June 3, 2004 – Silicon Microstructures Inc., (SMI) a Milpitas, Calif., developer and manufacturer of MEMS-based silicon pressure sensors and custom microstructures, announced that one of its pressure sensors has been designed into a divers’ mask and computer system, and that the company is also producing two new sensor lines.

The SM5106 pressure sensor is in Oceanic Worldwide’s head-up display dive mask and dive computer system. The Integrated Diver Display Mask, developed with the U.S. Navy, includes the depth sensor as well as a miniature liquid crystal display panel, multi-element optics, a microprocessor and other parts directly built into the mask. The mask displays the diver’s depth, bottom time, and cylinder pressure and works at 300 feet underwater, according to a news release.

SMI developed a special metal mask for the pressure sensor that enabled Oceanic to change layouts. The SM5106 has been designed into eight of the company’s dive computer models, including a line of wireless wristwatch-style products.

SMI engineers also have begun volume production of the SM5108 pressure sensor and SM5201 co-integrated sensor, which includes an application-specific integrated circuit on the same chip. Applications for the 5108 include tire pressure monitoring, engine control and home appliances; the 5201 sensor is designed for automotive, medical, consumer and industrial markets.