A sensor has a sensor housing defining a cavity therein. A first wall partially defining the cavity is deflectable under a physiologically relevant range of pressures. An integrated circuit chip bearing electronics is fixedly mounted within the cavity. A capacitor comprises first and second capacitor plates in generally parallel, spaced-apart relation. The first capacitor plate is physically coupled to the deflectable wall so as to move as the wall deflects, and the second capacitor plate is carried by the chip. The second capacitor plate is in electrical communication with the input pad of the chip.