Pressure belt: an integrated multisensor system

We report the development of a MEMS-based multi-sensor system, which provides a multitude of "smart" pressure sensors, by integration of sensors and electronics at the point-of-use. This multi-sensor system is easy to install and operate and can provide an order of magnitude more accurate pressure measurements than the current tube-based technology. To accomplish our goal we developed a standard network interface protocol capable of handling large numbers of sensors, a low-profile MEMS pressure sensor, and innovative packaging techniques, including packaging of the MEMS sensor and its associated electronics in an ASIC format on a high density multi-chip module substrate. Prototype versions were flown on Boeing 757-300, 737-BBJ, 767-400, and F-18E aircraft. Measurements obtained during flight were compared with results obtained by a reference sensor in a conventional package, connected to a pressure tube. The data taken by our modules were as good or better than the reference values. Flight test data of the production version recently flown on a Boeing 737-900 aircraft are also discussed.