The most recent advances in silicon micromachining
technology have given rise to a variety of low–cost pressure
sensor applications and solutions. Certain applications had
previously been hindered by the high–cost, large size, and
overall reliability limitations of electromechanical pressure
sensing devices. Furthermore, the integration of on–chip
temperature compensation and calibration has allowed a
significant improvement in the accuracy and temperature
stability of the sensor output signal. This technology allows for
the development of both analog and microcomputer–based
systems that can accurately resolve the small pressure
changes encountered in many applications. One particular
application of interest is the combination of a silicon pressure
sensor and a microcontroller interface in the design of a digital
barometer. The focus of the following documentation is to
present a low–cost, simple approach to designing a digital
barometer system.