A method and apparatus for measuring a predetermined parameter, by providing a
displaceable sensor on a mounting member such that the displaceable sensor changes
in location, form or length with respect to the mounting member in accordance with
the predetermined parameter. A cyclically-repeating energy wave is transmitted
to or through the displaceable sensor, and a predetermined fiducial point in the
received cyclically-repeating energy wave is detected and used for continuously
changing the frequency of the transmitted cyclically-repeating energy wave such
that the number of waves received is a whole integer. The change in frequency is
used to produce a measurement of the predetermined parameter. Several embodiments
are described wherein the displaceable sensor is a deformable membrane, an end
wall of a bellows, a spring-mounted member, a displaceable plunger, and a bar changing
its length in accordance with the parameter to be measured.