Abstract: A MEMS AE transducer system is provided that takes advantage of the low power consumption and lightweight characteristics of MEMS AE transducers, while also achieving higher sensing sensitivity. To address the problem of low sensitivity typically associated with MEMS AE transducers, electrical responses of multiple MEMS AE transducers operating at different frequency ranges are combined to increase the bandwidth and sensitivity of the MEMS AE transducer system. As the frequencies are constructive, the combined response on a single channel is the actual summation of two signals with an improved signal to noise ratio. Additionally, each frequency can be decomposed because they are well separated from each other due to the super narrowband response and high Quality factor of MEMS AE transducers.

Abstract: A MEMS AE transducer system is provided that takes advantage of the low power consumption and lightweight characteristics of MEMS AE transducers, while also achieving higher sensing sensitivity. To address the problem of low sensitivity typically associated with MEMS AE transducers, electrical responses of multiple MEMS AE transducers operating at different frequency ranges are combined to increase the bandwidth and sensitivity of the MEMS AE transducer system. As the frequencies are constructive, the combined response on a single channel is the actual summation of two signals with an improved signal to noise ratio. Additionally, each frequency can be decomposed because they are well separated from each other due to the super narrowband response and high Quality factor of MEMS AE transducers.

Abstract: Acoustic emission (AE) microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducers of the present disclosure utilize a spring-mass system and a capacitance-change transduction principle. The transducers include a dielectric layer between a fixed electrode and a moveable metal layer to reduce the stiction failure. The moveable metal layer may displace in a particular direction when interacting with elastic waves. Additionally, the moveable metal layer may be formed using an electroplating technique. In some embodiments, multiple spring-mass unit cells may be combined in parallel to increase the sensitivity of the transducer.