Patent ID: 7231803

Claim:
A hybrid impact sensor system comprising: a control unit; and a sensor module, the sensor module including a first sensor with first sensing properties and configured to generate a first output signal, wherein the first sensor includes at least one of a sensor including a semiconductor element containing a plurality of piezoresistors, wherein each piezoresistor has an impedance and input and output terminals, and a circuit configured to be coupled to the input and output terminals of the plurality of piezoresistors and capable of sensing the impedance of the plurality of piezoresistors; a magnetostrictive sensor; and an acoustic wave sensor; a second sensor with second sensing properties, mounted directly to the first sensor, and configured to generate a second output signal, wherein the second sensing properties are different from the first sensing properties and wherein the second sensor includes at least one of an acceleration sensor and a pressure sensor; an electrical connector coupled to the first sensor, the second sensor, and the control unit and configured to transmit the first output signal and the second output signal to the control unit; a housing encasing the first sensor and the second sensor and at least a portion of the electrical connector; and one or more mounts, the control unit positioned outside the housing.