Controllable By Variation Of Applied Mechanical Force (e.g., Of Pressure) (epo) Patents (Class 257/E29.324)
  • Publication number: 20120080762
    Abstract: A method for forming through features in a substrate uses a seed layer deposited over a first substrate, and a second substrate bonded to the seed layer. The features may be formed in the first substrate, by plating a conductive filler material onto the seed layer. The first substrate and the second substrate may then be bonded to a third substrate, and the second substrate is removed, leaving through features and first substrate adhered to the third substrate. The through features may provide at least one of electrical access and motion to a plurality of devices formed on the third substrate, or may impart movement to a moveable feature on the first substrate, wherein the third substrate supports the first substrate after removal of the second substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventors: John S. Foster, John C. Harley, Jeffery F. Summers
  • Publication number: 20120080727
    Abstract: A micro structure and an electric circuit included in a micro electro mechanical device are manufactured over the same insulating surface in the same step. In the micro electro mechanical device, an electric circuit including a transistor and a micro structure are integrated over a substrate having an insulating surface. The micro structure includes a structural layer having the same stacked-layer structure as a layered product of a gate insulating layer of the transistor and a semiconductor layer provided over the gate insulating layer. That is, the structural layer includes layers formed of the same insulating film as the gate insulating layer and the same semiconductor film as the semiconductor layer of the transistor. Further, the micro structure is manufactured by using each of conductive layers used for a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode of the transistor as a sacrificial layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mayumi Yamaguchi, Konami Izumi
  • Patent number: 8148792
    Abstract: A pressure sensor of the present invention includes a lower substrate which has an insulating layer having a through-hole penetrating from one side to the other side, and an active layer formed to have a uniform thickness on the insulating layer and having a portion facing the through-hole as an oscillating portion capable of oscillating in a direction opposing the through-hole; a lower electrode formed on the oscillating portion; an upper substrate arranged opposite to the active layer and having a recess at a portion opposed to the oscillating portion; and an upper electrode formed on the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Goro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 8143082
    Abstract: A single integrated wafer package includes a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) wafer, an active device wafer, and a seal ring. The MEMS wafer has a first surface and includes at least one MEMS component on its first surface. The active device wafer has a first surface and includes an active device circuit on its first surface. The seal ring is adjacent the first surface of the MEMS wafer such that a seal is formed about the MEMS component. An external contact is provided on the wafer package. The external contact is accessible externally to the wafer package and is electrically coupled to the active device circuit of the active device wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Wireless IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Dungan, Ronald S. Fazzio
  • Publication number: 20120068277
    Abstract: Embodiments related to semiconductor manufacturing and semiconductor devices with semiconductor structure are described and depicted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Thoralf KAUTZSCH, Boris BINDER, Frank HOFFMANN, Uwe RUDOLPH
  • Publication number: 20120068276
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microstructure device with an enhanced anchor and a narrow air gap. One embodiment of a microstructure device provided herein includes a layered wafer. The layered wafer includes a silicon handle layer, a buried oxide layer formed on the handle layer, and a silicon device layer formed on the buried oxide layer. A top oxide layer is formed on the device layer. The top oxide layer, the device layer, and the buried oxide layer are etched, thereby forming trenches to create an anchor and a microstructure device in the device layer. In process of fabricating the device, a thermal oxide layer is formed along sides of the microstructure device to enclose the microstructure device in the buried oxide layer, the top oxide layer and the thermal oxide layer. Then, a poly layer if formed to fill in the trenches and enclose the anchor. After the poly layer fills in the trenches, the oxide layers enclosing the microstructure device are etched away, releasing the microstructure device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Hsien Lin, Chia-Hua Chu, Chun-Wen Cheng
  • Publication number: 20120068278
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to MEMS devices and methods for their manufacture. The cantilever of the MEMS device may have a waffle-type microstructure. The waffle-type microstructure utilizes the support beams to impart stiffness to the microstructure while permitting the support beam to flex. The waffle-type microstructure permits design of rigid structures in combination with flexible supports. Additionally, compound springs may be used to create very stiff springs to improve hot-switch performance of MEMS devices. To permit the MEMS devices to utilize higher RF voltages, a pull up electrode may be positioned above the cantilever to help pull the cantilever away from the contact electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: RICHARD L. KNIPE, Robertus Petrus van Kampen, Anartz Unamuno, Roberto Gaddi
  • Publication number: 20120061734
    Abstract: Micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a MEMS device includes a semiconductive layer disposed over a substrate. A trench is disposed in the semiconductive layer, the trench with a first sidewall and an opposite second sidewall. A first insulating material layer is disposed over an upper portion of the first sidewall, and a conductive material disposed within the trench. An air gap is disposed between the conductive material and the semiconductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Mueller, Bernhard Winkler, Robert Gruenberger
  • Publication number: 20120061777
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to micromachine structures. In one embodiment, a micromachine structure includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a sensing element. The sensing element is mechanically movable and is disposed intermediate the first and second electrodes and adapted to oscillate between the first and second electrodes. Further, the sensing element includes a FinFET structure having a height and a width, the height being greater than the width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Stefan Kolb, Reinhard Mahnkopf, Christian Pacha, Bernhard Winkler, Werner Weber
  • Publication number: 20120061776
    Abstract: A method of wafer level packaging includes providing a substrate including a buried oxide layer and a top oxide layer, and etching the substrate to form openings above the buried oxide layer and a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) resonator element between the openings, the MEMS resonator element enclosed within the buried oxide layer, the top oxide layer, and sidewall oxide layers. The method further includes filling the openings with polysilicon to form polysilicon electrodes adjacent the MEMS resonator element, removing the top oxide layer and the sidewall oxide layers adjacent the MEMS resonator element, bonding the polysilicon electrodes to one of a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) wafer or a carrier wafer, removing the buried oxide layer adjacent the MEMS resonator element, and bonding the substrate to a capping wafer to seal the MEMS resonator element between the capping wafer and one of the CMOS wafer or the carrier wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Wen Cheng, Chung-Hsien Lin, Chia-Hua Chu
  • Publication number: 20120061778
    Abstract: A chip device is produced providing at least one wafer having a plurality of chip components. The wafer or wafers are separated into the individual chip components and/or into groups of chip components. The individual chip components and/or the groups of chip components are applied to a carrier element, in such a way that interspaces having a predetermined width are formed between the individual chip components and/or the groups of chip components. A polymer is introduced into the interspaces in order to form a composite element composed of the chip components and a polymer matrix. The composite element is separated in such a way that chip devices composed of in each case one of the chip components and at least one section of the polymer matrix are formed. The invention furthermore relates to a chip device produced by means of the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Michael Gerner, Hans Krueger, Alois Stelzl
  • Publication number: 20120061775
    Abstract: A sensor package, and in one embodiment a sensor package for surface mount applications, that comprises a leadframe with an upper and lower surface for receiving a device thereon. Embodiments of the sensor package comprise a first device secured to the upper surface, and a second device secured to the lower surface so as to place connective pads from each of the first device and the second device proximate to one side of the leadframe. The sensor package further comprises a lead that is positioned in the sensor package in a manner that prevents electrical connection with circuitry that is external of the housing. The lead has an end proximate the side of the lead frame where the connective pads are positioned on the upper and lower surfaces. The end configured to receive connections, e.g., wirebonds, from the connective pads in a manner connecting the first device and the second device independent of any external connections of the sensor package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Woojin KIM, Aniela Bryzek, John Dancaster, Dong-Suk Kim
  • Patent number: 8134215
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) diaphragm is provided. The MEMS diaphragm includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a dielectric layer. The first conductive layer is disposed on a substrate and having a plurality of openings. The dimenisons of the openings are gradually reduced toward the edge of the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the substrate. The dielectric layer is partially disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, so that a portion of the first conductive layer is suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Hui-Shen Shih, Yu-Fang Chien
  • Publication number: 20120056281
    Abstract: A method that includes forming an opening between at least one first electrode and a second electrode by forming a recess in a first electrode layer, the recess having sidewalls that correspond to a surface of the at least one first electrode, forming a first sacrificial layer on the sidewalls of the recess, the first sacrificial layer having a first width that corresponds to a second width of the opening, forming a second electrode layer in the recess that corresponds to the second electrode, and removing the first sacrificial layer to form the opening between the second electrode and the at least one first electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Venkatesh Mohanakrishnaswamy, Loi N. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20120056279
    Abstract: A package structure having an MEMS element includes: a packaging substrate having first and second wiring layers on two surfaces thereof and a chip embedded therein; a first dielectric layer disposed on the packaging substrate and the chip; a third wiring layer disposed on the first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer disposed on the first dielectric layer and the third wiring layer and having a recessed portion; a lid disposed in the recessed portion and on the top surface of the second dielectric layer around the periphery of the recessed portion, wherein the portion of the lid on the top surface of the second dielectric layer is formed into a lid frame on which an adhering material is disposed to allow a substrate having an MEMS element to be attached to the packaging substrate with the MEMS element corresponding in position to the recessed portion, thereby providing a package structure of reduced size and costs with better electrical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: SILICONWARE PRECISION INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-An Huang, Hsin-Yi Liao, Shih-Kuang Chiu
  • Publication number: 20120056280
    Abstract: A MEMS sensor package includes a support and a MEMS sensor chip having a mounting side adhered on the support by a point-shaped adhesive or a linear-shaped adhesive in such a way that the MEMS sensor chip has a free side opposite to the mounting and suspended above the support. Because the MEMS sensor chip has the free side that is not restrained on the support, the stress due to deformation of the support will not affect the accuracy of the MEMS sensor chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Ming-Ching WU, Chih-Kung Huang
  • Publication number: 20120056282
    Abstract: A MEMS transducer (10) for an audio device comprises a substrate (12), a membrane (14) attached to the substrate (12), and a back-electrode (18) attached to the substrate (12), wherein a resonant frequency of the back-electrode (18) is matched to a resonant frequency of the membrane (14). Further, a method of manufacturing a MEMS transducer (19) for an audio device comprises attaching a membrane to a substrate (12), attaching a back-electrode (18) to the substrate (12), matching a resonant frequency of the back-electrode (18) to a resonant frequency of the membrane (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: KNOWLES ELECTRONICS ASIA PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Twan Van Lippen, Geert Langereis, Josef Lutz, Hilco Suy, Cas Van Der Avoort, Andreas Bernardus Maria Jansman
  • Patent number: 8129805
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a semiconductor layer and an interconnect structure. A passivation layer and a photoresist layer are formed over the interconnect structure and a plurality of openings are formed in the photoresist layer to expose portions of the passivation layer. The passivation layer exposed by the openings and the interconnect structure thereunder are removed, forming a plurality of first trenches. The semiconductor layer exposed by the first trenches is removed, forming a plurality of second trenches in the semiconductor layer. An upper capping substrate is provided over the passivation layer, forming a first composite substrate. The semiconductor layer in the first composite substrate is thinned and portions of the thinned semiconductor layer are etched to form a third trench, wherein a suspended micromachined structure is formed in a region between the first, second and third trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Richwave Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Tsyr-Shyang Liou
  • Publication number: 20120049299
    Abstract: A composite wafer semiconductor device includes a first wafer and a second wafer. The first wafer has a first side and a second side, and the second side is substantially opposite the first side. The composite wafer semiconductor device also includes an isolation set is formed on the first side of the first wafer and a free space is etched in the isolation set. The second wafer is bonded to the isolation set. A floating structure, such as an inertia sensing device, is formed in the second wafer over the free space. In an embodiment, a surface mount pad is formed on the second side of the first wafer. Then, the floating structure is electrically coupled to the surface mount pad using a through silicon via (TSV) conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Bruce C.S. Chou
  • Publication number: 20120049300
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a semiconductor sensor device including a first attachment surface, a base part being wire-bonded to the semiconductor sensor device and including a second attachment surface, and a spacer being interposed between the first and second attachment surfaces and having a target attachment surface to which at least one of the first and second attachment surfaces is adhered via a die-bond resin. A total area of the target attachment surface is smaller than a total area of the first attachment surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinya YAMAGUCHI, Tomohito Taki, Takashi Usui, Soichiro Suzu
  • Publication number: 20120049298
    Abstract: A MEMS device assembly (20) includes a MEMS die (22) and an integrated circuit (IC) die (24). The MEMS die (22) includes a MEMS device (36) formed on a substrate (38) and a cap layer (34). A packaging process (72) entails forming the MEMS device (36) on the substrate (38) and removing a material portion of the substrate (38) surrounding the device (36) to form a cantilevered substrate platform (46) at which the MEMS device (36) resides. The cap layer (34) is coupled to the substrate (38) overlying the MEMS device (36). The MEMS die (22) is electrically interconnected with the IC die (24). Molding compound (32) is applied to substantially encapsulate the MEMS die (22), the IC die (24), and interconnects (30) that electrically interconnect the MEMS device (22) with the IC die (24). The cap layer (34) prevents the molding compound (32) from contacting the MEMS device (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Schlarmann, Yizhen Lin
  • Publication number: 20120049301
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromechanical component is proposed. In this context, at least one trench structure having a depth less than the substrate thickness is to be produced in a substrate. In addition, an insulating layer and a filler layer are produced or applied on a first side of the substrate. The filler layer comprises a filler material that substantially fills up the trench structure. A planar first side of the substrate is produced by way of a subsequent planarization within a plane of the filler layer or of the insulating layer or of the substrate. A further planarization of the second side of the substrate is then accomplished. A micromechanical component that is manufactured in accordance with the method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Roland Scheuerer, Heribert Weber, Eckhard Graf
  • Publication number: 20120043627
    Abstract: A device (20, 90) includes sensors (28, 30) that sense different physical stimuli. A pressure sensor (28) includes a reference element (44) and a sense element (52), and an inertial sensor (30) includes a movable element (54). Fabrication (110) entails forming (112) a first substrate structure (22, 92) having a cavity (36, 100), forming a second substrate structure (24) to include the sensors (28, 30), and coupling (128) the substrate structures so that the first sensor (28) is aligned with the cavity (36, 100) and the second sensor (30) is laterally spaced apart from the first sensor (28). Forming the second structure (24) includes forming (118) the sense element (52) from a material layer (124) of the second structure (24) and following coupling (128) of the substrate structures, concurrently forming (132) the reference element (44) and the movable element (54) in a wafer substrate (122) of the second structure (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Yizhen Lin, Mark E. Schlarmann, Hemant D. Desai, Woo Tae Park
  • Publication number: 20120043628
    Abstract: A packaged device includes a package defining a well having a well top, a die positioned in the well of the package, and a retaining substrate attached to the package over the well top. The retaining substrate holds the die in direct contact with a portion of the package exposed at a well bottom opposite the well top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Avago Technologies Wireless IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Steve MARTIN, Timothy LECLAIR
  • Publication number: 20120043594
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a micro-electro-mechanical-device having a microstructure and a semiconductor element over one surface. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for simplifying the process of forming the microstructure and the semiconductor element over one surface. A space in which the microstructure is moved, that is, a movable space for the microstructure is formed by procecssing an insulating layer which is formed in a process of forming the semiconductor element. The movable space can be formed by forming the insulating layer having a plurality of openings and making the openings face each other to be overlapped each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fuminori TATEISHI, Konami IZUMI, Mayumi YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20120043626
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system of fabricating a microstructure device with an improved anchor. A method of fabricating a microstructure device with an improved anchor includes providing a substrate and forming an oxide layer on the substrate. Then, a cavity is etched in the oxide layer, such that the cavity includes a sidewall in the oxide layer. A microstructure device layer is then bonded to the oxide layer over the cavity. Forming a microstructure device, a trench is etched in the device layer to define an outer boundary of the microstructure device. In an embodiment, the outer boundary is substantially outside of the sidewall of the cavity. Then, the sidewall of the cavity is etched away through the trench in the device layer, to thereby suspend the microstructure device over the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Hsien Lin, Chun-Wen Cheng, Chia-Hua Chu, Yi Heng Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120043629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface mount package for a silicon condenser microphone. The inventive package uses a limited number of components which simplifies manufacturing and lowers costs, and features a substrate which performs functions for which multiple components were traditionally required, including providing an interior surface on which the silicon condenser die is mechanically attached, providing an interior surface for making electrical connections between the die and the package, and providing an exterior surface for making electrical connections between package and a user's printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Knowles Electronics LLC
    Inventor: Anthony D. Minervini
  • Publication number: 20120038963
    Abstract: A protrusion formation hole is provided so as to pierce a support substrate. A polysilicon film as an electrical conducting material is embedded in the protrusion formation hole through an oxide silicon film. The polysilicon film partially bulges out of the protrusion formation hole toward a movable section to form a protruding section. In other words, the polysilicon film bulges out of the protrusion formation hole toward the movable section to form the protruding section. Thereby, a movable section included in MEMS can be prevented from sticking to other members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Chisaki TAKUBO, Heewon Jeong
  • Publication number: 20120038010
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a microelectromechanical system. The microelectromechanical system includes a crystalline structural element having dislocations therein. For at least about 60 percent of adjacent pairs of the dislocations, direction vectors of the dislocations form acute angles of less than about 45 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: George Patrick Watson
  • Patent number: 8115266
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Watanabe, Akira Sato, Shogo Inaba, Takeshi Mori
  • Patent number: 8115240
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a monocrystalline silicon micromechanical element integrated with a CMOS circuit element within the CMOS technology, wherein a domain of second conducting property is formed within a substrate of first conducting property; the second conducting property is reverse with respect to the first conducting property. A domain of monocrystalline Si is formed within the substrate for fabricating a micromechanical element. A CMOS circuit element as well as a portion of the domain are covered with a protecting layer. Front-side isotropic porous Si-etching from the exposed surface of the domain continues until the portion that will carry the micromechanical element becomes underetched. A porous Si sacrificial layer is created which at least partially encloses the portion. Then the exposed surface of the porous Si sacrificial layer is passivated by applying a metallic thin film thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: MTA Muszaki Fizikai Es Anyagtudomanyi Kutatointezet
    Inventors: Antalné Ádám, István Barsony, Csaba Ducso, Magdolna Eros, Tibor Mohacsy, Károlyné Payer, Eva Vazsonyi
  • Publication number: 20120032286
    Abstract: An apparatus is fabricated with a plurality of semiconductor-device substrates and/or MEMS substrates with micromachined sensors, circuits, transducers, and/or MEMS devices fabricated on the plurality of substrates. A plurality of flexible hinges couple the plurality of substrates into a substantially flat two dimensional foldable assembly. Electrical interconnects coupled to the sensors, circuits, transducers, and/or MEMS devices extend other ones of the plurality of substrates. The foldable assembly of substrates is assembled or folded into a three dimensional polyhedral structure with the plurality of substrates configured in three dimensions to form defined relative orientations in space with respect to each other. The invention includes a wafer scale method of fabricating the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Alexander Trusov, Montgomery C. Rivers, Sergei A. Zotov, Andrei M. Shkel
  • Publication number: 20120032282
    Abstract: An MEMS carrier is provided that includes a core board having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a circuit layer formed on the first surface and having a plurality of conductive pads, and a through hole formed through the first and the second surfaces; a carrier layer formed on the second surface of the core board and covering an end of the through hole; a patterned metal layer formed on a portion of the carrier layer that covers the end of the through hole; a solder mask layer formed on the first surface of the core board and the circuit layer, wherein the solder mask layer has a plurality of openings for exposing the conductive pads; and a shielding metal layer disposed on a sidewall of the through hole, the patterned metal layer, and the portion of the carrier layer that covers the end of the through hole. Without the use of a circuit board, the MEMS carrier has reduced height and size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: UNIMICRON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kun-Chen Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120032285
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate provided with a passing opening and a MEMS device including an active surface wherein a portion of the MEMS device is integrated sensitive to chemical/physical variations of a fluid. The active surface of the MEMS device faces the substrate and is spaced therefrom, the sensitive portion being aligned to the opening. A protective package incorporates at least partially the MEMS device and the substrate, leaving at least the sensitive portion of the MEMS device, and the opening of the substrate exposed. A barrier element is positioned in an area which surrounds the sensitive portion to realize a protection structure for the MEMS device, so that the sensitive portion is free.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicants: STMICROELECTRONICS (MALTA) LTD., STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Mario CORTESE, Mark Anthony AZZOPARDI, Edward MYERS, Chantal COMBI, Lorenzo BALDO
  • Publication number: 20120032283
    Abstract: A sensor module includes a substrate system which has multiple substrates situated one on top of the other and connected in each case via a wafer bond connection. The substrate system includes at least one first sensor substrate and at least one second sensor substrate, the first sensor substrate having a first sensor structure and the second sensor substrate having a second sensor structure. The first and second sensor structures are designed for detecting different characteristics. At least the first sensor structure includes a micromechanical functional structure. Moreover, a method for manufacturing such a sensor module is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Jens FREY, Heribert WEBER, Eckhard GRAF
  • Publication number: 20120032284
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a film for a resin spacer (10) comprises an adhesive layer (12) made of a resin composition and a cover film (14) covering a surface of the adhesive layer (12). In the above-described film for a resin spacer (10), an adhesion force C1 between the adhesive layer (12) and the cover film (14) and an adhesion force D between the adhesive layer (12) and a silicone resin are set so as to satisfy the condition C1>D. Consequently, it is possible to reduce resin adherence to a cutting table at the time of cutting the film for a resin spacer (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Hirohisa Dejima, Masakazu Kawata, Masahiro Yoneyama, Toyosei Takahashi, Fumihiro Shiraishi, Toshihiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20120033832
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a micromachined microphone and an accelerometer from a wafer 1 having a first layer 2, the method comprising the steps of dividing the first layer 2 into a microphone layer 5 and into an accelerometer layer 6, covering a front side of the microphone layer 5 and a front side of the accelerometer layer 6 with a continuous second layer 7, covering the second layer 7 with a third layer 8, forming a plurality of trenches 9 in the third layer 8, removing a part 10 of the wafer 1 below a back side of the microphone layer 5, forming at least two wafer trenches 11 in the wafer 1 below a back side of the accelerometer layer 6, and removing a part 12, 13 of the second layer 7 through the plurality of trenches 9 formed in the third layer 8. The micromachined microphone and the accelerometer according to the invention is advantageous over prior art as it allows for body noise cancellation in order to minimize structure borne sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Twan van Lippen, Geert Langereis, Martijn Goossens
  • Publication number: 20120025331
    Abstract: A MEMS structure and methods of manufacture. The method includes forming a sacrificial metal layer at a same level as a wiring layer, in a first dielectric material. The method further includes forming a metal switch at a same level as another wiring layer, in a second dielectric material. The method further includes providing at least one vent to expose the sacrificial metal layer. The method further includes removing the sacrificial metal layer to form a planar cavity, suspending the metal switch. The method further includes capping the at least one vent to hermetically seal the planar cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Felix P. ANDERSON, Thomas L. MCDEVITT, Anthony K. STAMPER
  • Publication number: 20120025277
    Abstract: A measuring element for recording a deflection includes a region which is situated on a semi-conductor substrate and an electrode for influencing a conductivity of the region, the electrode being mounted deflectably in relation to the region, in such a way that an overlap region is formed between the electrode and the region, the overlap region having a dimension that is variable with a deflection of the electrode. A change in the output signal of the measuring element is a function of the conductivity of the region and is controllable by a change in the dimension of the overlap region, the change in the dimension of the overlap region having a non-linear relationship with the deflection of the electrode so that a change in the output signal of the measuring element has a non-linear relationship with the deflection of the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Axel Franke
  • Publication number: 20120025334
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an MEMS capacitive microphone including a rigid diaphragm arranged on an elastic element. When a sound wave acts on the rigid diaphragm, the rigid diaphragm is moved parallel to a normal of a back plate by elasticity of the elastic element. Thereby the variation of the capacitance is obtained between the rigid diaphragm and the back plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Chun-Kai CHAN, Weileun Fang
  • Publication number: 20120025335
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer device comprises: a package substrate having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE); and a transducer substrate comprising a transducer. The transducer substrate is disposed over the package substrate. The transducer substrate has a second CTE that substantially matches the first CTE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Avago Technologies Wireless IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy LECLAIR, Steve MARTIN, David MARTIN, Atul GOEL
  • Publication number: 20120025332
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting inertial sensors on a board. On a wafer containing one or more sensor packages having a substrate layer, a sensor layer and an insulator layer located between the sensor layer and the substrate layer, a V-groove is anisotropically etched into one of the substrate layer. The substrate layer is in the 100 crystal plane orientation. The sensor package is then separated from the wafer. Then, a surface of the substrate layer formed by the etching is attached to a board. In one example, three sensor packages are mounted to the board so that their sense axis are perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Mark Eskridge
  • Publication number: 20120025337
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer device mounted to a package substrate includes an active transducer having a resonator stack formed over a cavity through a transducer substrate, and a stress mitigation structure between the transducer substrate and the package substrate. The stress mitigation structure reduces stress induced on the transducer substrate due to mismatched coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the transducer substrate and the package substrate, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy LECLAIR, David MARTIN
  • Publication number: 20120025336
    Abstract: To provide a converter module easily achieving miniaturization and profile reduction without decreasing the pressure detection sensitivity. The converter module includes: a converter which converts vibration of a diaphragm into an electric signal; and a semiconductor substrate which processes the electric signal obtained as a result of the conversion performed by the converter. The converter includes: a base including a cavity part having an opening in a front surface of the base; and the diaphragm which is arranged on the front surface to cover the opening of the cavity part and converts the vibration into the electric signal. The semiconductor substrate is formed as a part of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke INOUE, Kyoko FUJII
  • Publication number: 20120025333
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor is formed using an etched layer sandwiched between first and second substrates. In this case, a structure including a movable portion which is displaceable in the thickness direction of the substrates, and a support frame are formed in the etched layer. In addition, first and second fixed electrodes are formed on the first and second substrates, respectively, at a position facing the movable portion. Further, a remaining sacrificial layer is provided on the substrate by leaving a portion of a second sacrificial layer when a first sacrificial layer is entirely etched away. Therefore, when the first sacrificial layer is etched away, corrosion of the structure and the support beams is prevented because the second sacrificial layer is preferentially corroded as compared to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junichi YOSHIDA
  • Patent number: 8106470
    Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a substrate having a top surface; a first conductive layer over and contacting the top surface of the substrate; a dielectric layer over and contacting the first conductive layer, wherein the dielectric layer includes an opening exposing a portion of the first conductive layer; and a proof-mass in the opening and including a second conductive layer at a bottom of the proof-mass. The second conductive layer is spaced apart from the portion of the first conductive layer by an air space. Springs anchor the proof-mass to portions of the dielectric layer encircling the opening. The springs are configured to allow the proof-mass to make three-dimensional movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ting-Hau Wu, Chun-Wen Cheng, Chun-Ren Cheng, Shang-Ying Tsai, Jung-Huei Peng, Jiou-Kang Lee, Allen Timothy Chang
  • Patent number: 8106471
    Abstract: A semiconductor dynamic quantity sensor includes a sensor part and a cap connected to the sensor part. Dynamic quantity is detected based on a capacitance of a capacitor defined between a movable electrode and a fixed electrode of the sensor part. A float portion of the sensor part is separated from a support board of the sensor part to define a predetermined interval. At least one of the cap and the support board has a displacing portion displacing the float portion in a direction perpendicular to the support board so as to change the predetermined interval. The movable electrode has a displacement in accordance with the displaced float portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hisanori Yokura, Tetsuo Fujii
  • Publication number: 20120018819
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a micromechanical structure envisages: forming a buried cavity within a body of semiconductor material, separated from a top surface of the body by a first surface layer; and forming an access duct for fluid communication between the buried cavity and an external environment. The method envisages: forming an etching mask on the top surface at a first access area; forming a second surface layer on the top surface and on the etching mask; carrying out an etch such as to remove, in a position corresponding to the first access area, a portion of the second surface layer, and an underlying portion of the first surface layer not covered by the etching mask until the buried cavity is reached, thus forming both the first access duct and a filter element, set between the first access duct and the same buried cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Marco Ferrera, Matteo Perletti, Igor Varisco, Luca Zanotti
  • Publication number: 20120018818
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a MEMS apparatus includes a plurality of recesses opened to a surface, a substrate having an insulator, an air gap, or an insulator and an air gap formed in the recesses, an insulating layer formed on the substrate, and a MEMS device having a signal line formed on the insulating layer, wherein the position of the signal line in a direction parallel to the surface of the substrate overlaps the position of the recess in the direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Tomohiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20120018820
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a converter that converts an acoustic pressure into an electrical signal and an amplifier element that includes an amplifier circuit that amplifies the electrical signal outputted from the converter. The converter includes a pedestal including a cavity formed from an upper face to a lower face thereof, and a vibration film located so as to cover an opening of the cavity on the side of the upper face. The vibration film vibrates in accordance with the acoustic pressure to thereby convert the acoustic pressure into an electrical signal. The amplifier element is located under the converter so as to cover the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki UTSUMI, Kyoko FUJII, Takahiro NAKANO