PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETER DETECTOR

1 . A physiological sensor configured to be used in a patient monitoring system, the sensor further configured to detect an indication of a physiological condition of a patient and output a signal indicative of the physiological condition to a patient monitoring system, the physiological sensor comprising:

at least one light emitting element configured to transmit light of a plurality of wavelengths; and

at least one detector configured to detect light attenuated by tissue of a patient, the detector comprising:

a sensor;

a ceramic carrier including shielding material at least partially surrounding the carrier and connected to ground to provide protection against undesired electromagnetic radiation; and

a top shielding layer including windows which allow the light attenuated by tissue of a patient to pass through while providing protection against undesired electromagnetic radiation.

2 . The physiological sensor of claim 1 , wherein the top shielding layer is electrically coupled to the shielding material of the ceramic carrier.

3 . An optical detector for a physiological monitoring system comprising:

a photosensor having a first side and a second side;

a ceramic carrier configured to couple with the second side of the photosensor;

and

shielding material partially covering at least the first side of the photosensor, the shielding material configured to reduce the effects of electromagnetic radiation.

4 . The detector of claim 3 , wherein ceramic carrier comprises ceramic material and shielding material.

5 . The detector of claim 3 , wherein the shielding material is conductive ink.

6 . A detector configured to detect desired signals and substantially reject undesired signals, the detector comprising:

a photosensor; and

a shielding mesh applied to said photosensor and configured to substantially reduce the detection of undesired signals and without substantially blocking the detection of desired signals.

7 . The detector of claim 6 , wherein the detector further comprises a ceramic carrier configured to couple with the photosensor.

8 . The detector of claim 6 , wherein the shielding mesh comprises a grid.

9 . A method for manufacturing a ceramic detectors comprising:

providing a plurality of attached carriers;

at least partially surrounding said plurality of carriers with shielding material;

coupling a plurality of photosensors to said plurality of carriers;

coupling a plurality of shields to said plurality of attached carriers and photosensors to form a plurality of detectors; and

separating the plurality of detectors.

10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the separating is snapping apart.

11 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the separating is cutting apart.

12 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the coupling is one or more of fastening, adhering, welding, snapping, or fusing.

13 . An optical detector assembly method comprising the steps of:

providing a ceramic carrier with embedded shielding material;

coupling a photosensor to the ceramic carrier; and

coupling a shielding cover to the ceramic carrier so as to shield the photosensor from electromagnetic interference.

14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the photosensor further comprises a shielding mesh applied to said photosensor.

15 . In a patient monitoring system, a ceramic detector comprising:

a sensor;

a ceramic carrier; and

shielding material, the shielding material at least partially surrounding the sensor and configured to reduce the effects of electromagnetic radiation.

16 . The ceramic detector of claim 15 , wherein the shielding material is chemically applied to the detector.

17 . The ceramic detector of claim 15 , wherein the shielding material at least partially surrounds the ceramic carrier.

18 . The ceramic detector of claim 15 , wherein the shielding material is mechanically coupled to the ceramic carrier.

19 . The ceramic detector of claim 18 , wherein the shielding material includes openings to allow light to reach the sensor.