Micromachined mechanical switch

A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) comprising:

• a power source;
• TPMS circuitry;
• and
• a mechanical switch positioned between the power source and the TPMS circuitry and arranged to electrically connect a power source to an electrical component, the switch comprising:
• a resilient structure;
• and
• a first electrically conductive element connected to the power source and a second conductive element connected to the electrical component, at least one of the conductive elements being attached to the resilient structure,
• wherein the switch is arranged such that:
• the conductive elements are positioned out of contact with one another in the absence of a force being applied to the switch;
• the resilient structure is moveable in response to a force applied thereto, the force being applied upon rotation of a tire to which the switch is connected;
• and
• upon application of a force above a predetermined threshold, the resilient structure moves to bring the conductive elements into contact with one another, the contact electrically connecting the power source to the electrical component.