A bonded, foil strain gauge-based pressure sensor measures an applied pressure the following ways:

1. In some models, such as miniature pressure sensors, foil strain gauges are bonded to a diaphragm.

2. But in other models, foil strain gauges are bonded to an element that is mechanically connected to a diaphragm, such as by a bolt the strain gauges are strained as applied pressure is transmitted from the diaphragm to the gauged element.