Sensitivity Enhancement of An Acoustic Sensor via Parallel Helmholtz Resonators

Abstract

This paper reports an acoustic sensor using a Helmholtz resonator (HR) array and a MEMS differential pressure (DP) sensor element. A piezoresistive cantilever type DP sensor is highly sensitive to acoustic waves around its mechanical resonant frequency (RF). By attaching a HR array of which RF is equal to the cantilever in front of the DP sensor like a cap, the sensitivity is enhanced at the RF. The developed sensor with the HR responded with 3 times higher sensitivity than without the HR, and realized a resolution of approximately 2 mPa without an electrical lock-in filter.