Microelectromechanical floating element flow sensor

Abstract

An electromechanical floating element shear-stress sensor, which may also be referred to as a flow rate sensor, having one or more transduction mechanisms coupled to a support arm of a floating element wafer such that the transduction mechanisms are normal to the force applied to a top surface of the floating element. The transduction mechanisms may be generally attached to a side surface of one or more arms supporting the floating element and may be coupled together and to a processor using one or more contacts extending from the backside of the floating element sensor. Thus, the floating element shear-stress sensor may have an unobstructed surface past which a fluid may flow. The floating element may also include a temperature sensing system for accounting for affects of temperature on the floating element system.