Physical Stress Responsive Patents (Class 438/50)
  • Patent number: 8963263
    Abstract: The invention relates to measurement and control of mechanical values, in particular, to control of stress conditions of various structures and manufacturing sensors of resistant strain gauge type for measuring various mechanical values. It can be used in manufacturing sensors of deformation, force, pressure, movement, vibration etc. to increase accuracy in resistant strain gauge measuring at sensitivity preservation. The resistant strain gauge for deformation and pressure measuring represents a dielectric substrate with spread strain-sensing layer in state of polycrystalline film, which contains samarium sulfide, and metal contact pads. Pads are placed on the same side of a film and output signals are soldered to them. Strain-sensing layer comprises holes which connect the pads. According to the first option, strain-sensing layer has the following composition Sm1?xLnxS, where Ln is one from the elements: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu, Y, at 0<x<0.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: SmS tenzotherm GmbH
    Inventors: Vladimir Vasil'evich Kaminskii, Alexander Vasil'evich Golubkou, Volodin Nikolay Mikhailovich, Soloviev Sergey Mikhailovich
  • Patent number: 8962367
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device. In an embodiment, a method includes providing a substrate including a first sacrificial layer, forming a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) structure above the first sacrificial layer, and forming a release aperture at substantially a same level above the first sacrificial layer as the MEMS structure. The method further includes forming a second sacrificial layer above the MEMS structure and within the release aperture, and forming a first cap over the second sacrificial layer and the MEMS structure, wherein a leg of the first cap is disposed between the MEMS structure and the release aperture. The method further includes removing the first sacrificial layer, removing the second sacrificial layer through the release aperture, and plugging the release aperture. A MEMS device formed by such a method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Hsien Lin, Chia-Hua Chu, Chun-Wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 8963120
    Abstract: An optoelectronic semiconductor component includes a semiconductor layer sequence having at least one active layer, and a photonic crystal that couples radiation having a peak wavelength out of or into the semiconductor layer sequence, wherein the photonic crystal is at a distance from the active layer and formed by superimposition of at least two lattices having mutually different reciprocal lattice constants normalized to the peak wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH, The University Court of the University of St. Andrews
    Inventors: Krister Bergenek, Christopher Wiesmann, Thomas F. Krauss
  • Patent number: 8963281
    Abstract: Techniques are described to simultaneously form an isolation trench and a handle wafer contact without additional mask steps. In one or more implementations, an isolation trench and a handle wafer contact trench are simultaneously formed in a substrate. The substrate includes an insulating layer that defines a trench bottom of the handle wafer contact trench. A handle wafer is bonded to a bottom surface of the substrate. An oxide insulating layer is deposited in the isolation trench and the handle wafer contact trench. The oxide insulating layer is then etched so that the oxide insulating layer covering the trench bottom is at least partially removed. The trench bottom is then etched so that a top surface of the handle wafer is at least partially exposed. The handle wafer contact trench may then be at least partially filled with an electrical conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher S. Blair
  • Patent number: 8956903
    Abstract: A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) cavity includes forming a first sacrificial cavity layer over a wiring layer and substrate. The method further includes forming an insulator layer over the first sacrificial cavity layer. The method further includes performing a reverse damascene etchback process on the insulator layer. The method further includes planarizing the insulator layer and the first sacrificial cavity layer. The method further includes venting or stripping of the first sacrificial cavity layer to a planar surface for a first cavity of the MEMS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Russell T. Herrin, Christopher V. Jahnes, Anthony K. Stamper, Eric J. White
  • Patent number: 8952467
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate, a sidewall that is disposed on the substrate and forms a cavity, a first layer that is disposed on the sidewall and covers the cavity, a second layer that is formed on the first layer and has a region disposed outside an outline of the first layer in a plan view, a dielectric layer disposed below the region of the second layer disposed outside the outline of the first layer in a plan view, and a functional element disposed inside the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiko Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 8952463
    Abstract: A MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System) structure preventing stiction, comprising: a substrate; and at least two structural layers above the substrate, wherein at least one of the at least two structural layers is a movable part, and anyone or more of the at least two structural layers is provided with at least one bump to prevent the movable part from sticking to another portion of the MEMS structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Pixart Imaging Incorporation
    Inventors: Chuan-Wei Wang, Sheng-Ta Lee, Hsin-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 8945968
    Abstract: A compliant micro device transfer head and head array are disclosed. In an embodiment a micro device transfer head includes a spring arm having integrated electrode leads that is deflectable into a space between a base substrate and the spring arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: LuxVue Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Bibl, Dariusz Golda
  • Patent number: 8946872
    Abstract: A method for producing a semiconductor includes providing a p-doped semiconductor body having a first side and a second side; implanting protons into the semiconductor body via the first side to a target depth of the semiconductor body; bonding the first side of the semiconductor body to a carrier substrate; forming an n-doped zone in the semiconductor body by heating the semiconductor body such that a pn junction arises in the semiconductor body; and removing the second side of the semiconductor body at least as far as a space charge zone spanned at the pn junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Anton Mauder, Hans-Joachim Schulze, Helmut Strack, Hans-Joerg Timme, Wolfgang Werner
  • Publication number: 20150031159
    Abstract: A device includes a substrate, a routing conductive line over the substrate, a dielectric layer over the routing conductive line, and an etch stop layer over the dielectric layer. A Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) device has a portion over the etch stop layer. A contact plug penetrates through the etch stop layer and the dielectric layer. The contact plug connects the portion of the MEMS device to the routing conductive line. An escort ring is disposed over the etch stop layer and under the MEMS device, wherein the escort ring encircles the contact plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Shang-Ying Tsai, Hung-Hua Lin, Lung Yuan Pan, Yao-Te Huang, Hsin-Ting Huang, Jung-Huei Peng
  • Publication number: 20150028438
    Abstract: There are provided a process for fabricating MEMS device that includes a plurality of through-holes capable being arranged at a high density, the through-holes having a tapered end portion. Through-holes having vertical side surfaces and tapered bottoms are provided by a processing method including the steps of: disposing quadrilateral patterning having desired dimensions on a silicon substrate having a flat surface of a crystal plane, etching the substrate to a desired depth by dry etching that can realize a high aspect ratio etching, and anisotropic wet etching the dry etched substrate with a KOH aqueous solution containing isopropyl alcohol mixed thereinto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Kanamaru, Takanori Aono, Kengo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8940570
    Abstract: Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are disclosed. The method includes forming at least one fixed electrode on a substrate. The method further includes forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) beam with a varying width dimension, as viewed from a top of the MEMS beam, over the at least one fixed electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher V. Jahnes, Anthony K. Stamper
  • Patent number: 8941192
    Abstract: A method for making an actuator device includes forming a substantially planar structure having a stage resiliently supported for movement within a plane of the structure, an actuator coupled to an outer periphery of the stage and operable to apply a force acting in the plane and tangentially to the stage when actuated, the actuator comprising a fixed frame and a moving frame resiliently supported for reciprocal movement relative to the fixed frame by a motion control flexure, and an outer frame surrounding and supporting the stage and the actuator. The moving frame is moved to a deployed position that is coplanar with, parallel to and spaced apart from the fixed frame at a selected distance, and the moving frame is then fixed at the deployed position for substantially rectilinear, perpendicular movement relative to the fixed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation MEMS
    Inventors: Robert J. Calvet, Xiaolei Liu, Ankur Jain, Lakshminarayan Hariharan, Roman C. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 8941193
    Abstract: A simple and cost-effective manufacturing method for hybrid integrated components including at least one MEMS element, a cap for the micromechanical structure of the MEMS element, and at least one ASIC substrate, using which a high degree of miniaturization may be achieved. The micromechanical structure of the MEMS element and the cap are manufactured in a layered structure, proceeding from a shared semiconductor substrate, by applying at least one cap layer to a first surface of the semiconductor substrate, and by processing and structuring the semiconductor substrate proceeding from its other second surface, to produce and expose the micromechanical MEMS structure. The semiconductor substrate is then mounted with the MEMS-structured second surface on the ASIC substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Frey, Frank Fischer
  • Publication number: 20150024534
    Abstract: Systems and methods for two degree of freedom dithering for micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) sensor calibration are provided. In one embodiment, a method for a device comprises forming a MEMS sensor layer, the MEMS sensor layer comprising a MEMS sensor and an in-plane rotator to rotate the MEMS sensor in the plane of the MEMS sensor layer. Further, the method comprises forming a first and second rotor layer and bonding the first rotor layer to a top surface and the second rotor layer to the bottom surface of the MEMS sensor layer, such that a first and second rotor portion of the first and second rotor layers connect to the MEMS sensor. Also, the method comprises separating the first and second rotor portions from the first and second rotor layers, wherein the first and second rotor portions and the MEMS sensor rotate about an in-plane axis of the MEMS sensor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Ryan Supino, Eugen Cabuz, Burgess R. Johnson, Robert D. Horning
  • Publication number: 20150021717
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for reducing stiction in a MEMS device by forming a near-uniform silicon carbide layer on silicon surfaces using carbon from TEOS-based silicon oxide sacrificial films used during fabrication. By using the TEOS as a source of carbon to form an antistiction coating, all silicon surfaces can be coated, including those that are difficult to coat using standard self-assembled monolayer (SAM) processes (e.g., locations beneath the proof mass). Controlled processing parameters, such as temperature, length of time for annealing, and the like, provide for a near-uniform silicon carbide coating not provided by previous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Michael D. Turner, Ruben B. Montez
  • Patent number: 8936959
    Abstract: An rf MEMS system has a semiconductor substrate, e.g., silicon. The system also has a control module provided overlying one or more first regions of the semiconductor substrate according to a specific embodiment. The system also has a base band module provided overlying one or more second regions of the semiconductor substrate and an rf module provided overlying one or more third regions of the semiconductor substrate. The system also has one or more MEMS devices integrally coupled to at least the rf module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: mCube Inc.
    Inventor: Xiao (Charles) Yang
  • Patent number: 8936960
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated device includes the following steps. First, a multi-layered structure is formed on a substrate, wherein the multi-layered structure is embedded in a lower isolation layer. Then, a bottom conductive pattern and a top conductive pattern are formed on a top surface of the lower isolation layer, wherein the top conductive pattern is on a top surface of the bottom conductive pattern. Afterwards, portions of the top conductive pattern are removed to expose portions of the bottom conductive pattern. Subsequently, an upper isolation layer is deposited on the lower isolation layer so that the upper isolation layer can be in direct contact with the portions of the bottom conductive pattern. Finally, portions of the lower isolation layer and the upper isolation layer are removed so as to expose portions of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Kuan-Yu Wang, Hui-Min Wu, Kun-Che Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20150014799
    Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a first sensor element, and an outer edge portion arranged in at least part of the outer periphery of the first sensor element, and a first groove extending in a first direction provided in the outer edge portion in a plan view of the outer edge portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Satoru TANAKA
  • Patent number: 8932893
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes bonding a transducer wafer to a substrate wafer along a bond interface. An unpatterned transducer layer included within the transducer wafer is patterned. A release etch process is then performed during which a sacrificial layer is exposed to a selected release etchant to remove at a least a portion of the sacrificial layer through the openings in the patterned transducer layer. A release etch stop layer is formed between the sacrificial layer and the bond interface prior to exposing the sacrificial layer to the release etchant. The release etch stop layer prevents the ingress of the selected release etchant into the region of the MEMS device containing the bond interface during the release etch process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthieu Lagouge
  • Publication number: 20150008541
    Abstract: A MEMS capacitive pressure sensor is provided. The pressure sensor includes a substrate having a first region and a second region, and a first dielectric layer formed on the substrate. The pressure sensor also includes a first electrode layer formed on the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer having first openings formed on the first electrode layer. Further, the pressure sensor includes conductive sidewalls connecting with the first electrode layer formed on sidewalls of the first openings, and a second electrode layer with a portion formed on the second dielectric layer in the second region and the rest suspended over the conductive sidewalls in the first region. Further, the pressure sensor also includes a chamber between the conductive sidewalls and the second electrode layer; and a third dielectric layer formed on the second electrode layer exposing a portion of the second electrode layer in the first region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventor: ZHONGSHAN HONG
  • Publication number: 20150008540
    Abstract: A method for forming an integrated semiconductor device includes providing a first wafer, providing a second wafer, and bonding the first wafer over the second wafer. The first wafer includes a first substrate having a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device layer. The second wafer includes a second substrate having at least one active device, and at least one interconnect layer over the second substrate. The MEMS device layer is connected with the at least one interconnect layer. The method further includes forming at least one conductive plug through the first substrate and the MEMS device layer and inside the at least one interconnect layer, etching the second substrate and the at least one interconnect layer to form a cavity extending from a surface of the second substrate to the MEMS device layer, and etching the first substrate and the MEMS device layer to form a MEMS device interfacing with the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Chia-Hua CHU, Chun-Wen CHENG
  • Publication number: 20150008543
    Abstract: A MEMS capacitive pressure sensor is provided. The MEMS capacitive pressure sensor includes a substrate having a first region and a second region, and a first dielectric layer formed on the substrate. The capacitive pressure sensor also includes a second dielectric layer having a step surface profile formed on the first dielectric layer, and a first electrode layer having a step surface profile formed on the second dielectric layer. Further, the MEMS capacitive pressure sensor includes an insulation layer formed on the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer having a step surface profile with a portion formed on the insulation layer in the peripheral region and the rest suspended over the first electrode layer in the device region. Further, the MEMS capacitive pressure sensor also includes a chamber having a step surface profile formed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventor: ZHONGSHAN HONG
  • Publication number: 20150011035
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated device includes the following steps. First, a multi-layered structure is formed on a substrate, wherein the multi-layered structure is embedded in a lower isolation layer. Then, a bottom conductive pattern and a top conductive pattern are formed on a top surface of the lower isolation layer, wherein the top conductive pattern is on a top surface of the bottom conductive pattern. Afterwards, portions of the top conductive pattern are removed to expose portions of the bottom conductive pattern. Subsequently, an upper isolation layer is deposited on the lower isolation layer so that the upper isolation layer can be in direct contact with the portions of the bottom conductive pattern. Finally, portions of the lower isolation layer and the upper isolation layer are removed so as to expose portions of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Kuan-Yu Wang, Hui-Min Wu, Kun-Che Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8928042
    Abstract: A structure having a plurality of conductive regions insulated electrically from each other comprises a movable piece supported movably above the upper face of the conductive region, the movable piece having an electrode in opposition to the conductive region, the structure being constructed to be capable of emitting and receiving electric signals through the lower face of the conductive region, the plural conductive regions being insulated by sequentially connected oxidized regions formed from an oxide of a material having through-holes or grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Kandori, Chienliu Chang, Makoto Takagi
  • Publication number: 20150004732
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated structure for MEMS device and semiconductor device comprises steps of: providing a substrate having a transistor thereon in a semiconductor device region and a first MEMS component thereon in a MEMS region; performing a interconnect process on the substrate in the semiconductor device region to form a plurality of first dielectric layers, at least a conductive plug and at least a conductive layer in the first dielectric layers; forming a plurality of second dielectric layers and an etch stopping device in the second dielectric layers on the substrate in a etch stopping device region; forming a plurality of third dielectric layers and at least a second MEMS component in the third dielectric layers on the substrate in the MEMS region; and performing an etching process to remove the third dielectric layers in the MEMS region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Bang-Chiang Lan, Li-Hsun Ho, Wei-Cheng Wu, Hui-Min Wu, Min Chen, Tzung-I Su, Chien-Hsin Huang
  • Patent number: 8921144
    Abstract: A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a lower sacrificial material used to form a lower cavity. The method further includes forming a cavity via connecting the lower cavity to an upper cavity. The cavity via is formed with a top view profile of rounded or chamfered edges. The method further includes forming an upper sacrificial material within and above the cavity via, which has a resultant surface based on the profile of the cavity via. The upper cavity is formed with a lid that is devoid of structures that would interfere with a MEMS beam, including: depositing a lid material on the resultant surface of the upper sacrificial material; and venting the upper sacrificial material to form the upper cavity such the lid material forms the lid which conforms with the resultant surface of the upper sacrificial material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Dunbar, III, Jeffrey C. Maling, William J. Murphy, Anthony K. Stamper
  • Patent number: 8921951
    Abstract: A MEMS device includes: a movable element supported by a supporting member on a substrate; an encapsulation structure provided above the substrate so as to encapsulate the movable element; and a fin that is made of an insulation film, provided above the substrate, and provided inside of the encapsulation structure and outside of the movable element, and a part of the fin being positioned between a height from the substrate when the movable element are turned ON and a height from the substrate when the movable element are turned OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Shimooka
  • Patent number: 8921165
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a MEMS device in which silicon residues from the adhesion promoter material are reduced or even eliminated from the cavity floor. The adhesion promoter is typically used to adhere sacrificial material to material above the substrate. The adhesion promoter is the removed along with then sacrificial material. However, the adhesion promoter leaves silicon based residues within the cavity upon removal. The inventors have discovered that the adhesion promoter can be removed from the cavity area prior to depositing the sacrificial material. The adhesion promoter which remains over the remainder of the substrate is sufficient to adhere the sacrificial material to the substrate without fear of the sacrificial material delaminating. Because no adhesion promoter is used in the cavity area of the device, no silicon residues will be present within the cavity after the switching element of the MEMS device is freed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cavendish Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian I. Troy, Mickael Renault, Thomas L. Maguire, Joseph Damian Gordon Lacey, James F. Bobey
  • Patent number: 8921952
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating crack resistant Microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices are provided, as are MEMS devices produced pursuant to such methods. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a sacrificial body over a substrate, producing a multi-layer membrane structure on the substrate, and removing at least a portion of the sacrificial body to form an inner cavity within the multi-layer membrane structure. The multi-layer membrane structure is produced by first forming a base membrane layer over and around the sacrificial body such that the base membrane layer has a non-planar upper surface. A predetermined thickness of the base membrane layer is then removed to impart the base membrane layer with a planar upper surface. A cap membrane layer is formed over the planar upper surface of the base membrane layer. The cap membrane layer is composed of a material having a substantially parallel grain orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Chad S Dawson, Dubravka Bilic, Lianjun Liu, Andrew C McNeil
  • Patent number: 8921145
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device and method for forming a MEMS device is provided. A proof mass is suspended a distance above a surface of a substrate by a fulcrum. A pair of sensing plates are positioned on the substrate on opposing sides of the fulcrum. Metal bumps are associated with each sensing plate and positioned near a respective distal end of the proof mass. Each metal bump extends from the surface of the substrate and generally inhibits charge-induced stiction associated with the proof mass. Oxide bumps are associated with each of the pair of sensing plates and positioned between the respective sensing plate and the fulcrum. Each oxide bump extends from the first surface of the substrate a greater distance than the metal bumps and acts as a shock absorber by preventing the distal ends of the proof mass from contacting the metal bumps during shock loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Pao Shu, Kelvin Tai, Calvin Hung, Benior Chen
  • Publication number: 20140374804
    Abstract: A micromechanical sensor apparatus having a movable gate includes a field effect transistor that has a movable gate, which is separated from a channel region by a cavity. The channel region is covered by a gate insulation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ando Feyh
  • Publication number: 20140374851
    Abstract: A method (60) entails providing a substrate (34) with a structural layer (30) having a thickness (40). A partial etch process is performed at locations (82) on the structural layer (30) so that a portion (92) of the structural layer (30) remains at the locations (82). An oxidation process is performed at the locations which consumes the remaining portion of the structural layer and forms an oxide (36) having a thickness (42) that is similar to the thickness (40) of the structural layer (30). The oxide (36) electrically isolates microstructures (28) in the structural layer (30), thus producing a structure (22). A device substrate (120) is coupled to the structure (22) such that a cavity (48) is formed between them. An active region (44) is formed in the device substrate (120). A short etch process can be performed to expose the microstructures from an overlying oxide layer (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventor: Lianjun Liu
  • Publication number: 20140374846
    Abstract: In one embodiment a pressure sensor is provided. The pressure sensor includes a housing having an input port configured to allow a media to enter the housing. A support is mounted within the housing, the support defining a first aperture extending therethrough. A stress isolation member is mounted within the first aperture of the support, the stress isolation member defining a second aperture extending therethrough, wherein the stress isolation member is composed of silicon. sensor die bonded to the stress isolation member. The sensor die includes a silicon substrate having an insulator layer on a first side of the silicon substrate; and sensing circuitry disposed in the insulator layer on the first side, wherein a second side of the silicon substrate is exposed to the second aperture of the stress isolation member and the second side is reverse of the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory C. Brown, Curtis Rahn
  • Publication number: 20140374850
    Abstract: One or more conductive shielding plates are formed in a standard ASIC wafer top metal layer, e.g., for blocking cross-talk from MEMS device structure(s) on the MEMS wafer to circuitry on the ASIC wafer when the MEMS device is capped directly by the ASIC wafer in a wafer-level chip scale package. Generally speaking, a shielding plate should be at least slightly larger than the MEMS device structure it is shielding (e.g., a movable MEMS structure such as an accelerometer proof mass or a gyroscope resonator), and the shielding plate cannot be in contact with the MEMS device structure during or after wafer bonding. Thus, a recess is formed to ensure that there is sufficient cavity space away from the top surface of the MEMS device structure. The shielding plate is electrically conductive and can be biased, e.g., to the same voltage as the opposing MEMS device structure in order to maintain zero electrostatic attraction force between the MEMS device structure and the shielding plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Li Chen, Thomas Kieran Nunan, Kuang L. Yang, Jeffrey Gregory
  • Patent number: 8916942
    Abstract: The invention relates to temperature compensated micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) resonators (300) preferably made of silicon. Prior art MEMS resonators have a significant temperature coefficient of resonance frequency, whereby it is difficult to achieve a sufficiently good frequency stability. The inventive MEMS resonator has a resonance plate (310) which resonates in Lamé mode. The resonance plate is p+ doped material, such as silicon doped with boron, and the concentration of the p+ doping is such that the plate has a temperature coefficient of resonance frequency near to zero. The tensile stress and the second order temperature coefficient can further be reduced by doping the plate with germanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Tuomas Pensala, Antti Jaakkola
  • Patent number: 8916943
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a first layer comprising at least two partial cavities, an intermediate layer bonded to the first layer, the intermediate layer formed to support at least two Micro-electromechanical System (MEMS) devices, and a second layer bonded to the intermediate layer, the second layer comprising at least two partial cavities to complete the at least two partial cavities of the first layer through the intermediate layer to form at least two sealed full cavities. The at least two full cavities have different pressures within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shyh-Wei Cheng, Jui-Chun Weng, Hsi-Cheng Hsu, Chih-Yu Wang, Jung-Kuo Tu, Che-Jung Chu, Yu-Ting Hsu
  • Patent number: 8916407
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micromachined resonator having a moveable member comprising forming the moveable member from a material having a first concentration of dopants of a first impurity type, depositing a dopant carrier layer on or over at least a portion of the moveable member, wherein the dopant carrier layer includes one or more dopants of the first impurity type, transferring at least a portion of the one or more dopants from the dopant carrier layer to the moveable member, wherein, in response, the concentration of dopants of the first impurity type in the moveable member increases (for example, to greater than 1019 cm?3, and preferably between 1019 cm?3 and 1021 cm?3). The method further includes removing the dopant carrier layer and may include providing an encapsulation structure over the moveable member of the micromachined resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: SiTime Corporation
    Inventors: Charles I Grosjean, Ginel Hill, Paul M. Hagelin, Renata Melamud Berger, Aaron Partridge, Markus Lutz
  • Publication number: 20140367809
    Abstract: A micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) apparatus includes a substrate. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface and the second surface are on opposing sides of the substrate. A programming contact pad is disposed on the second surface of the substrate. A MEMS device is disposed on the first surface of the substrate. An integrated circuit is disposed on the first surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the MEMS device and the contact pad. An anti-fuse region is coupled to the pad and to ground. When the anti-fuse region is not fused, a first electrical path exists from the programming contact pad to the integrated circuit. When the anti-fuse region is fused, a second electrical path is created from the programming contact pad to ground and the first electrical path is no longer available for programming purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: John J. Albers
  • Publication number: 20140370639
    Abstract: The present invention provides a MEMS and a sensor having the MEMS which can be formed without a process of etching a sacrifice layer. The MEMS and the sensor having the MEMS are formed by forming an interspace using a spacer layer. In the MEMS in which an interspace is formed using a spacer layer, a process for forming a sacrifice layer and an etching process of the sacrifice layer are not required. As a result, there is no restriction on the etching time, and thus the yield can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Mayumi Yamaguchi, Konami Izumi, Fuminori Tateishi
  • Publication number: 20140370638
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated MEMS-CMOS device. The method can include providing a substrate member having a surface region and forming a CMOS IC layer having at least one CMOS device overlying the surface region. A bottom isolation layer can be formed overlying the CMOS IC layer and a shielding layer and a top isolation layer can be formed overlying a portion of bottom isolation layer. The bottom isolation layer can include an isolation region between the top isolation layer and the shielding layer. A MEMS layer overlying the top isolation layer, the shielding layer, and the bottom isolation layer, and can be etched to form at least one MEMS structure having at least one movable structure and at least one anchored structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: TE-HSI "TERRENCE" LEE, Sudheer S. Sridharamurthy, Shingo Yoneoka, Wenhua Zhang
  • Patent number: 8912094
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a stretchable thin film transistor. The method for manufacturing a stretchable thin film transistor includes forming a mold substrate, forming a stretchable insulator on the mold substrate, forming a flat substrate on the stretchable insulator, removing the mold substrate, forming discontinuous and corrugated wires on the stretchable insulator, forming a thin film transistor connected between the wires, and removing the flat substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jae Bon Koo, Chan Woo Park, Soon-Won Jung, Sang Chul Lim, Ji-Young Oh, Bock Soon Na, Hye Yong Chu
  • Patent number: 8912031
    Abstract: An electronic device includes: a vibrator disposed within a cavity on a substrate and electrically driven; an enclosure wall which has electric conductivity and sections the cavity from an insulation layer surrounding the circumference of the cavity; a first wiring and a second wiring which connect with the vibrator and penetrate the enclosure wall; and a liquid flow preventing portion disposed at the position where the first wiring and the second wiring penetrate the enclosure wall to prevent flow of etchant dissolving the insulation layer from the cavity toward the insulation layer and insulate the first wiring and the second wiring from the enclosure wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yoko Kanemoto, Ryuji Kihara
  • Patent number: 8907434
    Abstract: A MEMS inertial sensor and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes: depositing a first carbon layer on a semiconductor substrate; patterning the first carbon layer to form a fixed anchor bolt, an inertial anchor bolt and a bottom sealing ring; forming a contact plug in the fixed anchor bolt and a contact plug in the inertial anchor bolt; forming a first fixed electrode, an inertial electrode and a connection electrode on the first carbon layer, where the first fixed electrode and the inertial electrode constitute a capacitor; forming a second carbon layer on the first fixed electrode and the inertial electrode; and forming a sealing cap layer on the second carbon layer and the top sealing ring. Under an inertial force, only the inertial electrode may move, the fixed electrode will almost not move or vibrate, which improves the accuracy of the MEMS inertial sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Lexvu Opto Microelectronics Technology (Shanghai) Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhiwei Wang, Deming Tang, Lei Zhang, Jianhong Mao, Fengqin Han
  • Patent number: 8906726
    Abstract: A method for making light emitting diode, the method includes the following steps. First, a substrate having an epitaxial growth surface is provided. Second, a carbon nanotube layer is suspended above the epitaxial growth surface. Third, a first semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second semiconductor layer are grown on the epitaxial growth surface in that order, wherein the first semiconductor layer includes a buffer layer, an intrinsic semiconductor layer, and a doped semiconductor layer stacked in that order. Fourth, the doped semiconductor layer is exposed by removing the substrate, the buffer layer, and the intrinsic semiconductor layer. Fifth, a first electrode is prepared on the first semiconductor layer and a second electrode is prepared on the second semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yang Wei, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Publication number: 20140357006
    Abstract: Method for making at least one first suspended part of a microelectronic or nanoelectronic structure from a monolithic part of a first substrate, the method comprising the following steps: make a first etching with a first given depth in the monolithic substrate to define the suspended part, deposit a protective layer on at least the side edges of the first etching, make a second etching with a second depth in the first etching, make a physicochemical treatment of at least part of the zone located under the suspended structure so as to modify it, and release the suspended part by removal of the physicochemically treated part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: Sofiane BEN MBAREK, Sophie Giroud, Frederic-Xavier Gaillard
  • Publication number: 20140357007
    Abstract: One method includes providing a first substrate; the first substrate may include a first MEMS device and a second MEMS device. A second substrate is also provided. The first substrate is bonded to the second substrate. The bonding may include forming a first bond ring around the first MEMS device and forming a second bond ring around the second MEMS device, wherein the second bond ring also encircles the first bond ring. In an embodiment, the eutectic point of the materials of the second bond ring is not reached during the bonding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Chun-Wen Cheng, Hsueh-An Yang
  • Patent number: 8896074
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical vibration isolation system includes a microelectromechanical structure having a plurality of fin apertures etched therethrough, and a plurality of fins each disposed within a respective one of the plurality of fin apertures and spaced apart from the microelectromechanical structure so as to define a fluid gap therebetween. The fluid gap is configured to provide squeeze film damping of vibrations imparted upon the microelectromechanical structure in at least two dimensions. The system further includes a frame surrounding the microelectromechanical structure, and a plurality of springs each coupled to the microelectromechanical structure and to the frame. The plurality of springs is configured to support the micromechanical structure in relation to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Bernstein, Marc Weinberg
  • Patent number: 8893563
    Abstract: A differential capacitance torque sensor utilizes multiple voltage sources in order to compensate for inherent electrical asymmetries in the sensor. A first voltage source having a voltage V1 is electrically connected across a longitudinally-extending, conductive proof mass, a first upper capacitor C1 and the second lower capacitor C4. A second voltage source having a voltage V2 is connected in series with the first voltage source, a second upper capacitor C3 and a first lower capacitor C2, such that the voltage V2 is given by V 2 = ? ? + 1 ? V 1 , where ? is a parameter defined as ? = C 2 + C 3 C 1 + C 4 - 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Samir Mekid, Igor Gilavdary
  • Patent number: RE45286
    Abstract: An embedded MEMS semiconductor substrate is set forth and can be a starting material for subsequent semiconductor device processing. A MEMS device is formed in a semiconductor substrate, including at least one MEMS electrode and a buried silicon dioxide sacrificial layer has been applied for releasing the MEMS. A planarizing layer is applied over the substrate, MEMS device and MEMS electrode. A polysilicon protection layer is applied over the planarizing layer. A silicon nitride capping layer is applied over the polysilicon protection layer. A polsilicon seed layer is applied over the polysilicon nitride capping layer. The MEMS device is released by removing at least a portion of the buried silicon dioxide sacrificial layer and an epitaxial layer is grown over the polysilicon seed layer to be used for subsequent semiconductor wafer processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Olivier Le Neel, Peyman Sana, Loi Nguyen, Venkatesh Mohanakrishnaswamy