Miniature size force sensor with multiple coupling technology

A method for packaging an assembly for sensing a force applied by an external source, the method comprising:

• disposing a plurality of electrical contact pads on a first surface of a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a second surface opposite the first surface;
• mounting a force sensing device on the second surface;
• assembling a housing enclosing at least the force sensing device, wherein the housing defines an aperture for providing a common coupling interface;
• and
• providing, in the common coupling interface, a first coupling or a second coupling, wherein the second coupling is different from the first coupling, and wherein the common coupling interface provides a common path for the force to be transferred either through the first coupling or the second coupling.

A method for manufacturing an apparatus for sensing a force applied by an external source, the method comprising:

• disposing a plurality of electrical contact pads on a first surface of a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a second surface opposite the first surface;
• mounting a force sensing device on the second surface;
• and
• assembling a housing enclosing at least the force sensing device, wherein the housing defines an aperture for providing a common coupling interface,
• wherein the common coupling interface is configured to provide a common path for the force to be transferred to the force sensing device through a first coupling, and
• wherein the common coupling interface is further configured to provide the common path for the force to be transferred to the force sensing device through a second coupling different from the first coupling.