Abstract: A sensor package generally includes a substrate and one or more sensing elements, located on a surface of the substrate. A lid, such as for example a glass cap, is coupled to the substrate such that the lid and substrate define a sealed cavity accommodating the sensing element(s). The lid has at least one conductive via or well electrically coupled to the sensing element(s) inside the cavity and arranged so as to provide an electrical connection to the exterior of the lid for connecting with external circuitry. The substrate can be a piezoelectric substrate and each sensing element can consist of an interdigital transducer such that the substrate and interdigital transducer(s) define a surface acoustic wave sensor. A surface acoustic wave sensor system for sensing torque includes the sensor package and leads wire bonded to the conductive vias for attaching the sensor package to an antenna.

Abstract: A device for mounting a sensor on a device being subjected to torque such as a shaft or plate in the form of a retaining ring having an opening or chamber sized to hold the sensor. The ring has a first open end for insertion of the sensor into the chamber or opening and a second end having a lip for retaining the sensor in the opening. The second end has an opening for the sensor wires or other connecting elements. The ring has threads on the outer periphery of the retaining ring for engaging similar threads on the device being subjected to torque.

Abstract: A torque sensor is disclosed based on a SAW die configured on a surface of a plate, and an isolator formed from a flexible material. The isolator is rigidly mounted to the plate, such that the isolator flexes when a force perpendicular to the surface of the plate are applied while transferring a torque that is applied within a plane of the plate to the SAW die, thereby eliminating or minimizing the effect on the SAW die of out-of-plane forces on the plate so as to isolate the torque transferred to the plate.

Abstract: A torque sensor packaging system and method includes a torque member that includes one or more holes formed therein for receiving one or more respective fasteners associated with a sensing element. The sensing element can be connected to the torque member to the sensing element in order to transfer torque associated with the torque member to the sensing element for torque sensing operations thereof.

Abstract: Torque sensing methods and systems are disclosed. In general, a sensing element and a sensor housing can be provided for maintaining the sensing element. A plurality of wirebond posts can be assembled perpendicular to a plane of the sensing element. The sensing element can then be wire bonded to the plurality of wirebond posts, such that the sensing element, the sensor housing and the plurality of wirebond posts form a sensor housing assembly thereof for torque sensing applications thereof. The sensor housing assembly is then connected to a shaft to form a hermetic seal thereof. The sensor housing assembly can also be electrically attached to an antenna for wirelessly communicating data to and from the sensing element. The sensing element can be configured, for example, as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensing component.