlet pressure in high-pressure pumps for industrial washing, descaling or cutting support circuits

• Pressure monitoring in test rigs and proof-testing stations for hoses, valves and hydraulic components

• Overpressure and underpressure protection in critical process loops where reliable trip points are required

Because the sensing element is compatible with both liquids and gases, the same device can be used for hydraulic oil, water-based fluids and compressed air (within the specified medium compatibility limits), simplifying spare-parts management. 

7. Benefits for OEMs and End Users

For machine builders and OEMs, the PN7160 provides a standard pressure platform for many different systems:

• One part number covers a broad 0…600 bar range.

• Dual configurable switching outputs can replace two separate mechanical switches. 

• IO-Link support enables integration into modern, data-rich architectures with centralised parameter management.

For plant operators and maintenance teams, the main advantages are:

• Clear red/green display and numeric indication directly at the measuring point.

• High overload and bursting pressure ratings for reliable operation in tough hydraulic environments.

• Strong environmental protection (IP65/IP67) and a wide operating temperature range.

In summary, the IFM PN7160 pressure sensor with display is a compact, high-pressure device that combines robust mechanics, flexible switching behaviour, IO-Link connectivity and a clear local display. It is a versatile choice for modern industrial automation systems that demand both reliable pressure monitoring and easy integration into digital control architectures.