MEMS Differential Pressure Sensor with Dynamic Pressure Canceler for Precision Altitude Estimation

Atmospheric pressure measurements based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs) can extend accessibility to altitude information. A differential pressure sensor using a thin cantilever and an air chamber is a promising sensing element for sub-centimeter resolution. However, its vulnerability to wind and the lack of height estimation algorithms for real-time operation are issues that remain to be solved. We propose a sensor “cap” that cancels the wind effect and noise by utilizing the airflow around a sphere. A set of holes on the spherical cap transmits only the atmospheric pressure to the sensor. In addition, we have developed a height estimation method based on a discrete transfer function model. As a result, both dynamic pressure and noise are suppressed, and height is estimated under a 5 m/s wind, reconstructing the trajectory with an estimation error of 2.8 cm. The developed sensing system enhances height information in outdoor applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles and wave height measurements.