Self Calibrating Wireless Pressure Sensor (SCWPS) Navy SBIR FY2005.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.3 Topic No.: N05-159 Topic Title: Self Calibrating Wireless Pressure Sensor (SCWPS) Proposal No.: N053-159-0216 Firm: Mide Technology Corporation 200 Boston Avenue Suite 1000 Medford, Massachusetts 02155-3502 Contact: C. van Phone: (781) 306-0609 Web Site: www.mide.com Abstract: Mid� 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 Mid�'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 Mid� 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. Benefits: Manufacturing processes, in the petrol-chemical industry, uses a large number of pressure sensors to monitor process conditions and performance. This industry has an obvious need to reduce the cost of maintaining these pressure- sensor networks that would be a direct result of a built-in calibration capability. Process control and paper pulping are other examples of industries that would benefit significantly from this technology. Similar condition based calibration and built-in calibration technologies could be useful in diagnosis and maintenance of future deployed homeland security chemical and biological networked multi-sensor detection systems. Return