A theoretical study of an improved capacitive pressure sensor: Closed-form solution of uniformly loaded annular membranes

In this study, the conductive diaphragm in conventional capacitive pressure sensors with dual function (the deformable element and the upper electrode plate of a non-parallel plate capacitor) was modified into a non-conductive elastic annular thin-film (as the deformable element) centrally connected with a conductive rigid circular plate or alternatively with a non-conductive rigid circular plate adhered by a conductive thin-film (as the upper electrode plate of a parallel plate capacitor). This modification brings two advantages: the parallel plate capacitor is more convenient in the accurate calculation of capacitance than a non-parallel plate capacitor; it is easier to select a deformable element with good elastic behavior in non-conductive elastic thin-films than to select such a deformable element in conductive diaphragms. These advantages could provide convenience for further improving the performance of sensors. The presented closed-form solution can meet the needs of the research and development of this improved capacitive pressure sensor. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.