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There’s a Keystone in every great invention.

Barometric Measurement and their Electronics

As we embark on the 2024 hurricane season, it is crucial to understand the tools that help us predict and prepare for these powerful storms. Among the litany of analog and digital devices, the barometer has stood the test of time, accurately measuring what drives much of our weather: atmospheric pressure.

Barometer Overview 

A barometer is a scientific instrument that measures atmospheric pressure, that is, the weight of the air around us. Invented in the 17th century by Evangelista Torricelli, barometers evolved from simple mercury-filled tubes to sophisticated digital devices. Despite all the technological advances, the principle remains the same: the reading of the barometer changes as air pressure increases and decreases.

There are several units of measure used in determining atmospheric pressure. The most relatable may be pounds per square inch (psi). At sea level, the air pressure is typically 14.7 psi. Car tires are usually inflated to 30-42 psi. Millibar is the unit most closely associated with meteorology. One bar is roughly equivalent to 14.5 psi, making your car tire slightly over two bars or 2,000 millibars.

The Connection to Weather 

Atmospheric pressure is linked to weather patterns. High pressure is associated with clear, calm weather, whereas low pressure results in clouds, wind, and precipitation. It's not only the pressure that matters - the rate and direction of change can tell us a lot about incoming weather systems.

Barometers are particularly valuable when it comes to identifying potentially life-threating storm systems such as tornadoes and hurricanes. The eye of a hurricane, the center of a storm, is characterized by extremely low pressure. The barometric pressure begins to fall as a hurricane approaches. Meteorologists observe these drops in pressure to predict the paths and intensities of storm systems.

The first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Beryl, peaked as a category 5 hurricane in the Caribbean. Beryl produced 165 mph winds with a minimum pressure observed at 934 millibars on July 2. By the time Beryl made landfall in the United States, the storm had weakened to a category 1 hurricane with 80 mph winds and an increased pressure of 982 millibars. The 2024 hurricane season is predicted to be above normal, with record-high ocean temperatures in the Atlantic set to supercharge storm systems. During overly active seasons, barometers play a crucial role in weather monitoring. Meteorologists use sophisticated barometric data compared with historical data to track hurricane formation and predict the behavior of these storm systems.

Evolving Applications

The progression from Torricelli's mercury tubes to Lucien Vidi inventing the aneroid barometer in 1844, led to far more applications for laypersons. Without the risk of mercury exposure, Vidi's barometer remains a common sight in antique clocks and boats. 

Air pressure decreases above sea level, meaning that a barometer can be calibrated to determine altitude. That was the theory Alexander Bryce developed in 1772, which led to the pressure altimeter, a device used not only in aircraft but also in many phones and smart watches, in conjunction with GPS technology. If you ever wondered how your phone knows how many flights of stairs you climbed, it's due to a barometer.

Conclusion

As we face the uncertainties of the 2024 hurricane season, it is reassuring to know that we have tools such as barometers to help us understand and prepare for the weather. Whether it is a meteorologist analyzing complex data or a homeowner anticipating a storm front, today’s digital barometers provide valuable insights into the invisible forces shaping the weather. In addition to pressure sensors, microcontrollers, A-D converters, displays and pc boards, a wide range of Keystone products can be found in modern barometric systems.

Keystone products give electronic barometric systems a longer, more reliable operating life. Keystone products, including fuse clips and holders; PCB test points and terminals; spacers and standoffs; and PCB plugs, pins, jacks, and sockets are commonly used in electronic barometric systems.