阅读说明：本技术 宽范围微压力传感器 (Wide-range micro-pressure sensor ) 是由 S.A.马什 于 2018-10-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了一种微压力传感器,其包括在不同压力范围内操作的多个模块。模块包括至少两个模块层堆叠,每个模块层包括：模块主体,其具有限定隔室的壁,并且所限定的隔室划分为至少两个子隔室；用于流体进入或流出的端口,其设置在主体的第一壁中,其中主体的其余壁是实心的；膜,其固定至模块主体的覆盖隔室的第一表面；以及电极,其固定在膜的表面上。(A micro-pressure sensor is disclosed that includes a plurality of modules that operate at different pressure ranges. The module comprises at least two stacks of module layers, each module layer comprising: a module body having walls defining a compartment, and the defined compartment is divided into at least two sub-compartments; a port for fluid ingress or egress disposed in a first wall of the body, wherein the remaining walls of the body are solid; a membrane secured to a first surface of the module body covering the compartment; and an electrode fixed on a surface of the membrane.)

1. A pressure sensor, comprising:

a plurality of module stages, at least one of the plurality of module stages operating within a first pressure range and at least another of the plurality of module stages operating within a second, different pressure range, wherein each module stage comprises:

at least two module layers are stacked, each module layer comprising:

a module body having walls defining a compartment, and the defined compartment is divided into at least two sub-compartments;

a port for fluid ingress or egress disposed in a first wall of the module body, wherein the remaining walls of the module body are solid;

a membrane secured to a first surface of the module body covering the compartment; and

an electrode fixed on a surface of the membrane.

2. The pressure sensor of claim 1, wherein the sub-compartments have different volumes, and further comprising:

a first end cap connected to a first of the plurality of modules; and

a second end cap connected to a last of the plurality of modules.

3. The pressure sensor of claim 1, wherein a port of a first module layer of the at least two module layers is coupled to a fluid source and a port of a second module layer of the at least two module layers is coupled to a reference pressure, wherein a membrane of each stacked module layer has a dimension of about microns by microns to about millimeters by millimeters.

4. The pressure sensor of claim 1, wherein a first module of the plurality of modules has each module body divided into a first number of sub-compartments and a last module of the plurality of modules has each module body divided into a second number of sub-compartments, wherein the second number is greater than the first number.

5. The pressure sensor of claim 1, wherein a first module of the plurality of modules has each module body divided into a first number of sub-compartments having at least two different surface areas, and a last module of the plurality of modules has each module body divided into a second number of sub-compartments having at least two different surface areas, wherein the second number is greater than the first number.

6. The pressure sensor of claim 1, wherein the electrode of a first module layer of the at least two module layers of the first module is electrically connected to the electrode of a first module layer of the at least two module layers of the second module to provide a first electrical connection to the pressure sensor, and the electrode of a second module layer of the at least two module layers of the first module is electrically connected to a corresponding electrode of a second module layer of the at least two module layers of the second module to provide a second electrical connection to the pressure sensor that is electrically isolated from the first electrical connection.

7. The pressure sensor of claim 1, further comprising:

a capacitance measurement circuit coupled between the first and second electrical connections.

8. The pressure sensor of claim 7, further comprising:

a controller that converts the measured capacitance from the capacitance measurement circuit to a pressure value.

9. The pressure sensor of claim 1, wherein each port has a pair of holes disposed in the first wall.

10. The pressure sensor of claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to receive a fluid flow into a port of a first module layer of the at least two module layers and a port of a second module layer of the at least two module layers receives a reference pressure, wherein the fluid flow deflects the membrane in accordance with a pressure differential between the fluid flow and a reference applied to the respective port.

11. The pressure sensor of claim 1, wherein fluid flow out of the port of the module layer retracts a membrane on the compartment into the compartment, and fluid flow into the port of the module layer moves the membrane away from the compartment.

12. The pressure sensor of claim 1, wherein fluid flow out of a port of a first module layer of the at least two module layers causes its membrane to compress the compartment and a second fluid flow into a port of a second module layer of the at least two module layers disposed adjacent to the first module layer causes its membrane to expand the compartment substantially simultaneously.

13. The pressure sensor of claim 12, wherein the port of the second module layer is coupled to the reference for a negative pressure mode.

14. The pressure sensor of claim 12, wherein the port of the first module layer is coupled to the reference for overpressure mode.

15. A micro-pressure sensor, comprising:

a first module operating within a first pressure range, the first module comprising:

a first stack of a first plurality of first module layers, each first module layer comprising:

a first module body having walls defining a compartment, and the defined compartment being divided into a first plurality of sub-compartments;

a first port for fluid ingress or egress disposed in a first wall of the first module body, wherein the remaining walls of the first module body are solid;

a first membrane secured to a first surface of the first module body covering the compartment; and

a first electrode fixed on a surface of the first film;

a second module operating within a second, different pressure range, the second module being secured in a micro-pressure sensor, the second module comprising:

a second stack of a second plurality of second module layers, each second module layer comprising:

a second module body having walls defining a compartment, and the defined compartment is divided into a second plurality of sub-compartments that differ from the first plurality of sub-compartments in one or more of number and size of the sub-compartments;

a second port for fluid ingress or egress disposed in a first wall of the second module body, wherein the remaining walls of the second module body are solid walls;

a second membrane secured to a first surface of the second module body covering the compartment; and an electrode fixed on a surface of the membrane.

16. The micro-pressure sensor of claim 15, further comprising:

at least one additional module of an additional stack of additional module layers.

17. The micro-pressure sensor of claim 15, wherein the micro-pressure sensor is coupled to a capacitance measurement circuit.

18. The micro-pressure sensor of claim 15, wherein the first module is stacked with the second module, and further comprising a spacer member disposed between the first module and the second module to secure the first module to the second module.

19. The micro-pressure sensor of claim 15, wherein the first plurality of sub-compartments has one of two different sizes of sub-compartments and the second plurality of sub-compartments has one of three different sizes of sub-compartments.

20. The micro-pressure sensor of claim 15, further comprising:

a first end cap connected to a first module of the plurality of modules, and a second end cap connected to a last module of the plurality of modules.

21. A method of manufacturing a micro-pressure sensor element, the method comprising:

patterning the first sheet of material to produce a body element having a peripheral wall, and the body element is further patterned into a plurality of sub-compartments, at least some of which are defined in part by the peripheral wall of the body element, wherein the sub-compartments are also defined by an interior wall of the body element, wherein a portion of the interior wall has openings to allow fluid to enter and exit between the sub-compartments;

securing a second sheet of flexible material to the body member, the second sheet being flexible relative to the first sheet of material, the second sheet having a conductive surface layer to provide a composite laminate structure secured to an interior wall defined in the body member to create the module layer member.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

the conductive layer on the second sheet is patterned into isolated regions to provide electrodes on the second sheet.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

the conductive layer on the second sheet is patterned to produce electrodes with tabs for connection to external circuitry through metal vias.

24. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

creating a plurality of module layer members each having a body member patterned into a plurality of sub-compartments, a second sheet of flexible material secured to the body member and having a conductive surface layer and having a tab;

forming a stack of module layer components secured together; and

the stack of module layer components is secured between a pair of end caps.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein patterning the first sheet further comprises:

patterning the first sheet to provide a hole through a portion of a peripheral wall of the body;

metal vias are formed through the holes to contact the vias of the corresponding ones of the module layer components.

26. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

the first sheet is patterned to create ports in a first perimeter wall of the body member.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein patterning further comprises:

an end cap is applied to at least one module layer.

Technical Field

This description relates to pressure sensor devices and systems.

Background

The pressure sensor detects or measures the fluid pressure, i.e. the force exerted by the fluid, which is the force required to resist the expansion of the fluid. Pressure sensors are used in various control and monitoring applications and can be used to indirectly measure other physical quantities such as fluid flow, fluid velocity, and altitude. Typically, pressure sensors are manufactured using a variety of techniques, each of which finds use in terms of performance, application suitability, and cost considerations.

A typical pressure sensor includes a transducer that generates an electrical signal as a function of pressure applied to the transducer, which is an example of a force accumulator-type pressure sensor. Force collector types use force collectors (such as diaphragms, pistons, etc.) to measure strain (or deflection) caused by forces applied to the force collectors. Types of force collectors include piezoresistive strain gauge types that use the piezoresistive effect to detect strain due to applied pressure and piezoelectric types that use the piezoelectric effect in certain materials such as quartz, certain ceramics, and certain polymers.

The other type is a capacitive type, which uses a diaphragm and a pressure chamber to create a variable capacitor to detect strain due to applied pressure. Common techniques use metal, ceramic and silicon diaphragms. Such sensors can be manufactured using silicon MEMS (micro electro mechanical systems) technology.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, a pressure sensor includes a plurality of module levels, at least one of the plurality of module levels operating within a first pressure range and at least another of the plurality of module levels operating within a second, different pressure range, wherein each module level includes at least two stacks of module layers, each module layer including: a module body having walls defining a compartment, and the defined compartment is divided into at least two sub-compartments; a port for fluid ingress or egress disposed in a first wall of the module body, wherein the remaining walls of the module body are solid; a membrane secured to a first surface of the module body covering the compartment; and an electrode fixed on a surface of the membrane.

According to another aspect, a micro-pressure sensor includes a first module that operates within a first pressure range, the first module including a first stack of a first plurality of first module layers, each first module layer including: a first module body having walls defining a compartment, and the defined compartment is divided into a first plurality of sub-compartments; a first port for fluid ingress or egress disposed in a first wall of the first module body, wherein the remaining walls of the first module body are solid; a first membrane secured to a first surface of the first module body covering the compartment; and a first electrode fixed on a surface of the first film. The micro pressure sensor also includes a second module that operates within a second, different pressure range, the second module being secured in the micro pressure sensor, the second module including a second stack of a second plurality of second module layers, each second module layer including: a second module body having walls defining a compartment, and the defined compartment is divided into a second plurality of sub-compartments that differ from the first plurality of sub-compartments in one or more of number and size of the sub-compartments; a second port for fluid ingress or egress disposed in a first wall of the second module body, wherein the remaining walls of the second module body are solid walls; a second membrane secured to a first surface of the second module body covering the compartment; and an electrode fixed on a surface of the membrane.

Other aspects include methods of manufacture.

Micro pressure sensors may be used to perform pressure sensing for various industrial, medical, and biological applications. The micro-pressure sensor can be manufactured using a relatively inexpensive technology, thereby providing an inexpensive micro-pressure sensor for various applications. In a particular embodiment, the micro-pressure sensor is fabricated using roll-to-roll manufacturing techniques. The micro-pressure sensor is operable over a relatively wide pressure range and has a high sensitivity to pressure changes over a wide pressure range relative to micro-pressure sensors constructed from standard sized compartments.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Drawings

Fig. 1, 2, 3A and 3 are schematic functional cross-sectional views at the module level of a wide-range micro-pressure sensor, showing the micro-pressure sensor in a rest mode, an overpressure mode, a greater overpressure mode and a negative pressure mode, respectively.

Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a micro-pressure sensor including multiple repeatable module layers based on the concepts described in fig. 1-3.

Fig. 4A is an isometric view of a module of the micro-pressure sensor of fig. 4.

Fig. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit model for the capacitance of the modular micro pressure sensor of fig. 4.

6A-6C are isometric views of different exemplary body layer patterns for forming sub-compartments within a modular micro-pressure sensor.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the modular micro pressure sensor of FIG. 4 showing the removal of multiple layers.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the modular micro pressure sensor of FIG. 4 showing the removal of all layers except for the spacer member and end caps.

Fig. 9 is a table showing capacitance versus membrane separation and pressure.

Fig. 10 is a graph of pressure versus capacitance.

FIG. 11 is a graph of capacitance versus pressure and diaphragm spacing versus pressure.

Fig. 12 is a conceptual diagram of a roll-to-roll processing configuration.

Fig. 12A is a conceptual diagram of some exemplary roll-to-roll processing stations.

Fig. 13A-13C are views of the roll-to-roll processing of the structure of fig. 13, showing the pattern of fig. 6A.

Fig. 14A-14B are views depicting details of via conductors.

Detailed Description

SUMMARY

The micro-pressure sensors described herein are made using micro-fabrication methods and can be used to sense pressure in a variety of industrial, commercial, medical, and biological applications. Micro pressure sensors are manufactured on a micro/millimeter scale. Various manufacturing techniques are disclosed.

One type of micro-pressure sensor is a narrow pressure range micro-pressure sensor as described in published patent application US-2018-0038754-a1, assigned to the assignee of the present application by himself, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A narrow range micro-pressure sensor means that a given module will operate within a narrow pressure range relative to a wide range micro-pressure sensor. The micro-pressure sensor incorporated by reference application has a single chamber divided into a plurality of compartments. Within a given pressure range, each compartment experiences and responds to the same pressure. The narrow range type is a micro-pressure sensor (referred to herein as a narrow range micro-pressure sensor) having high sensitivity within a relatively narrow pressure range.

Described below is another type of micro-pressure sensor that has high sensitivity over a wide pressure range, referred to herein as a wide-range micro-pressure sensor. Two types of wide-range micro-pressure sensors are described, namely a wide-range micro-pressure sensor 10 and a stacked wide-range micro-pressure sensor 100.

Wide-range micro-pressure sensor

Referring to fig. 1, a micro-pressure sensor 10 is shown. Micro pressure sensor 10 has high sensitivity to pressure variations and may be used as a module-level component in a module-level (level) stack of a wide range of micro pressure sensors 100 (fig. 4). Micro-pressure sensor 10 includes a chamber 20 separated by a plurality of membranes 18a-18f into a plurality of compartments 21a-21 g. As with the micro-pressure sensors described in the incorporated by reference applications, the micro-pressure sensor 10 includes a sensor body 11 having two walls 13a, 13b in a direction of fluid flow, end caps 16a, 16b opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, and two walls, e.g., front and back walls (not shown in the views of fig. 1-3), orthogonal to the two fixed end caps 16a, 16b and the walls 13a, 13 b. The walls 13a, 13b and 16a, 16b and the front and rear walls define a single chamber 20.

As will be shown in more detail in fig. 6A-6C, each compartment 21a-21g providing a single chamber 20 is further divided into a plurality of sub-compartments, two of which, for example, sub-compartments 23a-23b (see also fig. 6A), and other sub-compartments not shown in fig. 1 but shown in fig. 6A, are shown. Each of the plurality of sub-compartments 23a-23b (as well as the sub-compartments not shown in fig. 1) is separated by a film layer (membrane) 18a-18 f. Typically, the sub-compartment 23a will have a membrane with a different surface area and thus volume than the sub-compartment 23 b. However, in some embodiments, the surface area and hence volume may be the same, as long as other measures are taken to change the sensitivity of the membranes on the compartments 23a, 23b to pressure.

Membranes 18a-18f are anchored between the two end walls 16a, 16b and the front and rear walls and on the walls, such as 17a, 17b that divide the chamber 20 into a plurality of sub-compartments 23a-23 b. Although the membranes 18a-18f divide the chamber 20 into a plurality of compartments 21a-21g, walls (two of which) 17a, 17b are shown, while other walls (not shown in fig. 1, but shown in fig. 6A) divide each compartment into a plurality of sub-compartments, two of which 23a-23b are shown in fig. 1-3.

A first set of ports 12a-12c is provided through wall 13a to allow fluid to enter each compartment 21b, 21d and 21f, respectively. A second set of ports 14a-14d is provided through wall 13b to allow fluid to enter each of compartments 21a, 21c, 21e and 21g, respectively. In this embodiment, each compartment 21a-21b includes ports from either the first set of ports 12a-12c or the second set of ports 14a-14d, but not both, defined in the respective wall. For example, compartment 21a includes port 14a in wall 13b, while the port of wall 13a in the area of compartment 21a is solid, without any openings.

As described below, multiple sub-compartments, such as sub-compartments 23a-23b, will provide different degrees of sensitivity to different pressures and pressure ranges within a single compartment.

In fig. 1, the ports are shown on opposite sides. In many embodiments, ports on opposite sides are desirable, but not required. In other embodiments, the ports may be on adjacent sides or indeed on the same side, as long as the port acting as an inlet or input port is separate from the port acting as an outlet or output port, coupling the ports to different vessels that provide the fluid whose pressure is being measured and used as a reference. A compartment will have only one inlet or one outlet, but not both.

As shown in fig. 1, this arrangement of solid walls at one end and a first one of the first or second set of ports at the opposite end is alternating, such as shown for the adjacent compartment 21b with port 12a in wall 13a, where wall 13b is a solid wall in the area of compartment 21 b.

The compartments 21a-21g are fluidly sealed from each other, but each of the sub-compartments is fluidly coupled. The two compartments 21a and 21g at opposite ends of the micro-pressure sensor 10 have walls provided by the fixed walls 16a, 16b of the body and the respective membranes. The intermediate compartments 21b-21f between the compartments have walls provided by two adjacent membranes, whereas the micro-pressure sensor 10 has at least one and typically a plurality of intermediate compartments, each intermediate compartment wall being provided by two membranes 18a-18 f. As shown in fig. 1, the micro-pressure sensor 10 may sense pressure changes from a rest position. Changes in fluid pressure, for example, typically a gas or in some cases a liquid, are detected, and the micro-pressure sensor 10 is constructed of a material selected to take into account the type of fluid with which the micro-pressure sensor 10 will be configured to sense the pressure and pressure range to which the micro-pressure sensor 10 will have the appropriate sensitivity.

In the embodiments discussed below, the pressure is relative to the ambient pressure of the ambient air. However, other references may be used.

Also, in the discussion that follows, a wide-range micro-pressure sensor is relative to a narrow-range micro-pressure sensor. While the following discussion will focus on a wide-range micro-pressure sensor, it will be helpful to first define a narrow-range micro-pressure sensor and discuss the general features and operating characteristics common to both narrow-range and wide-range micro-pressure sensors.

The narrow range micro pressure sensor comprises one or more standard pressure sensor chambers 20 having the same pressure sensor characteristics, i.e. sensitivity in a narrow pressure range. The standard pressure sensor chamber 20 is defined as a single chamber having at least two compartments (and may have a plurality of such compartments), each compartment having the same pressure sensing characteristics. One way of making the cells identical in pressure sensing properties is to make the cells identical in size, volume, elastic properties of the membrane and electrode properties.

In contrast to the wide-range micro-pressure sensor 10, a narrow-range pressure sensor will have a high sensitivity over a defined but relatively limited, i.e., narrow, pressure range. The range of sensitivity to pressure is based on the size and volume characteristics of the cells, the elastic characteristics of the membrane (young's modulus and thickness), and the electrode characteristics (pattern, thickness, etc.) that affect the capacitance change measured between the electrodes of the micro-pressure sensor.

For narrow or wide range micro-pressure sensors, although six membranes 18a-18f are shown in fig. 1-3 (providing seven compartments), the micro-pressure sensor 10 may have fewer membranes and thus fewer compartments, or may be extended with additional intermediate membranes with additional membranes, as each compartment may be considered a module (see fig. 4-6), where the micro-pressure sensor 10 is formed from a stack of such modules, as further described below.

Each membrane 18a-18f has an electrode (not explicitly shown in fig. 1) attached to a major surface of the membrane 18a-18 f. The electrodes are connected to a capacitance measuring circuit (see fig. 2, 3) which delivers a voltage to the electrodes according to the type of capacitance measuring circuit used. In some examples of capacitance measurement circuits, the capacitance may be measured using an AC waveform and using frequency domain techniques. In other examples of capacitance measurement circuits, a DC waveform is used to measure capacitance using a time domain technique.

When an external fluid is fed to the micro-pressure sensor 10 at the same pressure at a reference pressure, the membranes 18a-18f and hence the electrodes are not bent, and the membranes/electrodes are in a nominal rest (static) position, such as shown in fig. 1. Each membrane 18a-18f at rest is substantially parallel to the end walls 16a, 16b and the compartments 21a-21g may have the same nominal volume Vi, in this embodiment the membranes 18a-18f are spaced apart by equal distances (thickness of the wall portions).

When activated, by applying pressure, the membranes 18a-18f and hence the electrodes flex, changing the volume of the respective compartment, more specifically the distance separating the electrode pairs on such membranes 18a-18 f. These changes in the distance separating the electrode pairs cause changes in the capacitance between pairs of adjacent electrodes, as shown for 18a, 18b in fig. 2, 3.

A change in volume may be considered as an alternative way of representing a change in pressure. The capacitive properties are provided by a pair of adjacent electrodes separated by a dielectric, for example the dielectric properties of the contents (i.e. fluid) and/or the membrane of the compartment.

The capacitor is effectively provided by the combination of a pair of electrodes on a pair of adjacent membranes separated by a distance from the respective compartment. The capacitive characteristics of such an effective capacitor are determined by the dielectric constant provided by one of the pair of adjacent membranes, the dielectric constant of the fluid in the compartment, the area of the electrodes, and the distance separating the electrodes, e.g., typically at least approximately by the formula for a parallel plate capacitor, expressed as:

C＝_{r 0}a/d, wherein,

c is capacitance in farad units;

a is the overlapping area of the two electrodes, in square meters;

_ris the dielectric constant of the material between the electrodes (sum of the dielectric constants of the membrane and the fluid);

₀is an electric constant of₀About 8.854 × 10-12 F.m-1), and

d is the spacing between the plates in meters.

Where d is sufficiently small relative to the minimum chord of a.

A controller (see fig. 2, 3) that is part of the capacitance measurement circuit or a separate circuit references a table/algorithm to convert measured capacitance units to pressure units. Many techniques may be used to measure and detect this change in capacitance over the large capacitance provided by the microsensor 10 while at rest.

In some embodiments, the distance between two adjacent membranes 18a-18b in the nominal position is about 50 microns. In some embodiments, each compartment 21a-21g may have a similar nominalThe volume Ve. In such embodiments, the distance between the membrane 18a in the nominal position and the end wall 16a or between the membrane 18f in the nominal position and the end wall 16b is about 50 microns. The compartments 21a-21g may also have different sizes. The dimensions may be selected based on, for example, manufacturing, power consumption, and application considerations. As an example, micro-pressure sensor 10 may have a length of about 1.5mm, a width of about 1.5mm, a total height (cumulative height of the different compartments) of 0.05mm, and about 0.1125mm³Total volume of (c). Other configurations are also possible.

The micro-pressure sensor 10 may use less material and therefore be subject to less stress than conventional pressure sensors used for similar purposes. The micro-pressure sensor 10 has dimensions on the micrometer to millimeter scale and can provide a wide range of pressure measurements.

In other embodiments, the ports may be on adjacent sides or indeed on the same side, as long as the ports that serve as inlet or input ports are separate from the ports that serve as outlet or output ports, by coupling these ports to different vessels that provide the fluid whose pressure is being measured and used as a reference. The depicted micro-pressure sensor 10 is a capacitive type sensor. Sensing occurs in either of two alternate operations of fluid overpressure and fluid under pressure in chamber 20 of micro-pressure sensor 10.

Referring to fig. 2, the end compartments 21a and 21g are shown compressed by applying an overpressure from the fluid source 26 (higher pressure at the ports 12a, 12b and 12c serving as inlets compared to the reference at the ports 14a-14d serving as outlets), as are the intermediate compartments 22c, 21 e. In fig. 2, the applied overpressure is high enough to cause the portions of the membranes 18a-18f covering the sub-compartment 23a in each compartment 21a-21g to bend, but not high enough to bend the portions of the membranes 18a-18f covering the sub-compartment 23b in each compartment 21a-21 g. As described below, the surface area of the membrane 18a-18f covering each sub-compartment 23a will be large enough to allow the membrane to flex in response to an overpressure applied to the port 12a, 12b, and 12c serving as an inlet, but the surface area of the membrane 18a-18f covering each sub-compartment 23b is smaller, so the membrane is actually stiffer than the sub-compartment 23a on the sub-compartment 23 b. In this illustrated example, the overpressure in the sub-compartment 23b is insufficient to cause any or at least significant bending of the membranes 18a-18f in response to the overpressure applied to the ports 12a, 12b and 12c serving as inlets.

Compression occurs in the end compartments 21a, 21g as the membranes 18a, 18f move towards the respective end walls 16a, 16b, and for the intermediate compartments 22c, 21e, as adjacent membranes 18b, 18c and 18d, 18e move towards each other, occupying the space of adjacent compartments 22c, 21e due to the displacement of air from those compartments 22c, 22 e. The movement of these membranes 18a and 18f reduces the volume of the respective end compartments 21a, 21g and intermediate compartments 21c, 21e to vent fluid (gas or liquid) from those compartments into the environment (or reference) in those portions of the compartments that are part of sub-compartment 23a but not sub-compartment 23 b. Simultaneously with the compression of these compartments, when the respective set of membranes 18a, 18 b; 18c, 18 d; and 18e, 18f are moved away from each other to expand the respective cell volume as part of sub-cell 23a rather than sub-cell 23b, adjacent cells 21b, 21d, 21f (all intermediate cells) are over-pressurized.

In overpressure operation (fig. 2), the inlets 12a-12c into the sub-compartments 23a and 23b are fed with fluid at a pressure above a reference pressure (in this case ambient), causing the membranes 18a-18f to flex, as shown. That is, when fluid is fed into port 12a (serving as an input port), adjacent membranes 18a, 18b defining compartment 21b will bend or deform away from each other towards adjacent compartments 21a and 21c, expelling air from those compartments 21a, 21c through ports 14a, 14b (serving as output ports) into the environment. Similarly, the other membranes may also bend or buckle under the pressure of the fluid introduced into the remaining ports 12b, 12 c.

However, as the overpressure increases, the increased overpressure will cause additional bending of the membranes 18a-18f covering the sub-compartment 23a, but will start to bend the membranes 18a-18f partially over the sub-compartment 23b in response to the increased overpressure applied to the ports 12a, 12b and 12c serving as inlets.

Fig. 2A shows the arrangement of fig. 2 (see fig. 2 for a description of the reference numerals not mentioned), but the overpressure is greater than in fig. 2, which is sufficient to cause the membranes 18a-18f covering each sub-compartment 23a to bend completely in response to the overpressure applied to the ports 12A, 12b and 12c serving as inlets, and to cause the membranes 18a-18f covering each sub-compartment 23b to bend much more than the membranes on the sub-compartments 23b of fig. 2.

Referring now to FIG. 3, under negative pressure (lower pressure than a reference, e.g., reduced to vacuum pressure), at the ports serving as inlets 12a-12c, the end cells 21a, 21g are shown expanded as are the intermediate cells 21c and 21d, as compared to the reference at the port serving as the outlet. In fig. 3, the applied negative pressure is low enough to bend the portions of the membranes 18a-18f covering the sub-compartment 23a, but not low enough to bend the portions of the membranes 18a-18f covering the sub-compartment 23 b.

As the membranes 18a, 18f move away from the end walls 16a, 16b, and for compartments 21c, 21d, expansion occurs in the end compartments 12a, 21g as adjacent membranes 18b, 18c and 18 move away from each other. In those portions of the compartment that are part of sub-compartment 23a but not sub-compartment 23b, the movement of these membranes reduces the volume of the respective end compartment 21a, 21g and intermediate compartment 21c, 21e as a result of filling the compartment coupled to the environment or reference with a fluid (gas or liquid). Simultaneously with the expansion of these compartments, adjacent compartments 21b, 21d, 21f (here all intermediate compartments) are discharged when the respective sets of membranes are moved towards each other to reduce the respective compartment volumes in those parts of the compartments that are part of sub-compartment 23a but not sub-compartment 23 b.

In negative pressure operation (fig. 3), the ports 12a-12c into the sub-compartment 23a are coupled to a fluid source 27 at a pressure below a reference pressure (ambient in this case), flexing the membrane, as shown. That is, when fluid at negative pressure is fed into port 12a, adjacent membranes 18a, 18b defining compartment 21b will bend or deform towards each other away from adjacent compartments 21a and 21c, causing ambient air to enter those compartments 21a, 21c through ports 14a, 14b from the environment in those portions of the compartments that are part of sub-compartment 23a but not sub-compartment 23 b. Similarly, the other membranes 18c, 18d and 18e, 18f will likewise bend or flex with each other in response to fluid introduced into the remaining ports 12b, 12c under negative pressure from the environment entering the compartments 21e, 21g through the ports 14c-14d in those portions of the compartments that are part of the sub-compartment 23a but not the sub-compartment 23 b.

Like fig. 2, those portions of the membranes 18a-18g on the sub-compartments 23a and 23b will bend in fig. 3 if a sufficient amount of negative pressure is experienced.

Removal of the overpressure or underpressure applied to the port returns the micro-pressure sensor 10 to the nominal state of fig. 1.

Thus, the micro-pressure sensor 10 discussed above comprises a plurality of membranes 18a-18f, each anchored between two fixed walls 13a, 13b and two fixed walls not shown in these figures. The fixed walls 13a, 13b and the walls not shown are bulk layers forming a plurality of compartments separated by pairs of adjacent membranes. The first and last of the compartments are formed by the membrane and a fixed wall that is part of the end cap of the body, but the intermediate compartment is provided by a pair of adjacent membranes. Each compartment 21a-21g is divided into a plurality of sub-compartments (sub-compartments 23a, 23b are shown) and the portions of the membrane 18a-18f covering those portions of the sub-compartments 23a and 23b will flex according to the degree of overpressure or underpressure applied to the chamber 20 as a whole.

Comparing fig. 2 and 3, they show that two operating states of the same micro-pressure sensor 10 represent measuring a pressure above the reference in the first mode and measuring a pressure below the reference in the second mode. That is, each membrane of a compartment is movable in two opposite directions about a central nominal position when actuated, at which the membrane is located when not actuated.

Electrodes (not explicitly shown in fig. 1-3) are on the membranes 18a-18f of the micro-pressure sensor 10. In some embodiments, a single electrode is disposed on the membrane. In other embodiments, the electrodes are patterned according to the sub-compartments 23a, 23b associated with the respective portions of the membranes 18a-18 f. The electrodes of the respective sub-compartments 23a, 23b are connected in parallel with a capacitance measuring circuit 32, as described below. The combination of two membranes with electrodes separated by a dielectric (the dielectric of the membrane material and the air in the compartment) forms a capacitor. The capacitance of these "capacitors" is measured by a conventional capacitance measuring circuit 32. A correlation may be provided between the measured capacitance and pressure, such as by the controller 34. Various implementations are possible.

Micro-pressure sensors having the above-described features can be manufactured using various methods such as MEMS processing techniques and so-called roll-to-roll (R2R) processing. The material for the micro pressure sensor 10 is selected based on the characteristics to be provided by the micro pressure sensor 10 and the manufacturing method of the micro pressure sensor 10. The following are some criteria for selecting materials for different portions of micro-pressure sensor 10.

Sensor body-the material for the body can be defined as desired. Typically, the material needs to be strong or stiff enough to hold its shape to create the compartment volume. In some embodiments, the material is etchable or photosensitive so that its features can be defined and processed/developed. It is sometimes also desirable for the material to interact well with other materials in the sensor, for example to adhere. Furthermore, the material is electrically non-conductive. Examples of suitable materials include SU8 (negative epoxy resist) and PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) resist.

Membrane-the material of this part forms the tympanic membrane structure, which can be filled and drained in the chamber. Thus, the material is required to bend or stretch back and forth over a desired distance and to have elastic properties. The membrane material is impermeable to the fluid of interest, including gases and liquids, is electrically non-conductive, and may have low or high breakdown voltage characteristics. Examples of suitable materials include silicon nitride and teflon. Others are also possible.

Electrode-the material of the electrode is electrically conductive. Because the electrodes do not conduct substantial current, the material may have a high electrical sheet resistance, although high resistance characteristics are not necessarily required. The electrode is subject to bending and stretching of the membrane, and therefore, it is desirable that the material be flexible to cope with bending and stretching without fatigue and failure. In addition, under operating conditions, the electrode material and the membrane material adhere well, e.g. do not delaminate from each other. Examples of suitable materials include very thin layers of gold and platinum. Others are also possible.

Electrical interconnection-the voltage from the capacitance measurement circuit is conducted to the electrodes on each membrane of each compartment. Conductive materials such as gold and platinum may be used to establish a conductive path to these electrodes.

Other materials-when MEMS processing is used in the fabrication of micro-pressure sensors, sacrificial filler materials, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), may be used. Sacrificial fill material may also be used for R2R processing. In some embodiments, a solvent is used during the manufacturing process, which may place additional requirements on various build materials of the micro-pressure sensor. Some circuit components may be printed onto the film. Typically, although certain materials have been specified above, other materials having similar properties to those mentioned may also be used.

Referring now to fig. 4, a modular wide-range micro-pressure sensor 100 is shown. Wide range micro-pressure sensor 100 includes a plurality (at least two and possibly more) here three modules 102a-102c stacked on top of each other and separated by spacer layers 104a-104 b. Each of the three modules 102a-102c is configured to be highly sensitive to a particular pressure range. Modular wide-range micro-pressure sensor 100 also has end caps 101a, 101 b. The end cap 101a is partially broken to expose the underlying electrode.

Modular wide-range micro-pressure sensor 100 differs from modular wide-range micro-pressure sensor 10 (fig. 1-3) in that modular wide-range micro-pressure sensor 100 has a plurality of module stages 102a-102 c. The principle of operation is however similar. Each stage 102a-102c includes a plurality of compartments, referred to herein as module layers 105a-105c, respectively. Each module layer 105a-105c has a plurality of sub-compartments. Module layer 105a has a plurality of sub-compartments 23a-23b (twelve identical versions of 23b), as shown in fig. 6A; module layer 105B has a plurality of sub-compartments 24a-24c (two identical versions of 24a, 6 identical versions of 24B and 2 identical versions of 24 c), as shown in fig. 6B; and module layer 105C has a plurality of sub-compartments 25a-25d (two identical versions of 25a, 25b, 5C and 5 identical versions of 24 d), respectively, as shown in fig. 6C. Thus, the sub-compartments in each module layer 105a-105C differ in number and configuration (see FIGS. 6A-6C). The modular wide-range micro-pressure sensor 100 (modular micro-pressure sensor 100) has high sensitivity (relatively large variation in capacitance over a wide pressure range) compared to the narrow-range micro-pressure sensors in the discussion incorporated by reference above.

Each of the three levels 102a-102c includes at least one and typically several or many module layers 105a-105 c. In FIG. 4, each level 102a-102c is shown to include a plurality of module layers 105a-105 c. As used herein, module layers 105a-105c are also referred to as repeatable layers. A first portion of the module layer (generally 105) typically has a pair of ports 107a (referenced to one of the module layers 105) on one side of the micro pressure sensor 100 (similar to ports 12a-12c of fig. 2) and a second portion of the module layer 105 has a pair of ports (not shown) on the opposite side (back) of the micro pressure sensor 100 (similar to ports 14a-14d of fig. 2). Each module layer 105a-105c thus has a pair of openings in one of the four walls here. Module layers 105a-105c are alternated such that the opening in one module is on the side of micro-pressure sensor 100 that is directly opposite the side having the opening in the adjacent module layer.

Referring to fig. 4A, the module layer (overall 105) generally includes a bulk layer 111a, the bulk layer 111a supporting a membrane 111b, the membrane 111b carrying an electrode 111c and providing (with another membrane on another module) a compartment. The body layer 111a has a pair of ports 107 b. The electrode 111c has a tab 111d for connection to a measurement circuit through a metal via. A hole 111e is provided through a peripheral portion of the body 111 a. Each module 105 has a hole that contacts tab 111d through a metal through hole. Thus, four modules 105 are stacked for contacting each of the four holes through metal vias. Thus, as shown in fig. 4, the electrode 111c in the top module, e.g., module 105a, contacts the first hole through a metal via, and the electrode 111c of the fifth module (the first one of the modules 105b in stage 102 b) from the top module 105a in the stack contacts the hole in the fifth module in a location corresponding to the hole in the first module through a metal via.

The electrodes may be pre-prepared pieces to be attached to other elements, and the electrodes may be formed directly onto those elements, for example by printing or other techniques discussed below. Thus, a plurality of, e.g., two, three, or any desired number of modules and module layers are stacked upon one another to form a plurality of intermediate compartments in the modular stacked micro-pressure sensor 100. In the stack, each membrane is separated by a body and each body is separated by a membrane. To form a complete modular stacked micro-pressure sensor 100, end caps are placed on each of the top and bottom ends of the module stack such that the end caps on the modules form the two fixed end walls of the modular stacked micro-pressure sensor, as shown in fig. 4.

Each of the three stages 102a-102c is configured to be highly sensitive to a particular range of pressures. That is a stage, for example stage 102a, is highly sensitive to pressure in a given pressure range, for example R1, while stages 102b and 102c contribute relatively little to pressure sensitivity in pressure range R1, but each stage 102b-102c is highly sensitive to pressure in a given pressure range, R2 and R3, respectively, while contributing relatively little to pressure variations outside their respective pressure ranges.

Also shown in fig. 4 is a capacitance measurement circuit and controller (as shown in fig. 2) coupled to the electrodes (represented by lines 106a, 106 b) of the wide range micro-pressure sensor 100, as shown. Vias 108a-108d are present on the edges of each module layer 105. Internally, vias 108a and 108b connect to effectively provide the connection represented by line 106a, and vias 108c and 108d connect and effectively provide the connection represented by line 104 b.

Referring now to FIG. 5, each stage 102a-102C may be electrically modeled 120a '-120C' as a capacitor having a body capacitance value C corresponding to a static or rest position of the membrane (differential pressure is zero)_bAnd a variable capacitance value C corresponding to a bending position of the membrane in response to a non-zero pressure difference_v. In FIG. 5, each of models 120a '-120C' is shown as having a bulk capacitance value C corresponding to each module layer 105 in the various levels_bAnd a variable capacitance value C_v. Each capacitor is electrically connected in parallel. The total capacitance of the capacitors connected in parallel is the sum of the capacitances of the individual capacitors.

Micro-pressure sensor 100 may be provided using a variety of methods. Fundamentally, all methods have in common that a plurality of modules are produced, which have a correspondingly high sensitivity for different pressure ranges. The plurality of modules with respective high sensitivities may be configured to have a plurality of sub-compartments (each of the at least two sub-compartments) with high sensitivities to different pressure ranges.

One mechanism that provides high sensitivity over a wide pressure range for a given standard size chamber is to have membranes with different stiffness from one another. A mechanism for providing different "effective" stiffness to the membrane by providing different pore sizes within the compartment to effectively stiffen the membrane to a greater or lesser extent is now described. Generally, the stiffer the membrane, the greater the pressure required to bend the membrane.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, three different patterns for forming the body layer to provide sub-compartments within the body layer are shown. On each set of body layers (e.g. one or more body layers in a stack) a membrane is provided that surrounds the sub-compartments. The membrane carries electrodes (neither shown) which, together with the bulk layer, provide the module layer 105 (shown in fig. 5). The body layer is patterned to provide a complex pattern of sub-compartments. Although the complex pattern for each compartment can vary, the exemplary patterns shown in fig. 6A-6C depict general concepts that can be followed in selecting a pattern. For example, consider that each sub-compartment is enclosed in a frame of body layer material, that is, each sub-compartment is substantially enclosed by body layer material, but for accessing such sub-compartments. By being surrounded by a frame of bulk layer material provides a suitable surface through which the film can adhere to the bulk layer.

FIG. 6A is an example of a complex pattern of sub-compartments of two different sized regions. One sub-compartment 23a is a large sub-compartment and the other is twelve smaller sub-compartments 23b, which are substantially the same area with respect to the sub-compartment 23 a. In fig. 6A, the large sub-compartment 23a and four relatively small sub-compartments 23b are fluidly connected to port 107a, and the remaining eight relatively small sub-compartments 23b are fluidly connected to port 107 b.

FIG. 6B is an example of a complex pattern of three differently sized regions of sub-compartments. Two sub-compartments 24a are large sub-compartments, four sub-compartments 24b are smaller relative to sub-compartment 24a, and two further sub-compartments 24c are smaller relative to sub-compartment 24 b. In fig. 6B, one of the large sub-compartments 24a, three of the smaller sub-compartments 24B and one of the smaller sub-compartments 24c are in fluid connection with one of the ports 107a, while the remaining large sub-compartments 24a, three of the smaller sub-compartments 24B and sub-compartments 24c are in fluid connection with the port 107B.

FIG. 6C is an example of a complex pattern of sub-compartments having four different sized regions. Two sub-compartments 25a are relatively large sub-compartments, two sub-compartments 25b are smaller relative to sub-compartment 25a, two further sub-compartments 25c are smaller relative to sub-compartment 25b, and four further sub-compartments 25d are smaller relative to sub-compartment 25 c. In FIG. 6B, one of the large sub-compartments 25a and one of each of the smaller sub-compartments 25B, 25c and 25d are fluidly connected to one of the ports 107a, while the remaining sub-compartments are fluidly connected to the port 107B.

In fig. 6A-6C, the sub-compartments may be completely patterned by the body layer material, i.e. by providing open pores in the module layer, i.e. pores (covered by a membrane), and in some cases it may be necessary or desirable to pattern only by the body layer material, providing shallow regions (which are covered by a membrane), rather than pores within the body layer, the body layer material remaining on the back side of the module. This method of modifying the effective stiffness of each compartment is relatively easy to implement in the processing techniques discussed below.

For reference again, standard sized compartments may be defined. Although a standard size compartment can be any size, it is nominally 1.5mm long by 1.5mm wide by 50 microns high for purposes of discussion herein. Each complex patterned compartment is formed from a microsensor host material by patterning the material to form a plurality of sub-compartments that define a particular complex pattern in a standard sized compartment (examples of which are shown in fig. 6A-6C). That is, within a "standard size compartment" are a plurality of sub-compartments having a selected size (surface area) relative to a reference standard size compartment.

Referring again to the standard-sized compartments, a complex pattern compartment may be any pattern that leaves the host material within the portion of the otherwise standard-sized compartment that forms the plurality of sub-compartments within the standard-sized compartment.

The membrane carries electrodes, and the compartment is defined by a pair of membranes, wherein each membrane carries a corresponding electrode.

With the complex pattern cells of fig. 6A-6C, fluid, e.g., air, enters through ports 107a, 107b, fills all sub-cells in the complex pattern cell, and all portions of the cells are subjected to the same pressure. As the pressure in a given compartment increases relative to the pressure in an adjacent compartment (which is in a reference, e.g., the environment coupled to ports 109a, 109 b), the membrane of each compartment will flex (as shown in fig. 2, 3). When the membrane is bent, the capacitance will vary depending on the amount of bending the membrane experiences.

Returning now to FIG. 4A and considering FIG. 6A, assume that the module of FIG. 6A is used in module layer 105a as part of stage 102a (FIG. 4) and that module 105a is sensitive in the range of 2 to 4 psi.

Up to 2psi, the amount of deflection of the membrane 105b will be relatively minimal. This is because the size (surface area) of the sub-compartments 23a and 23b is selected to be minimally responsive to pressures below 2 psi. Sensitivity (capacitance change versus pressure change) can be modeled with knowledge of the young's modulus of the membrane/electrode combination, the surface area of the pores, the material dielectric constant between the electrode pair, the electrode size, and the pore height, generally as described above. At 2psi or slightly higher, the portion of the membrane above the sub-compartments 23a, 23b will begin to bend.

However, the amount of bending of the membrane 105b at 2psi or slightly above the sub-compartment 23a will be much greater than the amount of bending at the sub-compartment 23 b. The relative amount of bending will be related to the difference in surface area of the film portions on the sub-compartments 23a and 23b, as the film 105b is secured to the body layer along the frame and interior portions of the body, effectively providing a single film on each sub-compartment 23a, 24 a. At some pressure above 2psi but below 4psi, the membrane portion on sub-compartment 23a will no longer respond and membrane 105b and the corresponding membrane 105b from the adjacent module layer 105 will come together and contact.

However, the membrane portion on the sub-compartment 23b will still respond to pressure changes and will therefore provide a concomitant change in capacitance. Thus, each different pair of electrodes on the film covered electrodes effectively provides a fixed or bulk capacitance and a variable capacitance in parallel. Each module and each sub-compartment also effectively provide a fixed or bulk capacitance and a variable capacitance, all of which are connected in parallel and thus added together to provide an overall fixed or bulk capacitance and an overall variable capacitance. Design considerations to consider include the following provisions: none of the sub-compartments should exhibit a maximum pressure which would cause the membrane to bend and exceed the elastic limit of the membrane material.

Thus, each level 102a-102C may include multiple module layers 105 and, within a given level 102a-102C, multiple module layers 105 may be of one of the types discussed in FIGS. 6A-6C. In one embodiment, level 102a includes a plurality of module layers 105 of the type discussed in FIG. 6A, level 102B includes a plurality of module layers 105 of the type discussed in FIG. 6B, and level 102C includes a plurality of module layers 105 of the type discussed in FIG. 6C. Other arrangements and configurations are also possible.

Fig. 7 shows the modular wide-range micro-pressure sensor 100 of fig. 4 with the top cover and spacer layers and the membrane/electrodes removed from the first few module layers 105 to show the complex patterned body layers. Stages 102a-102c are shown separated by spacer layers 104b, 104c, end caps 101b, and front ports 107 a.

FIG. 8 shows modular wide-range micro-pressure sensor 100 of FIG. 4 with module layer 105 (FIG. 4) removed, but showing end caps 101a, 101b and spacers 104a-104 c.

Returning to fig. 4, modular wide-range micro-pressure sensor 100 may thus be made of "standard-sized" cells (relative to fig. 1) comprising "standard-sized" cells of stacked module layers 105, but which have high pressure sensitivity over an extended pressure range, i.e., "high-sensitivity micro-pressure sensor", by patterning at least some of the plurality of module layers with complex cells, which again refer to "standard-sized" cells, as described above. In one embodiment, each set of module layers forming a module is comprised of the same type of complex patterned compartments.

Each membrane of the micro-pressure sensor 100 moves in two opposite directions relative to its central nominal position. In response to a pressure differential on either side of the membrane, the membrane flexes to expand or reduce the distance between itself and an adjacent membrane, and thus between a pair of electrodes carried by itself and the adjacent membrane, and in turn, to increase or decrease the capacitance value of an effective capacitor disposed between the two electrodes. The distance the film travels is less than, for example, half the height of the compartment. As a result, the membrane experiences less bending and less stress, resulting in longer life and allowing more material choices.

In addition, because each membrane carries only one electrode and the capacitance is being sensed, the capacitors, and more particularly the electrodes, can be connected such that the capacitors are connected in parallel. Capacitors connected in parallel add capacitance. Thus, by connecting the capacitors formed by the membrane and electrode pair in parallel, the modular wide-range micro-pressure sensor 100 will have a higher bulk capacitance and a larger variable capacitance range, and thus greater sensitivity (pressure change per capacitance change) compared to a single capacitor formed by a single membrane and a pair of electrodes. An exemplary value of sensitivity may be a 0.02pf capacitance change per 0.05psi, such as in the range of 0.0 to 100 psi. Other ranges and sensitivities may be provided by different choices of materials and dimensions of the compartments and sub-compartments, as well as providing more or fewer module layers per module and more or fewer modules per modular wide range micro-pressure sensor 100.

The membrane, end cap and body may be the same size, and the electrode may be of smaller size than the membrane or other element. In some embodiments, the membrane has a size of about microns by microns to about millimeters by millimeters and a thickness of about 5 microns. The body has an outer dimension of about microns by microns to about millimeters by millimeters, a thickness of about 50 microns, and an inner dimension of from about microns by microns to about millimeters by millimeters. The thickness of the body defines the nominal size of the compartment (similar to the compartment of fig. 1). The dimensions of the electrodes substantially correspond to the internal dimensions of the body. In some embodiments, the electrode has a thickness of about 2.25mm²And a thickness of about 0.01 microns (100 angstroms). The assembled module layers are shown in fig. 4A.

Referring now to fig. 9, a table of exemplary calculated values is shown with capacitance values calculated in picofarads for a standard micro-pressure sensor (incorporated by reference) for one module and seven module micro-pressure sensors, where the spacing (distance between electrodes) and corresponding pressure are expressed in centimeters of water. At 50 micron intervals (at rest), the capacitance of one capacitor is 0.38pF, the capacitance of seven capacitors is 2.26pF, and the water pressure is 0.00 cm. Similar features may be provided for micro pressure sensors 10 and 100.

Fig. 10 and 11 show exemplary graphs of a standard micro-pressure sensor (from the one incorporated by reference application), where fig. 10 plots pressure (in centimeters of water) against capacitance in pF for one and seven modules (capacitors). Using seven modules will provide a larger capacitance range over the same pressure range than the capacitance range of one capacitor (single stage module). Similar features may be provided for micro pressure sensors 10 and 100.

Fig. 11 shows that the capacitance versus pressure and spacing versus pressure is substantially linear over the operating range of a standard micro-pressure sensor (incorporated by reference). Similar features may be provided for micro pressure sensors 10 and 100.

Roll-to-roll processing to produce micro-pressure sensors

Referring to fig. 12, 12A, a conceptual diagram of a roll-to-roll processing line is shown. The process line includes a plurality of stations, such as station 1 through station n (which may be or include closed sub-compartments), where deposition, patterning, and other processes are performed. Thus, high level processing can be additive (adding material just where needed) or subtractive (removing material where not needed). The deposition process includes evaporation, sputtering and/or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) as well as printing as desired. The patterning process may include a variety of techniques, as desired, such as scanning laser and electron beam pattern generation, machining, optical lithography, gravure printing, and flexographic (offset) printing, depending on the resolution of the patterned features. Ink jet printing and screen printing can be used to place functional materials, such as conductors. Other techniques such as punching, embossing and embossing may also be used.

The original roll of stock material is a web of flexible material. In a roll-to-roll process, the flexible material web may be any such material, and is typically glass or plastic or stainless steel. Although any of these materials (or others) may be used, plastic has the advantage of being less costly than glass and stainless steel. The specific material will be determined based on the application of the micro-pressure sensor. In applications, materials such as stainless steel or other materials that can withstand temperatures, such as polytetrafluoroethylene and other plastics that can withstand temperatures, will be used.

For the structures shown in FIGS. 1-4: stations are provided in the roll-to-roll processing line according to the required processing. Thus, while the end caps and top caps may be formed on a mesh or plastic sheet in one embodiment, the end caps and top caps are provided after the formation of the micro pressure sensor stack, as will be described.

A plastic web is used to support the body by depositing material on the web at a deposition station and then at a patterning station. The body is formed at a forming station. A web having a body has a film deposited over the body at a station. An electrode is deposited over the film at a deposition station, which is patterned at a patterning station. A membrane sheet with patterned electrodes supported on a membrane is disposed on the body. Electrical interconnections for connecting to the electrodes on each membrane are provided by depositing conductive materials (or conductive inks such as silver inks) such as gold, silver and platinum layers. In some embodiments, some circuit components are printed onto the film.

The roll with the micro-module cells (body and membrane with electrodes and electrical connections) is cut into small pieces and the micro-module cells are collected, assembled into a stack of micro-modules, and packaged by including end caps and top caps to provide the micro-pressure sensor 10 or 100. Depending on the layout of the cells on the web, it is possible to fold the web of modular cells into a stack of cells, where electrodes are provided on a film layer or where entire layers of many cells are laminated together to produce a stack before dicing and packaging.

The film material needs to be bent or stretched back and forth over a desired distance and should therefore have elastic properties. The membrane material is impermeable to fluids including gases and liquids, is electrically non-conductive, and has a high breakdown voltage. Examples of suitable materials include silicon nitride and teflon.

The material of the electrodes is electrically conductive. The electrodes do not conduct a significant amount of current. The electrode is subject to bending and stretching of the membrane, and therefore it is desirable that the material be flexible to handle bending and stretching without fatigue and failure. In addition, under operating conditions, the electrode material and the membrane material adhere well, e.g. do not delaminate from each other. Examples of suitable materials include, for example, gold, silver, and platinum layers (or conductive inks, such as silver ink, etc.). The release material may be used to allow movement of the valve. Suitable release materials include, for example, the sacrificial fill materials described above.

Referring to fig. 13A-13C, an alternative roll-to-roll processing method is shown that provides a micro-pressure sensor 100. The micro-pressure sensor has a membrane that flexes when operated. The micro-pressure sensor is manufactured using a roll-to-roll process in which a sheet (or sheets) of stock material is passed through a plurality of stations to have features applied to the sheet (or sheets) and the sheet (or sheets) is subsequently picked up to form a portion of a repeatable composite layer (see fig. 4) to ultimately produce a composite sheet of the manufactured micro-pressure sensor.

Referring to fig. 13A, a sheet of flexible material such as glass or plastic or stainless steel is used as the mesh. For a specific implementation of the micro-pressure sensor, the material is a plastic sheet, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The sheet and hence the bulk layer was a 50 micron thick PET sheet. Other thicknesses may be used, for example the thickness of the sheet and body layers may be between, for example, 25 microns to 250 microns (or more), while the nominal 5 microns of the film may be, for example, about 10% of the thickness of the body. The thickness is determined based on the desired characteristics of the micro-pressure sensor and the handling capacity of the roll-to-roll processing line, and these considerations will provide practical limits on the maximum thickness. Also, the minimum thickness depends on the desired characteristics of the micro-pressure sensor to be constructed and the ability to process very thin sheets in a roll-to-roll processing line.

For the micro pressure sensor 10 or 100, the thickness of the layer is about 50 microns for the bulk layer and about 5 microns for the membrane element of the micro pressure sensor, as described above. However, other thicknesses are possible. The sheet is micromachined using a mask or direct writing to configure the laser ablation station to define or form sub-compartments (e.g., complex patterned sub-compartments as desired examples shown in fig. 6A-6C) for the micro pressure sensors 10 or 100, as well as alignment holes (not shown, but discussed below). Vias are also provided for electrical connection. The micro-machining ablates away material, such as plastic, to form the sub-compartments while preserving the frame portion of the body.

Referring now to fig. 13B, the sheet with defined compartments is laminated to a second sheet, for example a 5 micron thick PET sheet, with a 100A Al metal layer on the top surface of the sheet at a lamination station. The second sheet forms a film over the body provided by the defining features of the sub-compartments. The second piece is also machined to provide alignment holes (not shown).

The second sheet is also provided with a plurality of randomly dispersed apertures or viewing ports (not shown) in some areas that will be aligned with the body structure prior to laminating the second sheet to the first sheet. These randomly dispersed holes are used by the machine vision system to reveal and identify potential features of the body elements on the first sheet. The data is generated by noting the identified features on the first sheet through random holes. These data will be used to align the third ablation station when the electrodes are formed from the layer on the body.

In the areas where there is plastic on the first sheet and plastic on the second sheet, the second sheet is laminated to the first sheet and thus bonded (or adhered) to the first sheet. At this point, a composite sheet of repeatable cells of the micro-pressure sensor is formed, but without electrodes formed from layers on the film.

The machine vision system generates a data file that the laser ablation system uses in aligning the laser ablation station with the mask (or direct write) so that the laser beam from the laser ablation system provides electrodes according to the mask, with the electrodes being in registration with respective portions of the body. The electrodes are formed by ablating metal away in areas that are not part of the electrodes and conductors, leaving isolated electrodes and conductors on the sheet. Thus, by using a machine vision system to view features on the front side of the laminate structure, registration of the patterned electrode with the body is provided, thereby providing positioning data for the laser ablation system used to align the laser beam with the mask, using techniques common in the art.

Referring now to fig. 13C, the composite sheet is fed to a laser ablation station to form an electrode by ablating a 100A ° Al layer deposited on the second sheet forming the film. The composite sheet is patterned according to a mask to define electrodes on respective regions of the body. The ablation station ablates metal from the metal layer, leaving isolated electrodes on the sheet.

A jig (not shown) that may include four vertical posts mounted on a horizontal base is used to stack the individual cutting dies. An end cap (e.g., a 50 micron PET sheet with a metal layer) is placed on the jig, and a first repeatable unit is placed over the end cap. The repeatable unit is held in place on the jig by spot welding (applying a localized heat source). Each repeatable unit is spot welded as it is stacked on the previous repeatable unit. The stack is provided by having ports on one side of the stack and ports on the other side of the stack, and staggered due to the arrangement of the valves, so as to have a solid surface separating each port in the stack (see figure 6). Once stacking is complete, a top cover (not shown) may be provided. The stacked units are fed to a lamination station, not shown, where the stack is laminated, laminating all the repeatable units and the cover layer together. The end caps and top cover may also be part of the package. Otherwise, the sets of repeatable units may be laminated or welded in pairs. Other stacking techniques for assembly with or without alignment holes are also possible.

Referring now to fig. 14A, 14B, details of via conductors interconnecting patterned electrodes on a module (generally 105) as described above are shown. In these figures, only the electrodes and tabs are shown with via conductors. The body portion is not shown for ease of understanding of the via conductor structure. The via conductors are castellated, i.e., have a relatively wide area contacting the electrode tabs and a relatively narrow area through the holes in the electrodes. This arrangement is provided by making the aperture in the body portion larger than the aperture through the electrode portion. This can be done at the patterning level of the body and the electrodes, respectively. The via conductor is formed by introducing the above-described conductive ink into the hole.

Elements of different embodiments described herein may be combined to form other embodiments not specifically set forth above. Elements may be excluded from the structures described herein without adversely affecting their operation. In addition, various separate elements may be combined into one or more separate elements to perform the functions described herein. Additionally, while the pressure modules are shown in a stacked form, other arrangements are possible, including pressure modules adjacent to and spaced apart from each other, so long as the pressure modules are equipped with respective end caps and have inlets and outlets fed from a common pressure source and a common reference. In addition, the electrodes on the membrane may be patterned to correspond to the underlying patterned sub-compartments (with an accompanying increase in the number of capacitances that need to be measured and interconnected), and the membrane of a given module may be a single membrane, or may be divided into individual membranes corresponding to the underlying patterned sub-compartments. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.