Ultra-Low Profile, Flat-Packaged Microphones for In-Flight Aeroacoustic Measurements

The Interdisciplinary Consulting Corporation (IC2) proposes the development of a low-profile instrumentation-grade pressure sensor for in-flight aerodynamics measurements using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based piezoelectric sensing with backside contacts and advanced packaging technology. The goal of this research is to develop a pressure sensor that meets the demanding in-flight performance requirements for aerodynamic and aeroacoustic applications while leveraging MEMS batch fabrication technology to reduce size and significantly reduce cost per channel. Specifically, this sensor technology will be developed to address NASA’s needs for “measurement technologies for in-flight steady & unsteady aerodynamics” as per Subtopic A2.01 Flight Test and Measurements Technologies of the NASA FY 2019 SBIR/STTR Solicitation. This work is aimed at meeting the aerospace industry’s need for economically viable sensing technology that meets required metrics for flight testing.

The proposal addresses NASA’s need for “measurement technologies for in-flight steady & unsteady aerodynamics” using “sensors and systems that have fast response, low volume, minimal intrusion, and high accuracy and reliability.” Specifically, the technology enables fluctuating pressure/acoustic measurements on a wide range of flight-test vehicles including many research test bed aircraft at NASA Armstrong. Also, it can provide key data to many programs within the Advanced Air Vehicles Program.

The initial target market is in-flight pressure sensors for the aerospace industry (commercial & government/military), or use in flight-test R&D. The Boeing Company is in a prime position as an initial market customer for the proposed innovation. Additional possible customers or parallel market entry targets comprise aircraft manufacturers as well as engine developers.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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