Sensors & Instrumentation
Hermetic sensors packaging for harsh environments
The sensor industry continues to grow based on technology miniaturization, commercialization of technologies, sensor fusion, and the ability to measure and monitor through wired and wireless connections. Hermetic seals and packages are used to increase the reach and exposure of sensors in harsh environments. Protecting the sensing element, commonly a small MEMS device from liquids and gases becomes of utmost importance. Electronic Products manufactures hermetic packages and seals in a variety of standard footprints and packages while also customizing solutions to fit various sensor needs.
Types of Sealed Packages Used in Sensors and Instrumentation
Our hermetic packages support sensors in a variety of industries including aerospace and defense, energy, industrial and commercial, and more.
- Glass-to-Metal Seals
Glass-to-metal hermetic seals are the most traditional hermetic package for sensors. Commonly used in sensor types such as temperature sensors, accelerometers, and pressure sensors, glass-to-metal seals can be designed in a standard TO header and cap interface. These standard packages permit direct design and replace capabilities. Various features can be modified including pin count and type, plating type, and housing material with customizations including weld projections. EPI can also offer more customized pin header packages to fit a unique housing requirement. EPI metal seals are used in high pressure high temperature (HPHT) applications including downhole environments. Glass-to-metal seals can be designed as compression or matched designs, depending on the application.
- HTTC Ceramic packages
Additionally, EPI offers advanced high-temperature cofired ceramic (HTTC) packaging capabilities for sensors and instrumentation. With multilayer circuit designs, EPI manufactures powder to package designs fully customized for your OEM sensor needs. This includes the ability to design and manufacture a QFN package to seal a sensor such as a humidity-temperature sensor or a fully custom package, from downhole to satellite applications. Partner with EPI and we’ll guide you through the design process to choose from a variety of material property options including Aluminas, Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA), and Alumina Nitride.
- Epoxy Technology
Through Douglas Electrical Components, epoxy technology can also be used to hermetically seal sensors at either the sensing element or the electrical connection common to transducers and transmitters.
Types of Components to Which We Offer Microelectronics Packaging in Sensors & Instrumentation:
Electronic Products (EPI) provides specialized hermetic packaging solutions for a wide range of components used in sensors and instrumentation, including:
- Temperature Sensors: Ensuring accurate temperature measurement in various industrial and environmental applications.
- Accelerometers: Vital for measuring acceleration forces in automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment.
- Pressure Sensors: Essential for precise pressure measurement in medical devices, automotive systems, and industrial machinery.
- Humidity Sensors: Monitoring and controlling humidity levels in HVAC systems, environmental monitoring, and consumer electronics.
- Gas Sensors: Detecting specific gases in industrial safety applications, environmental monitoring, and automotive emissions control.
- Optical Sensors: Utilized in optical communication systems, imaging devices, and consumer electronics for detecting light intensity or color.
Our expertise extends to customizing packaging solutions to meet the stringent requirements of each sensor type, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in diverse applications.
FAQs
What types of sensors can benefit from hermetic packaging?
Hermetic packaging is suitable for a wide range of sensors including temperature sensors, accelerometers, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, and optical sensors. These packages protect sensitive components from environmental factors, ensuring reliability and longevity.
What are the advantages of using glass-to-metal seals in sensor packaging?
Glass-to-metal seals offer excellent hermeticity and mechanical strength, making them ideal for sealing sensors in high-pressure and high-temperature environments. They ensure long-term reliability and protect sensitive components from environmental factors.
Can EPI customize hermetic packages for specific sensor applications?
Yes, EPI specializes in creating customized hermetic packaging solutions tailored to the unique requirements of different sensor types and applications. We offer flexible design options to meet the exact needs of OEM sensor manufacturers.