Abstract: A MEMS capacitive transducer with increased robustness and resilience to acoustic shock. The transducer structure includes a flexible membrane supported between a first volume and a second volume, and at least one variable vent structure in communication with at least one of the first and second volumes. The variable vent structure includes at least one moveable portion which is moveable in response to a pressure differential across the moveable portion so as to vary the size of a flow path through the vent structure. The variable vent may be formed through the membrane and the moveable portion may be a part of the membrane, defined by one or more channels, that is deflectable away from the surface of the membrane. The variable vent is preferably closed in the normal range of pressure differentials but opens at high pressure differentials to provide more rapid equalisation of the air volumes above and below the membrane.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for authenticating a user of a computing device. The system comprises one or more memory devices storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to provide, to a computing device associated with a user, an indication of a prescribed authentication parameter. The system also receives image data including an image of the user of the computing device captured using an image sensor of the computing device. The system determines an identity of the user based on an analysis of the received image data, determines whether the received image data includes a feature corresponding to the prescribed authentication parameter, and authenticates the user based at least in part on whether the received image data includes the feature corresponding to the prescribed authentication parameter.

Abstract: The application describes MEMS transducer having a flexible membrane and which seeks to alleviate and/or redistribute stresses within the membrane layer. A membrane having a first/active region and a second/inactive region is described.

Abstract: The application describes a MEMS transducer comprising a layer of conductive material provided on a surface of a layer of membrane material. The layer of conductive material comprises first and second regions, wherein the thickness and/or the conductivity of the/each first and second regions is different.

Abstract: The application describes MEMS transducers having a vent structure provided in a flexible membrane of the vent structure The vent structure comprises at least one moveable portion and the vent structure is configured such that, in response to a differential pressure across the vent structure, the moveable portion is rotatable about first and second axes of rotation, which axes of rotation extend in the plane of the membrane.

Abstract: A MEMS transducer and method of forming a MEMS transducer. The MEMS transducer comprises a flexible membrane and a backplate, a membrane electrode being located on a polygon shaped first surface of the flexible membrane, and a backplate electrode being located on a first surface of the backplate facing the membrane electrode. At least one of the membrane electrode and the backplate electrode has an outline shape configured to correspond to a contour of a contour map, the contour map representing relative amounts of displacement of portions of the flexible membrane from an equilibrium position in response to pressure differences generated by incident sound waves.

Abstract: The application describes a MEMS transducer comprising a membrane which comprises an active membrane region and a substrate having a cavity. An upper surface of the substrate comprises an overlap region which underlies the membrane. A first portion of the overlap region is provided with at least one recess. The at least one recess does not intersect an edge of the cavity.

Abstract: A MEMS transducer configured to operate as a microphone, the MEMS transducer comprising a flexible membrane, the flexible membrane having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface of the flexible membrane is fluidically isolated from the second surface of the flexible membrane. Also, a MEMS device comprising a MEMS transducer, an electronic device comprising a MEMS transducer and/or a MEMS device, and a method for forming a MEMS device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for authenticating a user of a computing device. The system comprises one or more memory devices storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to provide, to a computing device associated with a user, an indication of a prescribed authentication parameter. The system also receives image data including an image of the user of the computing device captured using an image sensor of the computing device. The system determines an identity of the user based on an analysis of the received image data, determines whether the received image data includes a feature corresponding to the prescribed authentication parameter, and authenticates the user based at least in part on whether the received image data includes the feature corresponding to the prescribed authentication parameter.

Abstract: The application describes MEMS transducers having a patterned membrane electrode which incorporates a plurality of openings or voids. A conductive element is provided on the surface of the underlying membrane within the opening.