Abstract: A semiconductor strain sensor includes a base, a peripheral section, a central section and a flexible beam. The peripheral section is bent to the base. Bonding strain is generated at a bonding portion between the base and the peripheral section. The central section extends from the peripheral section. The flexible beam extends from the central section and includes a strain detecting element. The strain detecting element changes its electric characteristic when strain is applied thereto. A thickness of the flexible beam is thinner than that of the central section. The bonding strain is transmitted from the bonding portion to the strain detecting element through a transmission path. The transmission path is bent. The bonding strain is attenuated because it is dispersed at a bending portion of the transmission path. The sensor accurately detects the strain to be detected without a bad influence of the bonding strain.

Abstract: A monolithic, micromechanical vibrating string accelerometer with a trimmable resonant frequency is fabricated from a silicon substrate which has been selectively etched to provide a resonant structure suspended over an etched pit. The resonant structure comprises an acceleration sensitive mass and at least two flexible elements having resonant frequencies. Each of the flexible elements is disposed generally colinear with at least one acceleration sensitive axis of the accelerometer. One end of at least one of the flexible elements is attached to a tension relief beam for providing stress relief of tensile forces created during the fabrication process. Mass support beams having a high aspect ratio support the mass over the etched pit while allowing the mass to move freely in the direction colinear with the flexible elements. Also disclosed is a method for fabricating such an accelerometer with high aspect ratio tension relief and mass support beams.

Abstract: The fixed end of an acceleration detection beam of a semiconductor acceleration detecting apparatus is mounted onto a board through a supporting base. A weight for increasing the sensitivity to acceleration is disposed on the free end of the acceleration detection beam. A limit stop for limiting excessive displacement of the weight in two directions surrounds part of the weight. Therefore, the displacement of the weight can be controlled with a high degree of accuracy. Resistance to impact is also improved.

Abstract: A resin sealed semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip formed on a substrate and sealed with resin. A concave portion is formed on a major surface of a semiconductor substrate between an insulating film for isolation and an edge of the major surface of the semiconductor substrate. This concave portion is filled with a buffer member having an elastic modulus smaller than that of the material of the semiconductor substrate. Mechanical stress applied to an edge of the semiconductor substrate, caused by the callosity of resin, is absorbed and reduced by the buffer member. A portion of the semiconductor substrate between the concave portion and the insulating film for isolation prevents the remainder of the mechanical stress from being transmitted from the buffer member to the insulating film and circuit elements.