Electrically insulated strain gage

An insulated strain gage comprising:

• a first layer, wherein the first layer has first and second opposing surfaces, wherein the first layer has first, second, third, and fourth sides joining the first and second opposing surfaces, and wherein the first layer comprises a semiconductive material;
• a second layer, wherein the second layer comprises an insulating material, wherein the second layer has first and second opposing surfaces, and wherein the first surface of the second layer is disposed against the first surface of the first layer;
• and,
• a third layer, wherein the third layer comprises an insulating material, wherein the third layer has first and second opposing surfaces, wherein the first surface of the third layer is disposed against the second surface of the first layer, wherein the third layer includes first and second openings, and wherein both of the first and second openings extend from the first surface of the third layer to the second surface of the third layer;
• and,
• a first contact pad and a second contact pad, wherein the first contact pad fills the first opening, wherein the second contact pad fills the second opening, and wherein the first and second contact pads are located distally from one another and electrically engage the first layer.

An apparatus comprising first and second insulated strain gages and a circuit, wherein each of the first and second insulated strain gages comprises:

• a first layer, wherein the first layer has first and second opposing surfaces, wherein the first layer has first, second, third, and fourth sides joining the first and second opposing surfaces, and wherein the first layer comprises a semiconductive material;
• a second layer, wherein the second layer comprises an insulating material, wherein the second layer has first and second opposing surfaces, and wherein the first surface of the second layer is disposed against the first surface of the first layer;
• and,
• a third layer, wherein the third layer comprises an insulating material, wherein the third layer has first and second opposing surfaces, wherein the first surface of the third layer is disposed against the second surface of the first layer, wherein the third layer includes first and second openings, and wherein both of the first and second openings extend from the first surface of the third layer to the second surface of the third layer;
• and,
• a first contact pad and a second contact pad, wherein the first contact pad fills the first opening, wherein the second contact pad fills the second opening, and wherein the first and second contact pads are located distally from one another and electrically engage the first layer;
• and,
• wherein the circuit connects to the first and second contact pads of the first and second insulated strain gages to receive signals indicating corresponding electrical values of the first and second insulated strain gages.