Systems applications in automobile & avionics markets

Summary form only given. The current trend in both automotive and aerospace systems towards more sophisticated electronic control has created the need for high performance, cost effective sensors. Although market volumes and prices of sensors may be different, there is considerable synergy between the automotive and aerospace requirements, e.g. reliability, quality and future smart functionality. Inlet manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensing in ignition and fuelling control systems was one of the earliest and most successful applications of silicon micromachining. Presently over 20 million silicon micromachined pressure sensors are used per year worldwide; these sensors are both of piezoresistive and capacitive types. More recently there has been considerable activity in the field of acceleration sensing not only for advanced suspension systems but also for pressure restraint (airbag) systems. Future aircraft engine and flight control systems will place increased demands on sensor capabilities and performance; the need for product quality and integrity met whilst recognising the increasing pressure for cost reduction