Abstract: Transducers and processes of forming the transducers are described. The transducers are produced as a monolithic body of a ceramic material and electrodes embedded in and encased by the ceramic material, with the ceramic material and the electrodes being co-fired to produce the monolithic body. By embedding the electrodes in the ceramic material, the ceramic material protects the electrodes and isolates the electrodes from the environment, eliminating or reducing the need for separate sealing or potting material to isolate the electrodes from the surrounding environment. In addition, unique transducer designs can be produced, and the electrodes can have configurations and can be located in the transducer in locations that are not possible with traditional transducer production techniques.

Abstract: An acoustic pressure sensor includes a stack of one or more acoustically responsive elements which are contained within a housing. An external acoustic pressure to be sensed is transmitted to the stack via a diaphragm which exists in an end cap closing a top portion of the housing. The outer edge of the diaphragm is in direct contact with the outer edge of the housing. This area enhancement increases the basic sensitivity of the sensing stack without the need of a gap. The diaphragm allows flexure to occur in a controlled fashion. The housing is sealed at the top and bottom by end caps, the top end cap defining a diaphragm area, which diaphragm deflects to thereby apply pressure to the stack to convert acoustic signals into electrical signals.