Patent ID: 6318183
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
A multiple element sensor for sensing pressure, the sensor comprising:a substrate with a diaphragm portion;a plurality of sensing elements each disposed on the diaphragm portion of the substrate, wherein the plurality of sensing elements each having output terminals providing a signal indicative of the pressure such that a plurality of sensing element output signals are produced;a combining circuit comprising:a plurality of input terminals that are each coupled to the output terminals of each of the plurality of sensing elements respectively;a combined output terminal for providing an output signal within a pressure sensing range dependent on the plurality of sensing element output signals,a plurality of selection gates each capable of being coupled between one of the plurality of input terminals and the combined output terminal; andwherein the combining circuit output signal is determined by the combining circuit selecting one or more of the plurality of sensing elements by connecting to the respective output terminal of the one or more sensing elements.