Abstract: A pressure sensing package includes a sensor chamber and an annular chamber extending about the sensor chamber. A primary diaphragm divides the sensor chamber into a first part receiving a first pressure and a second part including a differential pressure sensor approximately centered with respect to a sensor axis and a first transmission fluid. The first transmission fluid transmits the first pressure to a first differential pressure sensor face. A secondary diaphragm divides the annular chamber into a first part receiving a second pressure and a second part including a second transmission fluid. The second pressure is transmitted to a second pressure sensor face via the secondary diaphragm and the second transmission fluid. The primary and secondary diaphragms are positioned with respect to one another along the sensor axis direction such that pressures other than the first and second pressures acting on the pressure sensor sum to approximately zero.

Abstract: A pressure sensing package includes a sensor chamber and an annular chamber extending about the sensor chamber. A primary diaphragm divides the sensor chamber into a first part receiving a first pressure and a second part including a differential pressure sensor approximately centered with respect to a sensor axis and a first transmission fluid. The first transmission fluid transmits the first pressure to a first differential pressure sensor face. A secondary diaphragm divides the annular chamber into a first part receiving a second pressure and a second part including a second transmission fluid. The second pressure is transmitted to a second pressure sensor face via the secondary diaphragm and the second transmission fluid. The primary and secondary diaphragms are positioned with respect to one another along the sensor axis direction such that pressures other than the first and second pressures acting on the pressure sensor sum to approximately zero.

Abstract: A resonator device 10 is disclosed. The resonator device may be used in a transducer or a sensor such as a pressure, force or acceleration sensor. The resonator device comprises a resonator 20 provided on a diaphragm 30. A cap 40 is provided which may be fusion bonded to the diaphragm 30 to enclose the resonator 20 and form a hermetically sealed package 10. The resonator device is excited by applying electromagnetic stimulation, such as infra-red or optical stimulation, which may be from a laser via a fiber 50. The resonator device may be interrogated by applying an electromagnetic signal into the optical cavity formed between the resonator 20 and the inside surface of the cap 40 to derive a frequency change of the resonator. As the resonator device incorporates a hermetically sealed package and is stimulated by electromagnetic radiation, it is robust and able to operate in harsh environments.

Abstract: Aligning an optical fiber with an optical device, component or package such as an optical transducer or sensor is disclosed, A housing for an optical device is provided having a tapered surface to receive a correspondingly tapered portion of a ferrule in which a fiber is mounted. The tapered surfaces, which may for example be frusta-conical or conical, enable the optical device and ferrule to be quickly and precisely aligned. An optical device may be provided in a cavity which may be sealed by the mating tapered surfaces. The optical device may also be provided on a mounting bracket with flexible supports connected to the housing to accommodate thermal expansion of the housing and maintain alignment.

Abstract: A resonator device 10 is disclosed. The resonator device may be used in a transducer or a sensor such as a pressure, force or acceleration sensor. The resonator device comprises a resonator 20 provided on a diaphragm 30. A cap 40 is provided which may be fusion bonded to the diaphragm 30 to enclose the resonator 20 and form a hermetically sealed package 10. The resonator device is excited by applying electromagnetic stimulation, such as infra-red or optical stimulation, which may be from a laser via a fibre 50. The resonator device may be interrogated by applying an electromagnetic signal into the optical cavity formed between the resonator 20 and the inside surface of the cap 40 to derive a frequency change of the resonator. As the resonator device incorporates a hermetically sealed package and is stimulated by electromagnetic radiation, it is robust and able to operate in harsh environments.

Abstract: Aligning an optical fibre with an optical device, component or package such as an optical transducer or sensor is disclosed, A housing for an optical device is provided having a tapered surface to receive a correspondingly tapered portion of a ferrule in which a fibre is mounted. The tapered surfaces, which may for example be frusta-conical or conical, enable the optical device and ferrule to be quickly and precisely aligned. An optical device may be provided in a cavity which may be sealed by the mating tapered surfaces. The optical device may also be provided on a mounting bracket with flexible supports connected to the housing to accommodate thermal expansion of the housing and maintain alignment.

Abstract: A miniature pressure transducer is disclosed which is able to operate at high temperatures. The pressure transducer is provided on a substrate comprising an elongate silicon base portion with one or more contact areas formed at one end and a diaphragm formed at the opposite distal end. A plurality of piezoresistive elements are provided on the diaphragm, preferably in a Wheatstone Bridge arrangement, and connected to the contact areas using interconnects. The diaphragm extends across substantially the entire effective width of the elongate base portion providing a compact width while still maintaining a sensitive pressure sensing capability.

Abstract: A miniature pressure transducer is disclosed which is able to operate at high temperatures. The pressure transducer is provided on a substrate comprising an elongate silicon base portion with one or more contact areas formed at one end and a diaphragm formed at the opposite distal end. A plurality of piezoresistive elements are provided on the diaphragm, preferably in a Wheatstone Bridge arrangement, and connected to the contact areas using interconnects. The diaphragm extends across substantially the entire effective width of the elongate base portion providing a compact width whilst still maintaining a sensitive pressure sensing capability.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensing system is provided. The sensing system includes a membrane layer having a channel extending diametrically therein, and including one or more cavities provided radially outbound of the channel and at least one resonant beam disposed in the channel and configured to oscillate at a desired frequency. The system further includes sensing circuitry configured to detect oscillation of the at least one resonant beam indicative of deformation in the membrane layer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for testing the operational capability of flexure area equipped sensors especially those made of micromachined silicon. A thermal actuator beam is provided to bridge the structures which are joined by the flexure area. During the test, the beam's temperature is changed relative to that of the flexure area so as to provide a differential expansion or contraction. The result is that the flexure area bends and conventional bending sensors for the flexure area can sense the amount of bend. By comparing the actual amount of bend sensed with the amount expected from the temperature change applied to the beam, the operational capability can be determined.