How does an electronic altimeter display altitude information?

An electronic altimeter displays altitude information by converting pressure sensor data. This is based on the principle that atmospheric pressure decreases as altitude increases. The altimeter is equipped with a pressure sensor that measures the ambient air pressure. This pressure reading is then compared to a reference pressure, typically the standard sea level pressure, allowing the altimeter to calculate the altitude of the aircraft relative to sea level.

The use of pressure sensor data is essential because it provides a direct correlation to altitude based on the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) model. As the aircraft ascends or descends, the changes in atmospheric pressure are detected by the altimeter, which then processes this information to provide a real-time altitude reading. The electronic circuitry interprets these pressure changes and displays the corresponding altitude on the cockpit instrument.

While GPS data can also provide altitude information, it does so by triangulating the position of the aircraft via satellites and is not primarily how traditional electronic altimeters operate. Therefore, the response relies fundamentally on pressure sensors and their ability to relate air pressure to altitude.