Micromachined pressure sensors: review and recent developments

William P. Eaton; James H. Smith

doi:10.1117/12.276606

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19 June 1997 Micromachined pressure sensors: review and recent developments

William P. Eaton, James H. Smith

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Proceedings Volume 3046, Smart Structures and Materials 1997: Smart Electronics and MEMS; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.276606
Event: Smart Structures and Materials '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Since the discovery of piezoresistivity in silicon in the mid 1950s, silicon-based pressure sensors have been widely produced. Micromachining technology has greatly benefited from the success of the integrated circuits industry, borrowing materials, processes, and toolsets. Because of this, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are now poised to capture large segments of existing sensor markets and to catalyze the development of new markets. Given the emerging importance of MEMS, it is instructive to review the history of micromachined pressure sensors, and to examine new developments in the field. Pressure sensors will be the focus of this paper, starting from metal diaphragm sensors with bonded silicon strain gauges, and moving to present developments of surface micromachined, optical, resonant, and smart pressure sensors. Considerations for diaphragm design will be discussed in detail, as well as additional considerations for capacitive and piezoresistive devices.

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William P. Eaton and James H. Smith "Micromachined pressure sensors: review and recent developments", Proc. SPIE 3046, Smart Structures and Materials 1997: Smart Electronics and MEMS, (19 June 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.276606

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