Controllable By Variation Of Applied Mechanical Force (e.g., Of Pressure) (epo) Patents (Class 257/E29.324)
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Publication number: 20120139063Abstract: A method of packaging a pressure sensing die includes providing a lead frame with lead fingers and attaching the pressure sensing die to the lead fingers such that bond pads of the die are electrically coupled to the lead fingers and a void is formed between the die and the lead fingers. A gel material is dispensed via an underside of the lead frame into the void such that the gel material substantially fills the void. The gel material is then cured and the die and the lead frame are encapsulated with a mold compound. The finished package does not include a metal lid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INCInventors: Wai Yew Lo, Lan Chu Tan
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Patent number: 8193597Abstract: A device includes: a substrate having an aperture therethrough from a first side of the substrate to a second side of the substrate; a semiconductor die having an acoustic transducer, the semiconductor die being provided on the first side of the substrate such that the acoustic transducer is aligned with the aperture in the substrate; and a dual in-line package having a recess formed therein. The substrate is disposed such that the first side of the substrate faces the recess of the dual in-line package, and the semiconductor die is disposed between the first side of the substrate and the bottom surface of the recess in the dual in-line package.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Avago Technologies Wireless IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Timothy LeClair, Bruce Beaudry
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Patent number: 8194896Abstract: A package structure of MEMS microphone includes a carrier, a molding compound, a microphone chip and a lid. The carrier has an upper surface on which a chip region is defined, a lower surface and at least one guiding hole communicating with the upper surface and the lower surface. The molding compound has a ring wall portion surrounding the chip region and a filling portion filling the guiding hole. The microphone chip sited on the chip region of the carrier electrically connects the carrier. The lid is jointed to the ring wall portion of the molding compound. In this invention, the guiding hole is used to enable the ring wall portion and the filling portion of the molding compound to be formed integrally, so as to enhance the stability of the molding process and strengthen the structure of the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Wei-Min Hsiao
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Publication number: 20120133004Abstract: A method for producing oblique surfaces in a substrate, comprising a formation of recesses on both surfaces of the substrate, until the recesses are so deep that the substrate is perforated by the two recesses. One recess is produced going out from a first main surface in the region of a first surface, and the other recess is produced going out from the second main surface in the region of a second surface, so that the first surface and the second surface do not coincide along a surface normal of the main surfaces of the substrate. Subsequently, flexible diaphragms are attached over the recesses on each of the main surfaces. If a vacuum pressure is then produced inside the recesses, the flexible diaphragms each curve in the direction of the recesses until their surfaces facing the substrate come into contact with one another, generally in the center of the recesses.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventor: Stefan Pinter
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Publication number: 20120133006Abstract: In one embodiment, a semiconductor structure includes a beam positioned within a sealed cavity, the beam including: an upper insulator layer including one or more layers; and a lower insulator layer including one or more layers, wherein a composite stress of the upper insulator layer is different than a composite stress of the lower insulator layer, such that the beam bends.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph P. Hasselbach, Karen L. Lestage, Anthony K. Stamper
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Publication number: 20120133003Abstract: A micromechanical component includes: a substrate having a multitude of trench structures which separate a first and a second mass element of the substrate from a web element of the substrate, in such a way that the first and second mass elements enclose the web element along an extension direction of the main surface of the substrate and are disposed to allow movement relative to the substrate in the direction of a surface normal of the main surface; a first electrode layer applied on the main surface of the substrate and forms a first electrode on the web element between the first and second mass elements; and a second electrode layer applied on the first and second mass elements and forming a self-supporting second electrode above the first electrode in the area of the web element, the first and second electrode forming a capacitance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventor: Jochen REINMUTH
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Publication number: 20120133005Abstract: A capacitive sensor is configured for collapsed mode, e.g. for measuring sound or pressure, wherein the moveable element is partitioned into smaller sections. The capacitive sensor provides increased signal to noise ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: NXP B.V.Inventors: Geert Langeries, Twan Van Lippen, Reinout Woltjer
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Publication number: 20120133002Abstract: A method for producing microelectromechanical structures in a substrate includes: arranging at least one metal-plated layer on a main surface of the substrate in a structure pattern; leaving substrate webs open beneath a structure pattern region by introducing first trenches into the substrate perpendicular to a surface normal of the main surface in a region surrounding the structure pattern; coating the walls of the first trenches perpendicular to the surface normal of the main surface with a passivation layer; and introducing cavity structures into the substrate at the base of the first trenches in a region beneath the structure pattern region.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: Jochen REINMUTH, Heiko Stahl
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Patent number: 8188556Abstract: A semiconductor sensor has a first semiconductor layer as a base, an insulating layer formed on the first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer formed on the insulating layer. A recess is formed from a bottom surface of the first semiconductor layer up to a top surface of the insulating layer. The second semiconductor layer is covered with the insulating layer in an outer circumference of a top surface of the recess. A sensitive region of the second semiconductor layer is exposed in a region except the outer circumference of the top surface of the recess.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventors: Yoshitaka Adachi, Katsuyuki Inoue
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Patent number: 8188557Abstract: The invention relates to an acoustic micro-electrical-mechanical-system (MEMS) transducer formed on a single die based on a semiconductor material and having front and back surface parts opposed to each other. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such an acoustic MEMS transducer. The acoustic MEMS transducer comprises a cavity formed in the die to thereby provide a back volume with an upper portion facing an opening of the cavity and a lower portion facing a bottom of the cavity. A back plate and a diaphragm are arranged substantially parallel with an air gap there between and extending at least partly across the opening of the cavity, with the back plate and diaphragm being integrally formed with the front surface part of the die. The bottom of the cavity is bounded by the die. The diaphragm may be arranged above the back plate and at least partly extending across the back plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Pulse MEMS Aps.Inventors: Pirmin Rombach, Morten Berg Arnoldus, Morten Ginnerup
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Patent number: 8188555Abstract: A capacitive sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, a fixed electrode serving as a first electrode formed on a surface of or in the semiconductor substrate, a structure formed on the semiconductor substrate to have a vibratable second electrode that is formed to be spaced from and opposed to the semiconductor substrate and from the fixed electrode serving as the first electrode, a sealing member serving as a first sealing member formed on the semiconductor substrate to be spaced from the structure, to cover the structure, and to have a through hole serving as a first through hole, and a movable electrode serving as a vibratable third electrode formed on the sealing member to block up the through hole, and to be spaced from and opposed to the movable electrode.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: OKI Semiconductor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasushi Igarashi
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Publication number: 20120126349Abstract: Systems and methods for a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises a first outer layer and a first device layer comprising a first set of MEMS devices, wherein the first device layer is bonded to the first outer layer. The system also comprises a second outer layer and a second device layer comprising a second set of MEMS devices, wherein the second device layer is bonded to the second outer layer. Further, the system comprises a central layer having a first side and a second side opposite that of the first side, wherein the first side is bonded to the first device layer and the second side is bonded to the second device layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Robert D. Horning, Ryan Supino
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Publication number: 20120126344Abstract: A sensor device and method. One embodiment provides a first semiconductor chip having a sensing region. A porous structure element is attached to the first semiconductor chip. A first region of the porous structure element faces the sensing region of the first semiconductor chip. An encapsulation material partially encapsulates the first semiconductor chip and the porous structure element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Klaus Elian, Georg Meyer-Berg, Horst Theuss
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Publication number: 20120126346Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a micromechanical membrane structure, a doped area is created in the front side of a silicon substrate, the depth of which doped area corresponds to the intended membrane thickness, and the lateral extent of which doped area covers at least the intended membrane surface area. In addition, in a DRIE (deep reactive ion etching) process applied to the back side of the silicon substrate, a cavity is created beneath the doped area, which DRIE process is aborted before the cavity reaches the doped area. The cavity is then deepened in a KOH etching process in which the doped substrate area functions as an etch stop, so that the doped substrate area remains as a basic membrane over the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Arnim Hoechst, Jochen Reinmuth, Brett Diamond
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Publication number: 20120126351Abstract: A MEMS device is provided, which includes a silicon substrate with a face surface that has a pattern of recesses which define functional elements of the MEMS device, leaving sharp-edged, highly doped ridges, and a cover with a mating surface coupled to the face surface. The cover includes patterns of metal films that engage the ridges to form surface-to-surface electrical connections as well as hermetic surface-to-surface sealing and/or bonding between the silicon ridges of the face surface and the metal film on the mating surface, wherein the metal film on the mating surface comes into atomic contact with the silicon ridges.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventor: Leslie Bruce Wilner
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Publication number: 20120126348Abstract: Systems and methods for a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises a first double chip that includes a first base layer; a first device layer bonded to the first base layer, the first device layer comprising a first set of MEMS devices; and a first top layer bonded to the first device layer, wherein the first set of MEMS devices is hermetically isolated. The system also comprises a second double chip that includes a second base layer; a second device layer bonded to the second base layer, the second device layer comprising a second set of MEMS devices; and a second top layer bonded to the second device layer, wherein the second set of MEMS devices is hermetically isolated, wherein a first top surface of the first top layer is bonded to a second top surface of the second top layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventor: Robert D. Horning
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Publication number: 20120126350Abstract: In an example, a method of fabricating one or more vertical interconnects is provided. The method includes patterning and stacking a plurality of wafers to form a wafer stack. A plurality of apertures can be formed in the wafer stack within one or more saw streets of the wafer stack, and conductive material can be deposited on sidewalls of the plurality of apertures.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventor: Robert D. Horning
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Publication number: 20120126248Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane. Partly permeable membranes often have holes or perforations having a specific diameter to allow substances having a smaller particle diameter to pass through, but to hold back substances having a larger particle diameter. Such membranes are subject to wear primarily at the holes, i.e. cracks form which grow through the membrane proceeding from a hole. Particularly in the case of micromechanical membranes having holes having a small diameter in the range of 1 ?m or less, it is very difficult to detect the state of the membrane, in particular whether the latter has cracks. Membranes having cracks can then undesirably allow passage even of those particles which should actually be held back. In medical or hygienic applications, the function can then be impaired.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Alois Friedberger, Andreas Helwig, Gerhard Mueller
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Publication number: 20120126347Abstract: Packaged integrated devices and methods of forming the same are provided. In one embodiment, a packaged integrated device includes a package substrate, a package lid, and an integrated circuit or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device. The package lid is mounted to a first surface of the package substrate using an epoxy, and the package lid and the package substrate define a package interior. The package lid includes an interior coating suited to good adhesion with the epoxy, and an exterior coating suited to RF shielding, where the materials of the interior and exterior coatings are different. In one example, the interior lid coating is nickel whereas the exterior lid coating is tin.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Jicheng Yang, Asif Chowdhury, Manolo Mena, Jia Gao, Richard Sullivan, Thomas Goida, Carlo Tiongson, Dipak Sengupta
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Publication number: 20120126345Abstract: A MEMS device (20) with stress isolation includes elements (28, 30, 32) formed in a first structural layer (24) and elements (68, 70) formed in a second structural layer (26), with the layer (26) being spaced apart from the first structural layer (24). Fabrication methodology (80) entails forming (92, 94, 104) junctions (72, 74) between the layers (24, 26). The junctions (72, 74) connect corresponding elements (30, 32) of the first layer (24) with elements (68, 70) of the second layer (26). The fabrication methodology (80) further entails releasing the structural layers (24, 26) from an underlying substrate (22) so that all of the elements (30, 32, 68, 70) are suspended above the substrate (22) of the MEMS device (20), wherein attachment of the elements (30, 32, 68, 70) with the substrate (22) occurs only at a central area (46) of the substrate (22).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.Inventor: Aaron A. Geisberger
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Publication number: 20120126881Abstract: A MEMS sensor comprises a substrate and at least one proof mass having a first plurality of combs, wherein the proof mass is coupled to the substrate via one or more suspension beams such that the proof mass and the first plurality of combs are movable. The MEMS sensor also comprises at least one fixed anchor having a second plurality of combs. The first plurality of combs is interleaved with the second plurality of combs. Each of the combs in the first plurality of combs and the second plurality of combs comprises a plurality of conductive layers electrically isolated from each other by one or more non-conductive layers. Each conductive layer is individually coupled to a respective electric potential such that fringing electric fields are screened to reduce motion of the first plurality of combs along a sense axis due to the fringing electric fields.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Robert D. Horning, Ryan Supino
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Patent number: 8183651Abstract: A MEMS sensor includes: a substrate; a fixed electrode portion formed in the substrate; a movable weight portion formed above the fixed electrode portion via a gap; a movable electrode portion formed in the movable weight portion and disposed so as to face the fixed electrode portion; a supporting portion; and a connecting portion that couples the supporting portion with the movable weight portion and is elastically deformable, wherein the movable weight portion is a stacked structure having conductive layers and an insulating layer, and plugs having a larger specific gravity than the insulating layer are embedded in the insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Shigekazu Takagi, Akira Sato
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Publication number: 20120118068Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor (720) includes a thin film piezoelectric element (701) which applies strain to a portion of a semiconductor substrate that corresponds to a thin region (402). The thin film piezoelectric element (701) is formed at a distance away from diffusion resistors (406, 408, 410, and 412) functioning as strain gauges and is extended to the proximity of a bonding pad (716A) connected to an upper electrode layer of the thin film piezoelectric element and a bonding pad (716F) connected to a lower electrode thereof. The diffusion resistors (406, 408, 410, and 412) constitute a bridge circuit by metal wiring (722) and diffusion wiring (724). During self-diagnosis, a prescribed voltage is applied to a thin film piezoelectric element (701). If the output difference of the bridge circuit between before and after the voltage application falls outside a prescribed range, it is determined that a breakage occurs in the semiconductor pressure sensor (720).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventors: Nobuyuki Yamada, Masahiro Sakuragi, Takeshi Yoshida, Kei Hayashi
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Publication number: 20120119311Abstract: Methods of fabricating semiconductor sensor devices include steps of fabricating a hermetically sealed MEMS cavity enclosing a MEMS sensor, while forming conductive vias through the device. The devices include a first semi-conductor layer defining at least one conductive via lined with an insulator and having a lower insulating surface; a central dielectric layer above the first semiconductor layer; a second semiconductor layer in contact with the at least one conductive via, and which defines a MEMS cavity; a third semiconductor layer disposed above the second semiconductor layer, and which includes a sensor element aligned with the MEMS cavity; a cap bonded to the third semiconductor to enclose and hermetically seal the MEMS cavity; wherein the third semiconductor layer separates the cap and the second semiconductor layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: MICRALYNE INC.Inventors: Siamak Akhlaghi Esfahany, Yan Loke
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Publication number: 20120119312Abstract: The invention relates to microelectromechanical components, like microelectromechanical gauges used in measuring e.g. acceleration, angular acceleration, angular velocity, or other physical quantities. The microelectromechanical component, according to the invention, comprises a microelectromechanical chip part, sealed by means of a cover part, and an electronic circuit part, suitably bonded to each other. The aim of the invention is to provide an improved method of manufacturing a microelectromechanical component, and to provide a microelectromechanical component, which is applicable for use particularly in small microelectromechanical sensor solutions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: VTI TECHNOLOGIES OYInventor: Heikki KUISMA
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Publication number: 20120112294Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit having a substrate comprising a plurality of components and a metallization stack over the components, the metallization stack comprising a first sensing element and a second sensing element adjacent to the first sensing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: NXP B.V.Inventors: Marcus Van Dal, Aurelie Humbert, Matthias Merz, Youri Victorovitch Ponomarev
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Publication number: 20120112293Abstract: A method for producing a sealed cavity, including: a) producing a sacrificial layer on a substrate; b) producing a cover layer covering at least the sacrificial layer and a portion of the face of the substrate not covered by the sacrificial layer, the cover layer including lateral flanks forming, with the substrate, an angle of less than 90°; c) producing a hole through one of the lateral flanks of the cover layer such that a maximum distance between the substrate and an edge of the hole is less than approximately 3 ?m, the hole crossing a portion of the cover layer deposited on a portion of the substrate not covered by the sacrificial layer; d) eliminating the sacrificial layer through the hole, forming the cavity; and e) depositing at least one material plugging the hole in a sealed fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALTInventors: Jean-Louis Pornin, Fabrice Jacquet
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Patent number: 8173472Abstract: A semiconductor sensor of which the thickness may be reduced and a method of manufacturing a sensor body for the semiconductor sensor are provided. A total length L1 of a weight portion 5 and an additional weight portion 3 as measured in an extending direction of a centerline C is determined to be shorter than a length L2 of a support portion 7 as measured in the extending direction of the centerline C. The weight portion 5 and the additional weight portion 3 are received within a space 15 defined, being surrounded by the support portion 7. Then, dimensions and shapes of the weight portion 5 and the additional weight portion 3 are determined to allow the weight portion 5 and the additional weight portion 3 to move within the space 15.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Sawai, Kazuya Komori
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Patent number: 8174056Abstract: A micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) is disclosed, which comprises a substrate; at least one transistor formed on the substrate and electrically connected with a contact plug; at least one MEMS device; and a local interconnection line at the same level of the contact plug, through which the MEMS device is coupled to the transistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Pixart Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Sheng-Ta Lee, Chuan-Wei Wang, Hsin-Hui Hsu
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Publication number: 20120105385Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for producing roughness in an electromechanical device by nucleation under plasma CVD conditions. In one aspect, a substrate and at least a first layer are provided. The disclosure further provides gas phase nucleating particles under plasma CVD conditions and depositing a first layer, where the particles are incorporated into the first layer to create roughness in the first layer. The roughness may be transferred to a second layer by conformal deposition of the second layer over the first layer. The roughness of the second layer corresponds to the roughness of the first layer, where the first layer has a roughness greater than or equal to about 20 ? root mean square (RMS).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Teruo Sasagawa, Leonard Eugene Fennell
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Publication number: 20120104520Abstract: An MEMS sensor includes: a functional layer having a sensor section; a wiring substrate disposed facing the functional layer and having a conduction pathway for the sensor section; a first metal layer provided on the surface of the sensor section which faces the wiring substrate; and a second metal layer provided on the surface of the wiring substrate which faces the sensor section, wherein the first and second metal layers are joined to each other, a space is formed between a movable portion of the sensor section and the wiring substrate, and a stopper which is composed of a third metal layer being the same film as the first metal layer formed on the functional layer side and a contact portion formed on the wiring substrate side which come into contact with each other is formed between the functional layer and the wiring substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2012Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshitaka UTO, Kiyoshi KOBAYASHI, Toshihiro KOBAYASHI, Toru TAKAHASHI, Jun SUZUKI, Katsuya KIKUIRI
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Publication number: 20120104517Abstract: A package structure includes a micro-electromechanical element having a plurality of electrical contacts; a package layer enclosing the micro-electromechanical element and the electrical contacts, with a bottom surface of the micro-electromechanical element exposed from a lower surface of the package layer; a plurality of bonding wires embedded in the package layer, each of the bonding wires having one end connected to one of the electrical contacts, and the other end exposed from the lower surface of the package layer; and a build-up layer structure provided on the lower surface of the package layer, the build-up layer including at least one dielectric layer and a plurality of conductive blind vias formed in the dielectric layer and electrically connected to one ends of the bonding wires. The package structure is easier to accurately control the location of an external electrical contact, and the compatibility of the manufacturing procedures is high.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: SILICONWARE PRECISION INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Chun-An Huang, Hsin-Yi Liao, Shih-Kuang Chiu
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Publication number: 20120104519Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes a semiconductor substrate, a MEMS including a fixed electrode and a movable electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate through an insulating layer, and a well formed in the semiconductor substrate below the fixed electrode. The well is one of an n-type well and a p-type well. The p-type well applies a positive voltage to the fixed electrode while the n-type well applies a negative voltage to the fixed electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Toru WATANABE, Akira SATO, Shogo INABA, Takeshi MORI
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Publication number: 20120104518Abstract: A pressure sensor has a sensor body at least partly formed with an electrically insulating material, particularly a ceramic material, defining a cavity facing on which is a diaphragm provided with an electric detector element, configured for detecting a bending of the diaphragm. The sensor body supports a circuit arrangement, including, a plurality of circuit components, among which is an integrated circuit, for treating a signal generated by the detection element. The circuit arrangement includes tracks made of electrically conductive material directly deposited on a surface of the sensor body made of electrically insulating material. The integrated circuit is made up of a die made of semiconductor material directly bonded onto the surface of the sensor body and the die is connected to respective tracks by means of wire bonding, i.e. by means of thin connecting wires made of electrically conductive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: METALLUX SAInventor: Luca Salmaso
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Publication number: 20120104521Abstract: A method for etching a diaphragm pressure sensor based on a hybrid anisotropic etching process. A substrate with an epitaxial etch stop layer can be etched utilizing an etching process in order to form a diaphragm at a selective portion of the substrate. The diaphragm can be oriented at an angle (e.g., 45 degree) with respect to the substrate in order to avoid an uncertain beveled portion in a stress/strain field of the diaphragm. The diaphragm can be further etched utilizing an etch finishing process to create an anisotropic edge portion on the major areas of the diaphragm and optimize the thickness and size of the diaphragm. Such an approach provides an enhanced diaphragm structure with respect to a wide range of pressure sensor applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Robert Higashi
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Publication number: 20120101540Abstract: A medical device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a control module, and an energy storage device. The first substrate includes at least one of a first semiconductor material and a first insulating material. The second substrate includes at least one of a second semiconductor material and a second insulating material. The second substrate is bonded to the first substrate such that the first and second substrates define an enclosed cavity between the first and second substrates. The control module is disposed within the enclosed cavity. The control module is configured to at least one of determine a physiological parameter of a patient and deliver electrical stimulation to the patient. The energy storage device is disposed within the cavity and is configured to supply power to the control module.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Richard J. O'Brien, John K. Day, Paul F. Gerrish, Michael F. Mattes, David A. Ruben, Malcolm K. Grief
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Publication number: 20120098076Abstract: Provided is an acoustic sensor. The acoustic sensor includes: a substrate including sidewall portions and a bottom portion extending from a bottom of the sidewall portions; a lower electrode fixed at the substrate and including a concave portion and a convex portion, the concave portion including a first hole on a middle region of the bottom, the convex portion including a second hole on an edge region of the bottom; diaphragms facing the concave portion of the lower electrode, with a vibration space therebetween; diaphragm supporters provided on the lower electrode at a side of the diaphragm and having a top surface having the same height as the diaphragm; and an acoustic chamber provided in a space between the bottom portion and the sidewall portions below the lower electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Jaewoo LEE, Chang Han Je, Woo Seok Yang, Jongdae Kim
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Publication number: 20120091546Abstract: A microphone comprises a substrate (20), a microphone membrane (10) defining an acoustic input surface and a backplate (11) supported with respect to the membrane with a fixed spacing between the backplate (11) and the membrane (10). A microphone periphery area comprises parallel corrugations (24) in the membrane (10) and backplate (11). By using the same corrugated suspension for both the membrane and the backplate, the sensitivity to body noise is optimally suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: KNOWLES ELECTRONICS ASIA PTE. LTD.Inventors: Geert Langereis, Twan Van Lippen, Freddy Roozeboom, Hilco Suy, Klaus Reimann, Jozef Thomas Martinus Van Beek, Casper Van Der Avoort, Johannes Van Wingerden, Kim Phan Le, Martijn Goosens, Peter Gerard Steeneken
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Publication number: 20120091544Abstract: A component having a robust, but acoustically sensitive microphone structure is provided and a simple and cost-effective method for its production. This microphone structure includes an acoustically active diaphragm, which functions as deflectable electrode of a microphone capacitor, a stationary, acoustically permeable counter element, which functions as counter electrode of the microphone capacitor, and an arrangement for detecting and analyzing the capacitance changes of the microphone capacitor. The diaphragm is realized in a diaphragm layer above the semiconductor substrate of the component and covers a sound opening in the substrate rear. The counter element is developed in a further layer above the diaphragm. This further layer generally extends across the entire component surface and compensates level differences, so that the entire component surface is largely planar according to this additional layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: Frank Reichenbach, Thomas Buck, Jochen Zoellin, Franz Laermer, Ulrike Scholz, Kathrin van Teeffelen, Christina Leinenbach
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Publication number: 20120091547Abstract: A resonator using the MEMS technology is provided which improves the accuracy of a shape of electrodes so as avoid a short circuit that would otherwise be caused between input and output electrodes to thereby increase the reliability thereof. A resonator includes a substrate 101, an insulation layer 102 formed selectively on the substrate 101 as a sacrificial surface, a beam 103 formed on the substrate 101 via a space, a first support portion 104A formed on the insulation layer 102 of the same material as that of the beam 103, and electrodes formed with a space defined between the beam 103 and themselves for signals to be inputted thereinto and outputted therefrom. A sectional area of the beam 103 and a sectional area of the first support portion 104A are substantially equal in a section which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the beam 103.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Tomohide Kamiyama, Tomohiro Iwasaki, Takehiko Yamakawa, Kunihiko Nakamura, Keiji Onishi
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Publication number: 20120091545Abstract: A simple and cost-effective form of implementing a semiconductor component having a micromechanical microphone structure, including an acoustically active diaphragm as a deflectable electrode of a microphone capacitor, a stationary, acoustically permeable counterelement as a counter electrode of the microphone capacitor, and means for applying a charging voltage between the deflectable electrode and the counter electrode of the microphone capacitor. In order to not impair the functionality of this semiconductor component, even during overload situations in which contact occurs between the diaphragm and the counter electrode, the deflectable electrode and the counter electrode of the microphone capacitor are counter-doped, at least in places, so that they form a diode in the event of contact. In addition, the polarity of the charging voltage between the deflectable electrode and the counter electrode is such that the diode is switched in the blocking direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: Frank Reichenbach, Arnim Hoechst, Thomas Buck
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Publication number: 20120091543Abstract: An electromechanical transducer includes multiple elements each including at least one cellular structure, the cellular structure including: a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor diaphragm, and a supporting portion for supporting the diaphragm so that a gap is formed between one surface of the substrate and the diaphragm. The elements are separated from one another at separating locations of a semiconductor film including the diaphragm. Each of the elements includes in a through hole passing through a first insulating layer including the supporting portion and the semiconductor substrate: a conductor which is connected to the semiconductor film including the diaphragm; and a second insulating layer for insulating the conductor from the semiconductor substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazutoshi Torashima, Takahiro Akiyama
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Publication number: 20120087521Abstract: A packaged microphone has a base, a lid coupled to the base forming an interior, a MEMS microphone secured to the base within the interior, and an integrated circuit embedded in the base. Apertures in the base and integrated circuit are aligned to form an aperture from the exterior of the package to the interior.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Delaus, Kathy O'Donnell, Thomas M. Goida
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Publication number: 20120086086Abstract: An MEMS device and a composite substrate for an MEMS device are provided. The MEMS device comprises a first silicon structure layer and a second silicon structure layer fixedly connecting to the first silicon structure layer. The first silicon structure layer has a twistable rod and a first plane. The first silicon structure layer has a first crystal direction with a miller index of <100> and a second crystal direction with a miller index of <110>. The first crystal direction and the second crystal direction are both parallel to the first plane. The rod has an axis direction, which is parallel to the first plane and intersected by the second crystal direction. In this manner, the torsional stiffness of the rod can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: TOUCH MICRO-SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY CORP.Inventors: Hung-Yi LIN, Bor-Shiun LEE, Ming-Fa CHEN
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Publication number: 20120086088Abstract: An electronic component includes: a first substrate having a through-hole; a second substrate opposite the first substrate; a sealing member surrounding a sealing space formed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a functional element having at least a part thereof disposed in the sealing space, and a through-electrode filling the through-hole, the through-hole penetrating the first substrate. The sealing member includes an elastic core part on the first substrate. A metal film is on a surface of the core part and is bonded to the second substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Nobuaki HASHIMOTO
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Publication number: 20120086087Abstract: A muli-layer stacked micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device that acts as a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) with a hermetically sealed device cavity formed by a wafer bonding process with semiconductor and insulator layers. The CMUT design uses a doped Si SOI and wafer bonding fabrication method, and is composed of semiconductor layers, insulator layers, and metal layers. Conventional doped silicon may be used for electrode layers. Other suitable semi-conductor materials such as silicon carbide may be used for the electrode layers. The insulator may be silicon oxide, silicon nitride or other suitable dielectric.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventor: Glen A. Fitzpatrick
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Patent number: 8154094Abstract: A micromechanical component having a substrate, having a cavity and having a cap that bounds the cavity. The cap has an access opening to the cavity. The cap has a diaphragm for closing the access opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Volker Schmitz, Axel Grosse
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Publication number: 20120080763Abstract: An electronic component includes: a semiconductor element including a circuit; a vibration element; a first electrode arranged on a first surface of the semiconductor element and connected to the circuit and the vibration element arranged on the first surface side; a second electrode arranged on the first surface; a first wiring board including a first wire connected to the second electrode; and a second wiring board including a second wire to which the first wire is connected At least a part of an inner side region of an outer contour of the vibration element is arranged to overlap the second electrode in plan view facing the first surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Terunao HANAOKA, Akinori SHINDO, Yasuo YAMASAKI, Seiichi CHIBA, Toshiyuki ENTA, Shuji KOJIMA
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Publication number: 20120080764Abstract: A MEMS package includes a substrate having an L-shaped cross-section. The substrate includes a vertical portion having a front surface and a back surface, and a horizontal portion protruding from a lower part of the front surface of the vertical portion, wherein the front surface of the vertical portion includes a mounting region. A MEMS die is mounted on the mounting region such that the MEMS die is oriented substantially parallel to the front surface; a lid attached to the front surface of the substrate while covering the MEMS die; and a plurality of leads formed on a bottom surface of the substrate. The leads can extend substantially parallel to one another, and substantially perpendicular to the front surface. The MEMS die can be oriented substantially perpendicular to a PCB substrate on which the package is mounted.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.Inventor: Xiaojie Xue
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Publication number: 20120080761Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate wafer, a dielectric layer overlying the substrate wafer, a patterned conductor layer in the dielectric layer, and a first barrier layer overlying the conductor layer. A silicon top wafer is bonded to the dielectric layer. A via is formed through the top wafer and a portion of the dielectric layer to the first barrier layer. A sidewall dielectric layer is formed along inner walls of the via, adjacent the top wafer to a distance below an upper surface of the top wafer, forming a sidewall dielectric layer shoulder. A sidewall barrier layer is formed inward of the sidewall dielectric layer, lining the via from the first barrier layer to the upper surface of the top wafer. A conductive layer fills the via and a top barrier layer is formed on the conductive layer, the sidewall barrier layer, and the top wafer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Yuan-Chih Hsieh, Richard Chu, Ming-Tung Wu, Martin Liu, Lan-Lin Chao, Chia-Shiung Tsai