Self Calibrating Wireless Pressure Sensor (SCWPS)

Midé is proposing to develop a novel resonant frequency pressure sensor that includes a self-calibrating feature. The pressure sensor has piezo-electric elements bonded to a pressure sensing membrane. Under pressure, the membrane stretches changing the resonant frequencies of the membrane. The piezoelectric elements are used to detect the shift(s) in resonant frequency and the pressure is obtained using a lookup table. Since the approach depends on a dynamic signal, it avoids many of the sensor drift problems associated with supply voltages and noise. Creep of the membrane, the major reason why the sensor will loose accuracy is detected by monitoring the cavity resonant frequency of the reference pressure cavity. Again lookup tables are used to self-calibrate the sensor and thus maintain the accuracy of the output. Phase II will refine the sensor design, add a self-powered feature using Midé's energy harvesting technology. Industrialization and in fleet testing of an advanced prototypes will achieve a Technology Readiness Level of 5 to 6. In Phase III Midé will work with the Navy and commercial industry, to develop a packaged, commercial family of wireless pressure sensors with built-in calibration capability covering the full pneumatics and fluids types and ranges required.