Fully Integrated Subminiature Digital Pitot-Static Sensor Platform

Historically and currently used pitot-static systems for aircraft have drawbacks and limitations that restricts their use in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that we propose to overcome with a fully integrated subminiature digital pitot-static sensor (SDPSS) platform solution for airspeed and altitude.  The lack of effective pitot-static systems in these UASs leave them with only GPS navigation, which can reduce the robustness of flight controls in adverse weather and leave them susceptible to GPS interference and thereby reduce navigational safety. Leveraging NanoSonic’s expertise in MEMS sensor technology, experience in designing signal conditioning and measurement electronics, and experience in electronics/mechanical co-design, the intention of Phase I is to design, prototype, and test the first iteration of a SDPSS.  This first iteration shall include the mechanical/electromechanical design of the probe to achieve a cylindrical volume with 0.25 in. diameter by 5 in. length maximum requirement, with a stretch goal to achieve the preferred 0.125 in. diameter by 2.5 in. length design for the integrated system in Phase I.  The electronics design will encompass all power, memory, signal conversion, and processing to measure (at minimum) absolute/differential pressure, temperature, and humidity at the stated required accuracies over the given full-scale range.