Patents by Inventor Michael J. Daneman

Michael J. Daneman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10683205
    Abstract: Systems and methods that protect CMOS layers from exposure to a release chemical are provided. The release chemical is utilized to release a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device integrated with the CMOS wafer. Sidewalls of passivation openings created in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) wafer expose a dielectric layer of the CMOS wafer that can be damaged on contact with the release chemical. In one aspect, to protect the CMOS wafer and prevent exposure of the dielectric layer, the sidewalls of the passivation openings can be covered with a metal barrier layer that is resistant to the release chemical. Additionally, or optionally, an insulating barrier layer can be deposited on the surface of the CMOS wafer to protect a passivation layer from exposure to the release chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Daneman, Fariborz Assaderaghi
  • Patent number: 10508022
    Abstract: MEMS device for low resistance applications are disclosed. In a first aspect, the MEMS device comprises a MEMS wafer including a handle wafer with one or more cavities containing a first surface and a second surface and an insulating layer deposited on the second surface of the handle wafer. The MEMS device also includes a device layer having a third and fourth surface, the third surface bonded to the insulating layer of the second surface of handle wafer; and a metal conductive layer on the fourth surface. The MEMS device also includes CMOS wafer bonded to the MEMS wafer. The CMOS wafer includes at least one metal electrode, such that an electrical connection is formed between the at least one metal electrode and at least a portion of the metal conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Daneman, Martin Lim, Xiang Li, Li-Wen Hung
  • Patent number: 10294097
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system device is disclosed. The micro-mechanical system device comprises a first silicon substrate comprising: a handle layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the second surface comprises a cavity; an insulating layer deposited over the second surface of the handle layer; a device layer having a third surface bonded to the insulating layer and a fourth surface; a piezoelectric layer deposited over the fourth surface of the device layer; a metal conductivity layer disposed over the piezoelectric layer; a bond layer disposed over a portion of the metal conductivity layer; and a stand-off formed on the first silicon substrate; wherein the first silicon substrate is bonded to a second silicon substrate, comprising: a metal electrode configured to form an electrical connection between the metal conductivity layer formed on the first silicon substrate and the second silicon substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Julius Ming-Lin Tsai, Michael J. Daneman
  • Patent number: 10160635
    Abstract: MEMS device for low resistance applications are disclosed. In a first aspect, the MEMS device comprises a MEMS wafer including a handle wafer with one or more cavities containing a first surface and a second surface and an insulating layer deposited on the second surface of the handle wafer. The MEMS device also includes a device layer having a third and fourth surface, the third surface bonded to the insulating layer of the second surface of handle wafer; and a metal conductive layer on the fourth surface. The MEMS device also includes CMOS wafer bonded to the MEMS wafer. The CMOS wafer includes at least one metal electrode, such that an electrical connection is formed between the at least one metal electrode and at least a portion of the metal conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Daneman, Martin Lim, Xiang Li, Li-Wen Hung
  • Publication number: 20180346323
    Abstract: Systems and methods that protect CMOS layers from exposure to a release chemical are provided. The release chemical is utilized to release a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device integrated with the CMOS wafer. Sidewalls of passivation openings created in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) wafer expose a dielectric layer of the CMOS wafer that can be damaged on contact with the release chemical. In one aspect, to protect the CMOS wafer and prevent exposure of the dielectric layer, the sidewalls of the passivation openings can be covered with a metal barrier layer that is resistant to the release chemical. Additionally, or optionally, an insulating barrier layer can be deposited on the surface of the CMOS wafer to protect a passivation layer from exposure to the release chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. Daneman, Fariborz Assaderaghi
  • Publication number: 20180312394
    Abstract: MEMS device for low resistance applications are disclosed. In a first aspect, the MEMS device comprises a MEMS wafer including a handle wafer with one or more cavities containing a first surface and a second surface and an insulating layer deposited on the second surface of the handle wafer. The MEMS device also includes a device layer having a third and fourth surface, the third surface bonded to the insulating layer of the second surface of handle wafer; and a metal conductive layer on the fourth surface. The MEMS device also includes CMOS wafer bonded to the MEMS wafer. The CMOS wafer includes at least one metal electrode, such that an electrical connection is formed between the at least one metal electrode and at least a portion of the metal conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. DANEMAN, Martin LIM, Xiang LI, Li-Wen HUNG
  • Patent number: 10071906
    Abstract: Systems and methods that protect CMOS layers from exposure to a release chemical are provided. The release chemical is utilized to release a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device integrated with the CMOS wafer. Sidewalls of passivation openings created in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) wafer expose a dielectric layer of the CMOS wafer that can be damaged on contact with the release chemical. In one aspect, to protect the CMOS wafer and prevent exposure of the dielectric layer, the sidewalls of the passivation openings can be covered with a metal barrier layer that is resistant to the release chemical. Additionally or optionally, an insulating barrier layer can be deposited on the surface of the CMOS wafer to protect a passivation layer from exposure to the release chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Daneman, Fariborz Assaderaghi
  • Publication number: 20170327370
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system device is disclosed. The micro-mechanical system device comprises a first silicon substrate comprising: a handle layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the second surface comprises a cavity; an insulating layer deposited over the second surface of the handle layer; a device layer having a third surface bonded to the insulating layer and a fourth surface; a piezoelectric layer deposited over the fourth surface of the device layer; a metal conductivity layer disposed over the piezoelectric layer; a bond layer disposed over a portion of the metal conductivity layer; and a stand-off formed on the first silicon substrate; wherein the first silicon substrate is bonded to a second silicon substrate, comprising: a metal electrode configured to form an electrical connection between the metal conductivity layer formed on the first silicon substrate and the second silicon substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Julius Ming-Lin Tsai, Michael J. Daneman
  • Publication number: 20170297900
    Abstract: MEMS device for low resistance applications are disclosed. In a first aspect, the MEMS device comprises a MEMS wafer including a handle wafer with one or more cavities containing a first surface and a second surface and an insulating layer deposited on the second surface of the handle wafer. The MEMS device also includes a device layer having a third and fourth surface, the third surface bonded to the insulating layer of the second surface of handle wafer; and a metal conductive layer on the fourth surface. The MEMS device also includes CMOS wafer bonded to the MEMS wafer. The CMOS wafer includes at least one metal electrode, such that an electrical connection is formed between the at least one metal electrode and at least a portion of the metal conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Michael J. DANEMAN, Martin LIM, Xiang LI, Li-Wen HUNG
  • Publication number: 20170022054
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system device is disclosed. The micro-mechanical system device comprises a first silicon substrate comprising: a handle layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the second surface comprises a cavity; an insulating layer deposited over the second surface of the handle layer; a device layer having a third surface bonded to the insulating layer and a fourth surface; a piezoelectric layer deposited over the fourth surface of the device layer; a metal conductivity layer disposed over the piezoelectric layer; a bond layer disposed over a portion of the metal conductivity layer; and a stand-off formed on the first silicon substrate; wherein the first silicon substrate is bonded to a second silicon substrate, comprising: a metal electrode configured to form an electrical connection between the metal conductivity layer formed on the first silicon substrate and the second silicon substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Julius Ming-Lin Tsai, Michael J. Daneman
  • Publication number: 20170015547
    Abstract: Systems and methods that protect CMOS layers from exposure to a release chemical are provided. The release chemical is utilized to release a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device integrated with the CMOS wafer. Sidewalls of passivation openings created in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) wafer expose a dielectric layer of the CMOS wafer that can be damaged on contact with the release chemical. In one aspect, to protect the CMOS wafer and prevent exposure of the dielectric layer, the sidewalls of the passivation openings can be covered with a metal barrier layer that is resistant to the release chemical. Additionally or optionally, an insulating barrier layer can be deposited on the surface of the CMOS wafer to protect a passivation layer from exposure to the release chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Michael J. Daneman, Fariborz Assaderaghi
  • Patent number: 9511994
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system device is disclosed. The micro-mechanical system device comprises a first silicon substrate comprising: a handle layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the second surface comprises a cavity; an insulating layer deposited over the second surface of the handle layer; a device layer having a third surface bonded to the insulating layer and a fourth surface; a piezoelectric layer deposited over the fourth surface of the device layer; a metal conductivity layer disposed over the piezoelectric layer; a bond layer disposed over a portion of the metal conductivity layer; and a stand-off formed on the first silicon substrate; wherein the first silicon substrate is bonded to a second silicon substrate, comprising: a metal electrode configured to form an electrical connection between the metal conductivity layer formed on the first silicon substrate and the second silicon substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Julius Ming-Lin Tsai, Michael J. Daneman
  • Patent number: 9487396
    Abstract: Systems and methods that protect CMOS layers from exposure to a release chemical are provided. The release chemical is utilized to release a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device integrated with the CMOS wafer. Sidewalls of passivation openings created in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) wafer expose a dielectric layer of the CMOS wafer that can be damaged on contact with the release chemical. In one aspect, to protect the CMOS wafer and prevent exposure of the dielectric layer, the sidewalls of the passivation openings can be covered with a metal barrier layer that is resistant to the release chemical. Additionally or optionally, an insulating barrier layer can be deposited on the surface of the CMOS wafer to protect a passivation layer from exposure to the release chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Daneman, Fariborz Assaderaghi
  • Publication number: 20160068388
    Abstract: Systems and methods that protect CMOS layers from exposure to a release chemical are provided. The release chemical is utilized to release a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device integrated with the CMOS wafer. Sidewalls of passivation openings created in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) wafer expose a dielectric layer of the CMOS wafer that can be damaged on contact with the release chemical. In one aspect, to protect the CMOS wafer and prevent exposure of the dielectric layer, the sidewalls of the passivation openings can be covered with a metal barrier layer that is resistant to the release chemical. Additionally or optionally, an insulating barrier layer can be deposited on the surface of the CMOS wafer to protect a passivation layer from exposure to the release chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Daneman, Fariborz Assaderaghi
  • Publication number: 20150298965
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system device is disclosed. The micro-mechanical system device comprises a first silicon substrate comprising: a handle layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the second surface comprises a cavity; an insulating layer deposited over the second surface of the handle layer; a device layer having a third surface bonded to the insulating layer and a fourth surface; a piezoelectric layer deposited over the fourth surface of the device layer; a metal conductivity layer disposed over the piezoelectric layer; a bond layer disposed over a portion of the metal conductivity layer; and a stand-off formed on the first silicon substrate; wherein the first silicon substrate is bonded to a second silicon substrate, comprising: a metal electrode configured to form an electrical connection between the metal conductivity layer formed on the first silicon substrate and the second silicon substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Julius Ming-Lin Tsai, Michael J. Daneman
  • Patent number: 9114977
    Abstract: MEMS device for low resistance applications are disclosed. In a first aspect, the MEMS device comprises a MEMS wafer including a handle wafer with one or more cavities containing a first surface and a second surface and an insulating layer deposited on the second surface of the handle wafer. The MEMS device also includes a device layer having a third and fourth surface, the third surface bonded to the insulating layer of the second surface of handle wafer; and a metal conductive layer on the fourth surface. The MEMS device also includes CMOS wafer bonded to the MEMS wafer. The CMOS wafer includes at least one metal electrode, such that an electrical connection is formed between the at least one metal electrode and at least a portion of the metal conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Daneman, Martin Lim, Xiang Li, Li-Wen Hung
  • Publication number: 20140145244
    Abstract: MEMS device for low resistance applications are disclosed. In a first aspect, the MEMS device comprises a MEMS wafer including a handle wafer with one or more cavities containing a first surface and a second surface and an insulating layer deposited on the second surface of the handle wafer. The MEMS device also includes a device layer having a third and fourth surface, the third surface bonded to the insulating layer of the second surface of handle wafer; and a metal conductive layer on the fourth surface. The MEMS device also includes CMOS wafer bonded to the MEMS wafer. The CMOS wafer includes at least one metal electrode, such that an electrical connection is formed between the at least one metal electrode and at least a portion of the metal conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. DANEMAN, Martin LIM, Xiang LI, Li-Wen HUNG
  • Patent number: 8564076
    Abstract: A MEMS device is disclosed. The MEMS device comprises a MEMS substrate. The MEMS substrate includes a first semiconductor layer connected to a second semiconductor layer with a dielectric layer in between. MEMS structures are formed from the second semiconductor layer and include a plurality of first conductive pads. The MEMS device further includes a base substrate which includes a plurality of second conductive pads thereon. The second conductive pads are connected to the first conductive pads. Finally, the MEMS device includes a conductive connector formed through the dielectric layer of the MEMS substrate to provide electrical coupling between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The base substrate is electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer and the first semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Invensense, Inc.
    Inventors: Kegang Huang, Jongwoo Shin, Martin Lim, Michael J. Daneman, Joseph Seeger
  • Patent number: 8384134
    Abstract: A MEMS device is disclosed. The MEMS device comprises a MEMS substrate and a CMOS substrate having a front surface, a back surface and one or more metallization layers. The front surface being bonded to the MEMS substrate. The MEMS device includes one or more conductive features on the back surface of the CMOS substrate and electrical connections between the one or more metallization layers and the one or more conductive features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Invensense, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Daneman, Steven S. Nasiri, Martin Lim
  • Publication number: 20130001710
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a MEMS device with a portion exposed to an outside environment are disclosed. The method comprises bonding a handle wafer to a device wafer to form a MEMS substrate with a dielectric layer disposed between the handle and device wafers. The method includes lithographically defining at least one standoff on the device wafer and bonding the at least one standoff to an integrated circuit substrate to form a sealed cavity between the MEMS substrate and the integrated circuit substrate. The method includes defining at least one opening in the handle wafer, standoff, or integrated circuit substrate to expose a portion of the to expose a portion of the device wafer to the outside environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. DANEMAN, Martin LIM, Joseph SEEGER, Igor TCHERTKOV, Steven S. NASIRI