Sensing system using time-varying magnetic fields

A method for generating an electrical signal responsive to a pressure input using the system comprising:

• a diaphragm configured to be subjected to the pressure input;
• a microfluidic channel with a first end thereof coupled to the diaphragm such that the pressure input generates a corresponding pressure change in the microfluidic channel;
• one or more moveable magnets disposed in a carrier liquid in the microfluidic channel;
• and
• one or more coils disposed along the microfluidic channel and for generating the electrical signal based on Faraday effect by the magnets moving, under the pressure change in the microfluidic channel, through the respective coils;
• wherein the electrical signal generation is performed under water.

A method for fabricating a system for generating an electrical signal responsive to a pressure input, comprising the steps of:

• providing a diaphragm configured to be subjected to the pressure input;
• providing a microfluidic channel and coupling a first end thereof to the diaphragm such that the pressure input generates a corresponding pressure change in the microfluidic channel;
• disposing one or more moveable magnets in a carrier liquid in the microfluidic channel;
• and
• disposing one or more coils along the microfluidic channel for generating the electrical signal based on Faraday effect by the magnets moving, under the pressure change in the microfluidic channel, through the respective coils;
• the method including at least one of:
• disposing a gas in the microfluidic channel at a closed second end thereof such that the carrier liquid is disposed between the diaphragm and the gas, the second end being configured to prevent escape of the gas from the microfluidic channel during operation in an operating environment;
• providing an open second end of the microfluidic channel, wherein the carrier liquid comprises water for ambient pressure invariant operation underwater;
• providing magnets of different magnetization for distinguishing backward and forward movements of the magnets through the respective coils based on the generated electrical signal;
• and
• providing a processor unit for analyzing the generated electrical signal, wherein the processor unit is configured to identify different objects subjecting the diaphragm to the pressure input.