A pressure sensor has a movable membrane whose pressure-dependent force deflects a movable part, preferably a swivelling lever, against the force of a spring element. The deflection amplitude is converted by an incremental position transducer into an electric digital signal. The transducer pulses may be counted by a count-up/down counter or by an appropriately programmed microcomputer used to calculate average values and to correct measurement value deviations specific to each sensor specimen. These measurement deviations are sensed by a calibrating device during the production process and are stored in a permanent memory fixed to the sensor specimen. When a microcomputer is already available, for example for control purposes, it is appropriately programmed to carry out these tasks. The pressure-dependent force of the membrane acts besides on a safety switch built into the housing of the device that is set at a pressure-dependent switching value and whose switching function can be used independently of the operation of the digital pressure sensor for safety purposes.
