Abstract: A method of forming a sensor for sensing signals on conductors includes the step of forming a plurality of antenna element openings in a plurality of green tape ceramic sheets. Each antenna element opening includes a central opening and annular opening surrounding the central opening. The method includes the step of stacking successive green tape ceramic sheets so that central and annular openings are aligned with each other while also forming a planar sensor face that is to be placed adjacent the conductors to be sensed. The central openings and annular openings are filled with conductive paste. The stacked green tape ceramic sheets are heated to cure the green tape ceramic sheets and conductive paste. A signal processing integrated circuit is mounted on the side opposite the planar sensor face that is to be placed adjacent the conductors to be sensed. The method also includes the step of connecting the cured conductive paste filling central opening to the signal processing integrated circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus senses signals on conductors and includes a ceramic sensor body. A plurality of antenna elements are formed in the ceramic sensor body. Each antenna element includes a conductor sensing end and forms an array having a substantially planar face that is to be placed adjacent to conductors to be sensed. Each of the antenna elements further comprises a central electrode and a surrounding shield electrode spaced from the central electrode. A signal processor is connected to each antenna element and receives the signal output from each antenna element and processes the received signals for determining the presence of signals passing to the conductors. The central electrode and surrounding shield electrode are formed of a hardened, conductive paste received within the ceramic sensor body.