A LOW PRESSURE TRANSDUCER USING BEAM AND DIAPHRAGM

A low-pressure transducer including a disc-shaped metal diaphragm to which a fluid pressure is applied, wherein the diaphragm contains a raised beam formed by thinning the entire exterior surface of the diaphragm except for the beam; and at least one silicon strain gage glass bonded to the beam, wherein the low-pressure transducer can accurately gage pressures at least as low as 15 psi. The present invention also comprises a method for manufacturing a pressure transducer including the steps of forming a cylindrical diaphragm having a top surface and a lower surface; establishing a diameter and a thickness of the diaphragm relative to an operational plane by a creating a hole axially through the transducer body that terminates at the lower surface; and creating a raised surface in the shape of a cross beam integral to the operational surface; and bonding one or more strain gages thereupon.