Internal pressure simulator for pressure sensors

A pressure sensor including a housing having top, bottom and side portions;

• a pressure cavity formed within said housing;
• a first diaphragm configured to enclose a top portion of said pressure cavity;
• a pressure sensing capsule centrally located in a bottom portion of said housing within said pressure cavity;
• and pressure conveying means located in said pressure cavity between said diaphragm and said pressure sensing capsule;
• said pressure sensing capsule responding to pressure passed by said diaphragm to said pressure conveying means by converting the pressure into an electrical output signal, wherein the improvement comprises:
• electromagnetic means located within said housing operable for generating an electromagnetic force to internally simulate pressure causing said pressure sensing capsule to respond by producing an electrical output signal having a magnitude proportional to the electromagnetic force generated.

A method for providing self-testing and/or calibration for a pressure sensor, said method comprising the steps of:

• installing externally operable pressure producing means within the pressure sensor;
• operating said pressure producing means to create a controlled internal increase in pressure within said pressure sensor;
• and
• monitoring an output signal produced by said pressure sensor in response to said internal increase in pressure to determine either one or both of the proper operation and/or calibration thereof.