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Optimal design parameter estimation and analytical investigation of MEMS quadruple touch mode capacitive pressure sensor

Rukshana Bi Gajula (School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India)
Sumit Kumar Jindal (School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India)

Sensor Review

ISSN: 0260-2288

Article publication date: 29 October 2024

18

Abstract

Purpose

Touch mode capacitive pressure sensors (TMCPS) offer superior sensitivity and linearity in comparison to normal mode CPS and have therefore seen substantial improvements in modeling and construction. This study aims to develop a sensor that is highly robust, with near-linear output characteristics, increased sensitivity and superior overload protection, making it an ideal choice for deployment in harsh industrial environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed sensor design uses a substrate with a multi-step notch, introducing a new quadruple TMCPS and uses a small deflection model for mathematical analysis. Addition of a multi-step notch to traditional touch mode capacitive sensors results in quadruple touch regions which further enhances its operational range performance.

Findings

The simulation of diaphragm deflection in response to pressure is carried out by using COMSOL Multiphysics, whereas MATLAB is used for analytical simulations pertaining to variations in capacitance and capacitive sensitivity. Comparing with earlier models, there is a noticeable enhancement in capacitance, experiencing a fivefold increase. The achieved value stands at 50.1 pF, reflecting improved sensitivity for applied pressure ranging from 0 to 2 MPa.

Originality/value

In existing literature to improve the performance of the single TMCPS, a double-sided TMCPS has been developed. To enhance sensor performance, a substrate with a multi-step notch is proposed. The notch creates four touch regions with varying gap depths, resulting in increased capacitance and capacitive sensitivity.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Vellore Institute of Technology’s administration for providing us with the opportunity to perform the research.

Citation

Gajula, R.B. and Jindal, S.K. (2024), "Optimal design parameter estimation and analytical investigation of MEMS quadruple touch mode capacitive pressure sensor", Sensor Review, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/SR-06-2024-0534

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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