Responsive To Non-electrical Signal (e.g., Chemical, Stress, Light, Or Magnetic Field Sensors) Patents (Class 257/414)
  • Patent number: 8779532
    Abstract: Backside recesses in a base member host components, such as sensors or circuits, to allow closer proximity and efficient use of the surface space and internal volume of the base member. Recesses may include covers, caps, filters and lenses, and may be in communication with circuits on the frontside of the base member, or with circuits on an active backside cap. An array of recessed components may a form complete, compact sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. O'Donnell, Michael J. Cusack, Rigan F. McGeehan, Garrett A. Griffin
  • Patent number: 8778741
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device package that comprises a device having a top substrate that is disposed on a supporting surface of a package substrate. A package frame contacts the top surface of the top substrate and top surface of the package substrate, and hermetically seals the device between the top surfaces of the top substrate and package substrate. The device can be a semiconductor device, a microstructure such as a microelectromechanical device, or other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert M. Duboc, Terry Tarn
  • Patent number: 8772075
    Abstract: A display region and a light sensing region are defined in each pixel region of the OLED touch panel of the present invention. The readout thin film transistor of the light sensing region is formed by the same processes with the drive thin film transistor of the display region. The top and bottom electrodes of the optical sensor are formed by the same processes with the top and bottom electrodes of the OLED. Accordingly, the present invention can just add a step of forming the patterned sensing dielectric layer to the processes of forming an OLED panel to integrate the optical sensor into the pixel region of the OLED panel. Thus, an OLED touch panel is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: An-Thung Cho, Jung-Yen Huang, Chia-Tien Peng, Chun-Hsiun Chen, Wei-Ming Huang
  • Publication number: 20140183668
    Abstract: A pair of electrode plates can be provided by directional deposition and patterning of a conductive material on sidewalls of a template structure on a first dielectric layer. An electrode line straddling the center portion is formed. A dielectric spacer and a conformal conductive layer are subsequently formed. Peripheral electrodes laterally spaced from the electrode line are formed by pattering the conformal conductive layer. After deposition of a second dielectric material layer that encapsulates the template structure, the template structure is removed to provide a cavity that passes through the pair of electrode plates, the electrode line, and the peripheral electrodes. A nanoscale sensor thus formed can electrically characterize a nanoscale string by passing the nanoscale string through the cavity while electrical measurements are performed employing the various electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Josephine B. Chang, Michael A. Guillorn, Eric A. Joseph, Satyavolu S. Papa Rao
  • Publication number: 20140183667
    Abstract: A pair of electrode plates can be provided by directional deposition and patterning of a conductive material on sidewalls of a template structure on a first dielectric layer. An electrode line straddling the center portion is formed. A dielectric spacer and a conformal conductive layer are subsequently formed. Peripheral electrodes laterally spaced from the electrode line are formed by pattering the conformal conductive layer. After deposition of a second dielectric material layer that encapsulates the template structure, the template structure is removed to provide a cavity that passes through the pair of electrode plates, the electrode line, and the peripheral electrodes. A nanoscale sensor thus formed can electrically characterize a nanoscale string by passing the nanoscale string through the cavity while electrical measurements are performed employing the various electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Josephine B. Chang, Michael A. Guillorn, Eric A. Joseph, Satyavolu S. Papa Rao
  • Patent number: 8766380
    Abstract: A method of forming a MEMS device by encapsulating a MEMS element with a sacrificial layer portion deposited over a substrate arrangement, the portion defining a cavity for the MEMS element, forming at least one strip of a further sacrificial material extending outwardly from the portion, forming a cover layer portion over the sacrificial layer portion, the cover layer portion terminating on the at least one strip, removing the sacrificial layer portion and the at least one strip, the removal of the at least one strip defining at least one vent channel extending laterally underneath the cover layer portion and sealing the at least one vent channel. A device including such a packaged micro electro-mechanical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Antoine Armand in 't Zandt, Wim van den Einden, Harold Roosen
  • Patent number: 8766381
    Abstract: The integrated circuit comprises a support substrate having opposite first and second main surfaces. A cavity passes through the support substrate and connects the first and second main surfaces. The integrated circuit comprises a device with a mobile element, the mobile element and a pair of associated electrodes of which are included in a cavity. An anchoring node of the mobile element is located at the level of the first main surface. The integrated circuit comprises a first elementary chip arranged at the level of the first main surface and electrically connected to the device with a mobile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics SA, STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Fabrice Casset, Lionel Cadix, Perceval Coudrain, Alexis Farcy, Laurent-Luc Chapelon, Yacine Felk, Pascal Ancey
  • Patent number: 8766326
    Abstract: A field-effect transistor or a single electron transistor is used as sensors for detecting a detection target such as a biological compound. A substrate has a first side and a second side, the second side being opposed to the first side. A source electrode is disposed on the first side of the substrate and a drain electrode disposed on the first side of the substrate, and a channel forms a current path between the source electrode and the drain electrode. An interaction-sensing gate is disposed on the second side of the substrate, the interaction-sensing gate having a specific substance that is capable of selectively interacting with the detection target. A gate for applying a gate voltage adjusts a characteristic of the transistor as the detection target changes the characteristic of the transistor when interacting with the specific substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Matsumoto, Atsuhiko Kojima, Satoru Nagao, Masanori Katou, Yutaka Yamada, Kazuhiro Nagaike, Yasuo Ifuku, Hiroshi Mitani
  • Publication number: 20140175570
    Abstract: Provided are a dual-side micro gas sensor and a method of fabricating the same. The sensor may include an elastic layer, a heat-generating resistor layer on the elastic layer, an interlayered insulating layer on the heat-generating resistor layer, an upper sensing layer on the interlayered insulating layer, and a lower sensing layer provided below the elastic layer to face the heat-generating resistor layer, thereby reducing heat loss of the heat-generating resistor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Hyung-Kun LEE, Seungeon MOON, Nak Jin CHOI, Jaewoo LEE
  • Patent number: 8760231
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip and a piezoelectric resonator element, a part of the piezoelectric resonator element being disposed so as to overlap with a part of the IC chip when viewed in plan. The IC chip includes: an inner pad disposed on an active face and in an area where is overlapped with the piezoelectric resonator when viewed in plan; an insulating layer formed on the active face; a relocation pad disposed on the insulating layer and in an area other than a part where is overlapped with the piezoelectric resonator element, the relocation pad being coupled to an end part of a first wire; and a second wire electrically coupling the inner pad and the relocation pad, the second wire having a relocation wire and a connector that penetrates the insulating layer, the relocation wire being disposed between the insulating layer and the active face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Shimodaira
  • Patent number: 8759926
    Abstract: In a semiconductor physical quantity sensor, a pattern portion including a wiring pattern as a wiring is formed on a surface of a first semiconductor substrate. A support substrate having a surface made of an electrically insulating material is prepared. The first semiconductor substrate is joined to the support substrate by bonding the pattern portion to the surface of the support substrate. Further, a sensor structure is formed in the first semiconductor substrate. The sensor structure is electrically connected to the wiring pattern. A cap is bonded to the first semiconductor substrate such that the sensor structure is hermetically sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuo Fujii, Keisuke Gotoh
  • Patent number: 8754489
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a first electrode, a first insulation film covering the first electrode, a hollow part overlapping the first electrode on the first insulation film, a second insulation film covering the hollow part, a second electrode overlapping the hollow part on the second insulation film, and an interconnection joined to the second electrode. An edge of the first electrode is formed so as to moderate a step of the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuntaro Machida, Hiroyuki Enomoto, Yoshitaka Tadaki
  • Publication number: 20140159173
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a biosensor semiconductor device in which copper electrodes at a major surface of the device are modified to form Au—Cu alloy electrodes. Such modification is effected by depositing a gold layer over the device, and then thermally treating the device to promote interdiffusion between the gold and the electrode copper. Alloyed gold-copper is removed from the surface of the device, leaving the exposed electrodes. The electrodes are better compatible with further processing into a biosensor device than is the case with conventional copper electrodes, and the process windows are wider than for gold capped copper electrodes. A biosensor semiconductor device having Au—Cu alloy electrodes is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: David van Steenwinckel, Thomas Merelle, Franciscus Petrus Widdershoven, Viet Hoang Nguyen, Dimitri Soccoi, Jan Leo Dominique Fransaer
  • Patent number: 8748918
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a diamond-like carbon film formed on the substrate. A thin film is formed on the diamond-like carbon film. The thin film has a thickness thinner than the diamond-like carbon. A semiconductor thin film having a semiconductor element is bonded onto the thin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiko Ogihara, Tomohiko Sagimori, Masaaki Sakuta
  • Patent number: 8742570
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for manufacturing display devices having electronic components mounted within a display device package. In one aspect, the electronic component connects to the exterior of the display device through pads that run below a seal that holds a substrate and a backplate of the display device together. In another aspect the electronic components also connect to an electromechanical device within the display device, as well as connecting to pads that are external to the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravindra V. Shenoy, Marc Maurice Mignard, Manish Kothari, Clarence Chui
  • Patent number: 8742595
    Abstract: The present invention provides a MEMS structure comprising confined sacrificial oxide layer and a bonded Si layer. Polysilicon stack is used to fill aligned oxide openings and MEMS vias on the sacrificial layer and the bonded Si layer respectively. To increase the design flexibility, some conductive polysilicon layer can be further deployed underneath the bonded Si layer to form the functional sensing electrodes or wiring interconnects. The MEMS structure can be further bonded to a metallic layer on top of the Si layer and the polysilicon stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Bruce C. S. Chou
  • Patent number: 8739604
    Abstract: A gas sensor is disclosed. The gas sensor includes a gas sensing layer, at least one electrode, an adhesion layer, and a response modification layer adjacent to said gas sensing layer and said layer of adhesion. A system having an exhaust system and a gas sensor is also disclosed. A method of fabricating the gas sensor is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Amphenol Thermometrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kalaga Murali Krishna, Geetha Karavoor, John Patrick Lemmon, Jun Cui, Vinayak Tilak, Mohandas Nayak, Ravikumar Hanumantha
  • Patent number: 8736002
    Abstract: The sensor assembly comprises a substrate (1), such as a flexible printed circuit board, and a sensor chip (2) flip-chip mounted to the substrate (1), with a first side (3) of the sensor chip (2) facing the substrate (1). A sensing area (4) and contact pads (5) are integrated on the first side (3) of the sensor chip (2). Underfill (18) and/or solder flux is arranged between the sensor chip (2) and the substrate (1). The sensor chip (2) extends over an edge (12) of the substrate (1), with the edge (12) of the substrate (1) extending between the contact pads (5) and the sensing area (4) over the whole sensor chip (2). A dam (16) can be provided along the edge (12) of the substrate (1) for even better separation of the underfill (18) and the sensing area (4). This de sign allows for a simple alignment of the sensor chip on the substrate (1) and prevents underfill (18) from covering the sensing area (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Sensirion AG
    Inventors: Markus Graf, Werner Hunziker, Franziska Brem, Felix Mayer
  • Patent number: 8734008
    Abstract: An active sensor apparatus includes an array of sensor elements arranged in a plurality of columns and rows of sensor elements. The sensor apparatus includes a plurality of column and row thin film transistor switches for selectively activating the sensor elements, and a plurality of column and row thin film diodes for selectively accessing the sensor elements to obtain information from the sensor elements. The thin film transistor switches and thin film diodes are formed on a common substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Next Biometrics AS
    Inventor: Matias N. Troccoli
  • Patent number: 8736000
    Abstract: A microfabricated capacitive chemical sensor can be used as an autonomous chemical sensor or as an analyte-sensitive chemical preconcentrator in a larger microanalytical system. The capacitive chemical sensor detects changes in sensing film dielectric properties, such as the dielectric constant, conductivity, or dimensionality. These changes result from the interaction of a target analyte with the sensing film. This capability provides a low-power, self-heating chemical sensor suitable for remote and unattended sensing applications. The capacitive chemical sensor also enables a smart, analyte-sensitive chemical preconcentrator. After sorption of the sample by the sensing film, the film can be rapidly heated to release the sample for further analysis. Therefore, the capacitive chemical sensor can optimize the sample collection time prior to release to enable the rapid and accurate analysis of analytes by a microanalytical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald P. Manginell, Matthew W. Moorman, David R. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8736010
    Abstract: A pyroelectric detector includes a pyroelectric detection element, a support member, and a support part. The pyroelectric detection element has a capacitor including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a pyroelectric body disposed between the first and second electrodes, and a first reducing gas barrier layer that protects the capacitor from reducing gas. The support member includes first and second sides with the pyroelectric detection element being mounted on the first side and the second side facing a cavity. The support member has a mounting member on which the capacitor is mounted and an arm member linked to the mounting member. The support part supports a portion of the support member. An outer peripheral edge of the first reducing gas barrier layer is disposed between and spaced apart from an outer peripheral edge of the mounting member and an outer peripheral edge of the capacitor in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takafumi Noda
  • Patent number: 8735225
    Abstract: Methods and systems for packaging MEMS devices such as interferometric modulator arrays are disclosed. One embodiment of a MEMS device package structure includes a seal with a chemically reactant getter. Another embodiment of a MEMS device package comprises a primary seal with a getter, and a secondary seal proximate an outer periphery of the primary seal. Yet another embodiment of a MEMS device package comprises a getter positioned inside the MEMS device package and proximate an inner periphery of the package seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren Palmateer, William J. Cummings, Brian Gally, Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari
  • Patent number: 8728833
    Abstract: An improved method for encapsulating LEDs in a polymer coat is described. A substrate houses an LED, and a polymer layer is brought into proximity with the substrate and LED. The polymer layer is melted over the substrate, encapsulating the LED onto the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Intellectual Discovery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tong Fatt Chew
  • Patent number: 8729543
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for forming multi-nary semiconductor. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising of depositing a precursor material onto a substrate, wherein the precursor material may include or may be used with an additive to minimize concentration of group IIIA material such as Ga in the back portion of the final semiconductor layer. The additive may be a non-copper Group IB additive in elemental or alloy form. Some embodiments may use both selenium and sulfur, forming a senary or higher semiconductor alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: aeris CAPITAL Sustainable IP Ltd.
    Inventors: David B. Jackrel, Katherine Dickey, Kristin Pollock, Jacob Woodruff, Peter Stone, Gregory Brown
  • Patent number: 8729713
    Abstract: A vent hole precursor structure (26) in an intermediate product for a semi-conductor device has delicate structures (27, 28), and said intermediate product has a cavity (21) with a pressure therein differing from the pressure of the surroundings. The intermediate product comprises a first wafer (20) in which there is formed a depression (21). The first wafer is bonded to a second wafer (22) comprising a device layer (23) from which the structures (27, 28) are to be made by etching. A hole or groove (26) having a predefined depth extends downwards into the device layer, such that the cavity (21) during etching is opened up before the etching procedure breaks through the device layer (23) to form the structures (27, 28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Silex Microsystems AB
    Inventors: Thorbjörn Ebefors, Edvard Kälvesten, Peter Agren, Niklas Svedin
  • Patent number: 8729650
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a layer including an on-chip lens above a sensor section, and the layer including the on-chip lens is composed of an inorganic film which transmits ultraviolet light. The layer including the on-chip lens may further include a planarizing film located below the on-chip lens. A method of fabricating a solid-state imaging device includes the steps of forming a planarizing film composed of a first inorganic film, forming a second inorganic film on the planarizing film, forming a lens-shaped resist layer on the second inorganic film, and etching back the resist layer to form an on-chip lens composed of the second inorganic film. The first inorganic film constituting the planarizing film and the second inorganic film constituting the on-chip lens preferably transmit ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kouichi Harada, Yasuhiro Ueda, Nobuhiko Umezu, Kazushi Wada, Yoshinori Toumiya, Takeshi Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20140130779
    Abstract: A method of determining an air:fuel ratio based on information from an oxygen sensor exposed to exhaust gases of a combustion process, and related systems. A constant current is supplied to an oxygen sensor that has both an n-type sensing circuit and a p-type sensing circuit that share a common electrode. The currents in the respective sensing circuits is determined and a temperature value representative of a temperature of the oxygen sensor is determined. Then, an air:fuel ratio is determined based on the determined currents and the temperature value. The combustion process may then be controlled based on the air:fuel ratio. The air:fuel ratio may be determined, using the same oxygen sensor, across a range of air:fuel values in both the rich and lean regions; as such, the oxygen sensor may act as a wideband oxygen sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Kerdea Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Ervin Fosaaen
  • Patent number: 8716815
    Abstract: A MEMS coupler and a method to form a MEMS structure having such a coupler are described. In an embodiment, a MEMS structure comprises a member and a substrate. A coupler extends through a portion of the member and connects the member with the substrate. The member is comprised of a first material and the coupler is comprised of a second material. In one embodiment, the first and second materials are substantially the same. In one embodiment, the second material is conductive and is different than the first material. In another embodiment, a method for fabricating a MEMS structure comprises first forming a member above a substrate. A coupler comprised of a conductive material is then formed to connect the member with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Emmanuel P. Quevy, Roger T. Howe
  • Patent number: 8713789
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microphone comprising a substrate, a transducer element that is mounted on a top side of the substrate, a covering layer that covers the transducer element and forms a seal with the top side of the substrate, a shaped covering material that covers the substrate, the transducer element and the covering layer, and a sound opening that extends through the covering material and the covering layer. Methods for manufacturing a microphone and for manufacturing a plurality of microphones are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Epcos AG
    Inventors: Anton Leidl, Wolfgang Pahl
  • Patent number: 8716814
    Abstract: The invention provides a processor obtained by forming a high functional integrated circuit using a polycrystalline semiconductor over a substrate which is sensitive to heat, such as a plastic substrate or a plastic film substrate. Moreover, the invention provides a wireless processor, a wireless memory, and an information processing system thereof which transmit and receive power or signals wirelessly. According to the invention, an information processing system includes an element forming region including a transistor which has at least a channel forming region formed of a semiconductor film separated into islands with a thickness of 10 to 200 nm, and an antenna. The transistor is fixed on a flexible substrate. The wireless processor in which a high functional integrated circuit including the element forming region is formed and the semiconductor device transmit and receive data through the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Kiyoshi Kato, Jun Koyama, Yutaka Shionoiri
  • Patent number: 8716762
    Abstract: Disclosed are: a biosensor kit in which a bionsensor utilizing a field effect transistor is not deteriorated during storage or transport; and a system for detecting a substance of interest, which is equipped with the biosensor chip. The biosensor kit comprises a biosensor chip which can measure a substance of interest quantitatively and a package which can hermetically seal the biosensor chip and is composed of a packaging material comprising a metal film. The biosensor chip can measure the substance quantitatively based on the value of a current generated in a field effect transistor when the substance is reacted with a molecule that can recognize the substance and is immobilized on a reaction field connected to the field effect transistor. The biosensor chip comprises the field effect transistor and a mounting substrate on which the field effect transistor is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Sakamoto, Hirohiko Urushiyama, Hiroaki Kikuchi, Tomoaki Yamabayashi
  • Patent number: 8716719
    Abstract: Provided is a solid-state imaging device including: a first-conductivity-type substrate; a second-conductivity-type well formed in a surface side of the first-conductivity-type substrate; a photoelectric conversion area configured with a first-conductivity-type-impurity area formed in the second-conductivity-type well to convert incident light to charges; a first-conductivity-type-charge retaining area configured with the first-conductivity-type-impurity area formed in the second-conductivity-type well to retain the charges converted by the photoelectric conversion area until the charges are read out; a charge voltage conversion area configured with the first-conductivity-type-impurity area formed in the second-conductivity-type well to convert the charges retained in the charge retaining area to a voltage; and a first-conductivity-type-layer area configured by forming a first-conductivity-type-in a convex shape from a boundary between the first-conductivity-type substrate and the second-conductivity-type wel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Matsumura, Takashi Machida
  • Publication number: 20140117468
    Abstract: An integrated circuit package for sensing fluid properties includes: a substrate made of semiconductor material; a fluid property measurement circuit formed on the substrate; and a sensor circuit coupled to the fluid property measurement circuit within a same integrated circuit package. The sensor circuit is configured to generate a field that interacts with the fluid. The fluid property measurement circuit is configured to determine a change in a property of the sensor circuit as results from the field interacting with the fluid and is further configured to determine a property of the fluid based on the change in the property of the sensor circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: PATRICE M. PARRIS, MD M. HOQUE
  • Patent number: 8710554
    Abstract: Disclosed are: a biosensor kit in which a biosensor utilizing a field effect transistor is not deteriorated during storage or transport; and a system for detecting a substance of interest, which is equipped with the biosensor chip. The biosensor kit comprises a biosensor chip which can measure a substance of interest quantitatively and a package which can hermetically seal the biosensor chip and is composed of a packaging material comprising a metal film. The biosensor chip can measure the substance quantitatively based on the value of a current generated in a field effect transistor when the substance is reacted with a molecule that can recognize the substance and is immobilized on a reaction field connected to the field effect transistor. The biosensor chip comprises the field effect transistor and a mounting substrate on which the field effect transistor is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Sakamoto, Hirohiko Urushiyama, Hiroaki Kikuchi, Tomoaki Yamabayashi
  • Patent number: 8710597
    Abstract: A method and structure for adding mass with stress isolation to MEMS. The structure has a thickness of silicon material coupled to at least one flexible element. The thickness of silicon material can be configured to move in one or more spatial directions about the flexible element(s) according to a specific embodiment. The apparatus also includes a plurality of recessed regions formed in respective spatial regions of the thickness of silicon material. Additionally, the apparatus includes a glue material within each of the recessed regions and a plug material formed overlying each of the recessed regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: mCube Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Koury, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8710638
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The method includes providing a first substrate; bonding a second substrate to the first substrate, the second substrate including a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device; and bonding a third substrate to the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Hua Wu
  • Patent number: 8702997
    Abstract: A method of balancing a microelectromechanical system comprises determining if a microelectromechanical system is balanced in a plurality of orthogonal dimensions, and if the microelectromechanical system is not balanced, selectively depositing a first volume of jettable material on a portion of the microelectromechanical system to balance the microelectromechanical system in the plurality of orthogonal dimensions. A jettable material for balancing a microelectromechanical system comprises a vehicle, and a dispersion of nano-particles within the vehicle, in which the total mass of jettable material deposited on the microelectromechanical system is equal to the weight percentage of nano-particles dispersed within the vehicle multiplied by the mass of jettable material deposited on the microelectromechanical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Pavel Kornilovich, Vladek Kasperchik, James William Stasiak
  • Patent number: 8703516
    Abstract: Micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) substrates, devices, and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a MEMS device includes a workpiece having an isolation ring in a top portion thereof, and a moveable element disposed within the isolation ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Florian Schoen
  • Patent number: 8703517
    Abstract: In a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, a substrate including single crystalline silicon is prepared, a reformed layer that continuously extends is formed in the substrate, and the reformed layer is removed by etching. The forming the reformed layer includes polycrystallizing a portion of the single crystalline silicon by irradiating the substrate with a pulsed laser beam while moving a focal point of the laser beam in the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Taya, Katsuhiko Kanamori, Masashi Totokawa
  • Patent number: 8705245
    Abstract: A sensor device has a ceramic carrier substrate. At least two conductor tracks are arranged on the carrier substrate. The sensor device has at least one ceramic component that is in the form of a chip and is connected to the conductor tracks in an electrically conductive manner. The at least one ceramic component is mechanically connected to the conductor tracks by means of a screen printing paste which has been burnt in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Gerald Kloiber, Heinz Strallhofer, Norbert Freiberger
  • Patent number: 8704320
    Abstract: Partial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PPMA) type magnetic random access memory cells are constructed using processes and structural configurations that induce a directed static strain/stress on an MTJ to increase the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Consequently, reduced switching current of the MTJ results. The directed static strain/stress on the MTJ is induced in a controlled direction and/or with a controlled magnitude during fabrication. The MTJ is permanently subject to a predetermined directed stress and permanently includes the directed static strain/strain that provides reduced switching current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Xiaochun Zhu, Xia Li, Wei-Chuan Chen, Seung H. Kang
  • Patent number: 8698258
    Abstract: A microelectronic device structure including increased thermal dissipation capabilities. The structure including a three-dimensional (3D) integrated chip assembly that is flip chip bonded to a substrate. The chip assembly including a device substrate including an active device disposed thereon. A cap layer is physically bonded to the device substrate to at least partially define a hermetic seal about the active device. The microelectronic device structure provides a plurality of heat dissipation paths therethrough to dissipate heat generated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kaustubh Ravindra Nagarkar, Christopher Fred Keimel
  • Publication number: 20140096589
    Abstract: A microchip oxygen sensor for sensing exhaust gases from a combustion process, and related methods. The microchip oxygen sensor includes a dielectric substrate and a heater pattern affixed to the substrate. A first electrode is affixed to the substrate and has a first plurality of fingers forming a first comb. A second electrode is affixed to the substrate and has a second plurality of fingers forming a second comb. The second electrode is disposed in spaced relation to the first electrode such that the first and second combs face each other. A semiconducting layer is disposed over the first and second electrodes so as form a physical semiconductor bridge between the first and second electrodes. The semiconducting layer comprises an n-type semiconducting material or a p-type semiconducting material. A porous dielectric protective layer, advantageously containing a catalytic precious metal, may cover the semiconducting layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Kerdea Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Ervin Fosaaen
  • Patent number: 8691609
    Abstract: Gas sensor materials and methods are disclosed for preparing and using the same to produce gas sensor structures. Also disclosed are gas sensor structures and systems that employ these disclosed materials. A gas sense-enhancing metal such as platinum may be added to a gas sensitive metal oxide material in a manner that more highly disperses the added platinum than conventional methods so as to more effectively utilize the platinum at a lower concentration, thus achieving a more cost effective solution. An ink vehicle may also be used for deposition of a gas sensitive material (e.g. on the surface of integrated circuit) that is formulated to allow “burn-out” of ink vehicle components at relatively low temperatures as compared to conventional ink vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Smith, Jane Blake, Leon Cavanagh, Raymond Speer
  • Patent number: 8691608
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices having integrated nanochannels confined by nanometer spaced electrodes, and VLSI (very large scale integration) planar fabrication methods for making the devices. A semiconductor device includes a bulk substrate and a first metal layer formed on the bulk substrate, wherein the first metal layer comprises a first electrode. A nanochannel is formed over the first metal layer, and extends in a longitudinal direction in parallel with a plane of the bulk substrate. A second metal layer is formed over the nanochannel, wherein the second metal layer comprises a second electrode. A top wall of the nanochannel is defined at least in part by a surface of the second electrode and a bottom wall of the nanochannel is defined by a surface of the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Harrer, Stanislav Polonsky, Mark B. Ketchen, John A. Ott
  • Patent number: 8692349
    Abstract: An example embodiment relates to a semiconductor device including a semiconductor package in which a semiconductor chip is mounted on the package substrate. The semiconductor package may include a temperature measurement device and a temperature control circuit. The temperature measurement device may measure a temperature of the semiconductor package. The temperature control circuit may change an operation speed of the semiconductor package on the basis of the temperature of the semiconductor package measured by the temperature measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Choon Kim, Eunseok Cho, Mi-Na Choi, Kyoungsei Choi, Heejung Hwang, Seran Bae
  • Publication number: 20140084391
    Abstract: A reconstituted electronic device comprising at least one die and at least one passive component. A functional material is incorporated in the substrate of the device to modify the electrical behaviour of the passive component. The passive component may be formed in redistribution layers of the device. Composite functional materials may be used in the substrate to forms part of or all of the passive component. A metal carrier may form part of the substrate and part of the at least one passive component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: CAMBRIDGE SILICON RADIO LIMITED
    Inventors: Vlad Lenive, Simon Stacey
  • Publication number: 20140084390
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a chemical sensor with multiple sensor cells, a substrate is provided and an expansion inhibitor is applied to the substrate for preventing a sensitive material to be applied to an area on the substrate for building a sensitive film of a sensor cell to expand from said area. The sensitive material is provided and the sensitive film is built by contactless dispensing the sensitive material to said area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Felix MAYER, Markus Graf, Lukas Burgi
  • Patent number: 8680630
    Abstract: A CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) pixel for sensing at least one selected from a biological, chemical, ionic, electrical, mechanical and magnetic stimulus. The CMOS pixel includes a substrate including a backside, a source coupled with the substrate to generate a background current, and a detection element electrically coupled to measure the background current. The stimulus, which is to be provided to the backside, affects a measurable change in the background current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Manoj Bikumandla
  • Publication number: 20140077315
    Abstract: An electronic sensor apparatus for detecting chemical or biological species includes a semiconductor chip, a sensor device, and a substrate. The chip is produced from a semiconductor substrate and is configured for one or more functions such as: amplifying and/or evaluating an electrical voltage, amplifying and/or evaluating an electric current, amplifying and/or evaluating an electrical charge, and amplifying and/or reading out capacitance changes. The sensor device has an active surface configured to detect chemical or biological species and generate an electrical signal based on a species-characteristic interaction with the active surface. The electrical signal can be an electrical voltage, an electric current, an electrical charge and/or a capacitance change. The substrate is produced from a melt-moldable material and has a surface including first and second regions. The chip is at least partly embedded in the first region, and the sensor device is at least partly embedded in the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Bischopink, Franz Laermer, Christian Dorrer, Thomas Brettschneider