Patent ID: 7109842
Filing Date: 2006-09-19
Classification: G01F,G01N

Abstract:
1. A physical property sensor die for monitoring the properties of a fluid, comprising: a substantially solid insulating sensor body having a front surface and a back surface, wherein the front surface is adapted to be disposed more proximate the fluid than the back surface, and the sensor body having a known thermal conductivity, wherein the sensor body has a plurality of openings extending from the front surface to the back surface; a plurality of independent sensing elements coupled to the front surface and encapsulated in a surround material around and between the sensing elements for monitoring the properties of the fluid, the plurality of independent sensing elements including at least one thermal sensor and at least one heater, wherein the thermal conductivity of the sensor body is low enough to substantially prohibit heat transfer between the plurality of independent sensing elements via the sensor body, wherein the sensor die includes a top profile proximate the front surface and the plurality of independent sensing elements that is substantially planarized to reduce resistance to fluid flow, and wherein the sensor body includes a continuous solid glass material opposite the plurality of sensing elements from the front surface thus providing for a more robust sensor die; and a connection material filling the plurality of openings such that the plurality of independent sensing elements are electrically connected to corresponding connection material on the back surface, and the connection material is configured to accommodate connection of the connection material to an electronics substrate.