A surface acoustic wave device includes a micro-machined pressure
transducer for monitoring tire pressure. The device is configured having
a micro-machined cavity that is sealed with a flexible conductive
membrane. When an external tire pressure equivalent to the cavity
pressure is detected, the membrane makes contact with ridges on the
backside of the surface acoustic wave device. The ridges are electrically
connected to conductive fingers of the device. When the detected pressure
is correct, selected fingers on the device will be grounded producing
patterned acoustic reflections to an impulse RF signal. When the external
tire pressure is less than the cavity reference pressure, a reduced
reflected signal to the receiver results. The sensor may further be
constructed so as to identify itself by a unique reflected identification
pulse series.