Complete encapsulation of discardable blood pressure transducers

• Grant number: 01/08711-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: November 01, 2002
• End date: April 30, 2005
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Electrical, Magnetic and Electronic Measurements, Instrumentation
• Principal Investigator: Edgar Charry Rodriguez
• Grantee: Edgar Charry Rodriguez
• Company: Torr Microsistemas Integrados de Pressão, Indústria e Comércio Ltda
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

The microelectronic technologies currently established, appear now as a strategic pillar which made possible an industrial revolution and, specifically now, permit a high competency in sensor technology. Thus, semiconductor businesses have entered the sensor market with a logical expansion of their activities in integrated circuits, because they already have most of the equipment necessary for their manufacture and the appropriate marketing channels. Silicon pressure sensors represent today the largest percentage in the world market of products generated by MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) technology. This technology has over the last 20 years, drastically altered the markets for sensors, activators, instrumentation and control. The present research aims to develop a complete process for the manufacture of discardable silicon blood pressure transducers for biomedic use. This concerns a product without national parallel, which will shift the technological development of this area into a new gear. Torr Microsistemas is the fruit of 15 years research carried out in technological centers located in the State of São Paulo (the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, EPUSP, the Institute for Technological Research, IPT, and the Heart Institute, InCor). The objective is to develop, manufacture and commercialize these devices to meet the demand from the health sector. The discardable blood pressure transducer consists of a silicon microchip, an internal capsule and protective gel, and an external capsule with interconnections and electrical and fluid connectors. The technical specifications of this transducer should conform to all the international norms. (AU)