Abstract: An interface system for a sensor wafer may comprise a sensor wafer having a substrate. One or more sensors may be mounted to the substrate. An electronics module may be mounted to the substrate and coupled to the one or more sensors. An energy storage device may be mounted to the substrate and coupled to the electronics module. A secondary coil may be attached to a surface of the sensor wafer, and coupled to the electronics module of the sensor wafer, having a diameter of at least 50 millimeters. A primary coil may be attached to a front opening universal pod (FOUP). The primary coil, may situated and oriented in the FOUP such that the primary coil is concentric with the secondary coil and at least 8, but less than 12 millimeters from the sensor wafer when the sensor wafer is stored in a slot in the FOUP.

Abstract: At least one pair of capacitively coupled electrodes contained in a structure is used to sense the deflection of a diaphragm in a pressure or force sensor for measuring the pressure or force exerted on the diaphragm. Preferably the structure has properties (such as one or more of the following: dimensions, hardness, area and flexibility) that are substantially the same as those of a real substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer or flat panel display panel.

Abstract: At least one shear force sensor is used to measure the shear force on a member, when the member is in contact with and pressed against a polishing or planarization surface and a lateral force is applied between the two surfaces. Preferably the structure and the surface of the structure have properties (such as one or more of the following: dimensions and coefficient of friction) that are substantially the same as those of a real substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer or flat panel display panel.