Controllable By Variation Of Applied Mechanical Force (e.g., Of Pressure) (epo) Patents (Class 257/E29.324)
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Publication number: 20110209556Abstract: Embodiments relate to stress sensing devices and methods. In an embodiment, a sensor device includes an active layer; and at least three contacts spaced apart from one another in the active layer, the at least three contacts being coupleable in a first configuration for a first operating mode of the sensor device in which a current in the active layer has a first ratio of horizontal to vertical components with respect to a die surface and in a second configuration different from the first for a second operating mode of the sensor device in which a current in the active layer has a second ratio of horizontal to vertical components, wherein a ratio of a resistance between at least two of the contacts in the first operating mode and a resistance between at least two of the contacts in the second operating mode is related to mechanical stress in the sensor device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventors: Udo Ausserlechner, Mario Motz
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Publication number: 20110210409Abstract: 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. In some embodiments, the acoustic port is located in the substrate directly under the silicon condenser die which decreases the thickness of the inventive package.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: KNOWLES ELECTRONICS LLC.Inventor: Anthony D. Minervini
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Publication number: 20110210408Abstract: A sensor device includes: a silicon substrate; a first electrode provided at an active surface side of the silicon substrate; an external connection terminal provided at the active surface side so as to be electrically connected to the first electrode; a stress relief layer provided between the silicon substrate and the external connection terminal; and a vibrating gyro element as a sensor element including a extraction electrode. The vibrating gyro element is held to the silicon substrate by connection between the extraction electrode and the external connection terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Tetsuya OTSUKI
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Patent number: 8008738Abstract: An integrated differential pressure sensor includes, in a monolithic body of semiconductor material, a first face and a second face, a cavity extending at a distance from the first face and delimited therewith by a flexible membrane formed in part by epitaxial material from the monolithic body and in part by annealed epitaxial material from the monolithic body, an access passage in fluid communication with the cavity, and in the flexible membrane at least one transduction element configured so as to convert a deformation of the flexible membrane into electrical signals. The cavity is formed in a position set at a distance from the second face and is delimited at the second face with a portion of the monolithic body.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Flavio Francesco Villa, Pietro Corona, Gabriele Barlocchi, Lorenzo Baldo
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Patent number: 8008739Abstract: A microelectromechanical apparatus (X) includes a microelectromechanical component (10), an insulating substrate (21), a through via (22c) disposed in the insulating substrate (21), a sealing member (30) and a conductive connecting member (40). The microelectromechanical device (10) has a semiconductor substrate (11), a microelectromechanical system (12) and an electrode (13) electrically connected to the microelectromechanical system (12). The sealing member (30) is made of glass, is disposed so as to enclose the microelectromechanical system (12) between the semiconductor substrate (11) and the insulating substrate (21), and hermetically seals the microelectromechanical system (12). The conductive connecting member (40) electrically connects the electrode (13) and an end of the through via (22c), at a position spaced away from the sealing member (30).Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Kyocera CorporationInventor: Itaru Ishii
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Publication number: 20110204457Abstract: A semiconductor device has a semiconductor element having a base, a cavity having a polygonal horizontal cross-section penetrating vertically through the base, a diaphragm arranged on the base to cover the cavity, and a substrate formed with a die bonding pad. A lower surface of the semiconductor element is adhered on the die bonding pad with a die bonding resin. The die bonding pad is formed so as not to contact a lower end of a valley section formed by an intersection of wall surfaces of an inner peripheral surface of the cavity of the semiconductor element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2009Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: OMRON CorporationInventors: Kazuyuki Ono, Tomofumi Maekawa
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Publication number: 20110204317Abstract: An electric energy generator may include a semiconductor layer and a plurality of nanowires having piezoelectric characteristics. The electric energy generator may convert optical energy into electric energy if external light is applied and may generate piezoelectric energy if external pressure (e.g., sound or vibration) is applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Young-jun Park, Seung-nam Cha
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Publication number: 20110198711Abstract: This patent discloses an integrated electronic and optical MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) based sensor wherein the same embossed diaphragm is used as the sensing element of both integrated parts. The optical part of the sensor is based on a Fabry-Perot cavity and the electronic part of the sensor is based on the piezoresistive effect. The signal output obtained from the electronic part of the sensor will be used to assist the fabrication of the Fabry-Perot cavities and as a reference to establish the quiescence point (Q-point) of the signal output from the optical part of the sensor. The invention includes sensors for detecting mechanical movements, such as those caused by pressure, sound, magnetic fields, temperature, chemical reaction or biological activities.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: Ivan Padron, Nuggehalli Ravindra
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Publication number: 20110198712Abstract: A pressure sensor (40) comprises a pair of electrodes (16a), (16b), a base film (31) on which at least one electrode is disposed, an upper film (6) facing the base film (31), a pressure sensitive ink layer (30) disposed so as to be able to cover the pair of electrodes (16a, 16b) and having electrical characteristics changed by applied pressing force, and a spacer (10) having adhesive properties and interposed between the base film (31) and the upper film (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: NISSHA PRINTING CO., LTD.Inventors: Shuzo Okumura, Ryomei Omote, Yoshihiro Kai, Yuichiro Takai
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Publication number: 20110198713Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a micromechanical component, a cavity is produced in the substrate from an opening at the rear of a monocrystalline semiconductor substrate. The etching process used for this purpose and the monocrystalline semiconductor substrate used are controlled in such a way that a largely rectangular cavity is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: Jochen Reinmuth, Michael Saettler, Stefan Weiss, Arnim Hoechst
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Publication number: 20110198714Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone devices and methods for packaging the same include a package housing, an interior lid, and an integrated MEMS microphone die. The package housing includes a sound port therethrough for communicating sound from outside the package housing to an interior of the package housing. The interior lid is mounted to an interior surface of the package housing to define an interior lid cavity, and includes a back volume port therethrough. The MEMS microphone die is mounted on the interior lid over the back volume port, and includes a movable membrane. The back volume port is configured to allow the interior lid cavity and the MEMS movable membrane to communicate, thereby increasing the back volume of the MEMS microphone die and enhancing the sound performance of the packaged MEMS microphone device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.Inventor: Jicheng Yang
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Patent number: 7998774Abstract: A package includes a substrate provided with a passing opening and a MEMS device. The MEMS device includes an active surface wherein a portion of the MEMS device is integrated sensitive to the 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 passing opening. A protective package incorporates the MEMS device and the substrate, leaving at least the sensitive portion of the MEMS device exposed through the passing opening of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Federico Giovanni Ziglioli, Fulvio Vittorio Fontana, Mark Shaw
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Publication number: 20110193184Abstract: A micromechanical system having at least one micromechanical device, in particular a sensor device and/or an actuator device, the micromechanical system having a substrate on which at least one micromechanical device is provided, the micromechanical device having at least one structured or unstructured film adhesive on at least one side.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventors: Christian Solf, Michael Knauss
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Patent number: 7994618Abstract: A sensor module has a carrier substrate having a bottom side and a top side, a sensor chip arranged on the top side of the carrier substrate and having a pressure-sensitive active area, a signal-processing chip arranged on the top side of the carrier substrate next to the sensor chip and being connected to the sensor chip in an electrically conducting manner, a continuous casting material covering the top side of the carrier substrate and the signal-processing chip and being in mechanical contact with both, the casting material having a recess which is arranged such that the casting material does not cover at least a part of the active area of the sensor chip.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Alfons Dehe, Marc Fueldner
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Publication number: 20110186945Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) diaphragm is provided. The MEMS diaphragm includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a first dielectric layer. The first conductive layer is disposed on a substrate and having a plurality of openings. The openings have the same dimension, and the distance between the adjacent openings is gradually increased toward the edge of the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the substrate. The first 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: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: HUI-SHEN SHIH, Yu-Fang Chien
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Publication number: 20110186944Abstract: A micromechanical structure, includes at least two structure sections configured to bound a working gap, the at least two structure sections being movable relative to one another, and a working gap width setting device configured to broaden the at least one working gap by movement of a first structure section of the at least two structure sections relative to a second structure section of the at least two structure section, the first structure section is stationary relative to a reference point during operation of the micromechanical structure and (ii) the second structure section is movable relative to the reference point during operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2009Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Thomas Friedrich, Daniel Christoph Meisel, Carsten Raudzis
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Publication number: 20110186943Abstract: A micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) package is described herein. The package includes a carrier substrate having a top side, a MEMS chip mounted on the top side of the carrier substrate, and at least one chip component on or above the top side of the carrier substrate or embedded in the carrier substrate. The package also includes a thin metallic shielding layer covering the MEMS chip and the chip component and forming a seal with the top side of the carrier substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: EPCOS AGInventors: Wolfgang Pahl, Anton Leidl, Stefan Seitz, Hans Krueger, Alois Stelzl
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Patent number: 7989906Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, a first layer formed on the substrate, a first aperture within the first layer, and a beam coupled at a first end to the substrate and suspended above the first layer for a portion of the length thereof. The beam includes a first boss coupled to a lower surface thereof and suspended within the first aperture, and a second boss coupled to an upper surface of the second end of the beam. A second layer is positioned on the first layer over the beam and includes a second aperture within which the second boss is suspended by the beam. Contact surfaces are positioned within the apertures such that acceleration of the substrate exceeding a selected threshold in either direction along a selected axis will cause the beam to flex counter to the direction of acceleration and make contact through one of the bosses with one of the contact surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Colby McAlexander, III
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Patent number: 7989905Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Toru Watanabe, Akira Sato, Shogo Inaba, Takeshi Mori
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Publication number: 20110180885Abstract: Method for producing an MST device, and MST device A method for producing an electromechanical transducer is described, wherein an MST component is arranged in a container, and the container is closed with a cover layer, wherein the cover layer is provided with at least one cutout which divides the cover layer into an inner region and an outer region in such a way that both the inner region and the outer region are connected to the top side—facing the cover layer—of the MST component, and the inner region is lifted off while the outer region remains adhered.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2009Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: EPCOS AGInventors: Wolfgang Pahl, Gregor Feiertag
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Publication number: 20110180886Abstract: Methods for manufacturing micromachined devices and the devices obtained are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a structural layer comprising an amorphous semiconductor material, forming a shielding layer on a first portion of the structural layer and leaving exposed a second portion of the structural layer, and annealing the second portion using a first fluence. The method further comprises removing the shielding layer, and annealing the first portion and the second portion using a second fluence that is less than half the first fluence. In an embodiment, the device comprises a substrate layer, an underlying layer formed on the substrate layer, and a sacrificial layer formed on only a portion of the underlying layer. The device further comprises a structural layer that is in contact with the underlying layer and comprises a first region annealed using a first fluence and a second region annealed using a second fluence.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicants: IMEC, AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO, KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, K.U. LEUVEN R&DInventors: Joumana El Rifai, Ann Witvrouw, Ahmed Kamal Said Abdel Aziz, Sherif Sedky
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Publication number: 20110175178Abstract: A method of packaging a micro electro-mechanical structure comprises forming said structure on a substrate; depositing a sacrificial layer over said structure; patterning the sacrificial layer; depositing a SIPOS (semi-insulating polycrystalline silicon) layer over the patterned sacrificial layer; treating the SIPOS layer with an etchant to convert the SIPOS layer into a porous SIPOS layer, removing the patterned sacrificial layer through the porous layer SIPOS to form a cavity including said structure; and sealing the porous SIPOS layer. A device including such a packaged micro electro-mechanical structure is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: NXP B.V.Inventors: Johannes van WINGERDEN, Wim van den EINDEN, Harold H. ROOSEN, Greja Johanna Adriana Maria VERHEIJDEN, Gerhard KOOPS, Didem ERNUR, Jozef Thomas Martinus van BEEK
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Micrometer-scale Grid Structure Based on Single Crystal Silicon and Method of Manufacturing the Same
Publication number: 20110175180Abstract: The present invention discloses a micrometer-scale grid structure based on single crystal silicon consists of periphery frame 1 and grid zone 2. The periphery frame 1 is rectangle, and grid zone 2 has a plurality of mesh-holes 3 distributing in the plane of grid zone 2. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a micrometer-scale grid structure based on single crystal silicon. According to the present invention thereof, the contradiction between demand of broad deformation space for sensor and actuator and the limit of the thickness of sacrifice layer is solved. Furthermore, the special requirement of double-side transparence for some optical sensor is met.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Binbin Jiao, Dapeng Chen -
Publication number: 20110175177Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: RICHWAVE TECHNOLOGY CORP.Inventor: Tsyr-Shyang Liou
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Publication number: 20110175179Abstract: A package structure having at least an MEMS element is provided, including a chip having electrical connecting pads and the MEMS element; a lid disposed on the chip to cover the MEMS element and having a metal layer provided thereon; first sub-bonding wires electrically connecting to the electrical connecting pads; second sub-bonding wires electrically connecting to the metal layer; an encapsulant disposed on the chip, wherein the top ends of the first and second sub-bonding wires are exposed from the encapsulant; and metallic traces disposed on the encapsulant and electrically connecting to the first sub-bonding wires. The package structure advantageously features reduced size, relatively low costs, diverse bump locations, and an enhanced EMI shielding effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: SILICONWARE PRECISION INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Chi-Hsin Chiu, Chih-Ming Huang, Chang-Yueh Chan, Hsin-Yi Liao, Chun-Chi Ke
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Publication number: 20110169110Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) diaphragm is provided. The MEMS diaphragm includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a first dielectric layer. The first conductive layer is disposed on a substrate and having a plurality of openings. The openings having a first dimension and the openings having a second dimension are arranged alternately, and the first dimension is not equal to the second dimension. The second conductive layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the substrate. The first 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: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Hui-Shen SHIH, Yu-Fang CHIEN
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Publication number: 20110169108Abstract: Hot-melt sealing glass compositions that include one or more glass frits dispersed in a polymeric binder system. The polymeric binder system is a solid at room temperature, but melts at a temperature of from about 35° C. to about 90° C., thereby forming a flowable liquid dispersion that can be applied to a substrate (e.g., a cap wafer and/or a device wafer of a MEMS device) by screen printing. Hot-melt sealing glass compositions according to the invention rapidly re-solidify and adhere to the substrate after being deposited by screen printing. Thus, they do not tend to spread out as much as conventional solvent-based glass frit bonding pastes after screen printing. And, because hot-melt sealing glass compositions according to the invention are not solvent-based systems, they do not need to be force dried after deposition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: FERRO CORPORATIONInventors: Robert D. Gardner, Keith M. Mason, Srinivasan Sridharan, Aziz S. Shaikh
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Publication number: 20110169109Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive sensor device 100. The capacitive sensor device (100) comprises a substrate (401), a first electrode (101) coupled to the substrate (401, a second electrode (102) coupled to the substrate (401) and a movable element (103). The movable element (103) is capacitively coupled to the first electrode (101), the moveable element (103) and the first electrode (101) representing a first capacitor (104). The movable element (103) is capacitively coupled to the second electrode (102), the moveable element (103) and the second electrode (102) representing a second capacitor (105). The movable element (103) is movable between the first electrode (101) and the second electrode (102) in such a manner, that an electrical impedance between the first electrode (101) and the second electrode (102) is changeable due to a change of a position of the movable element (103). The movable element (103) is decoupled from the substrate (401), in particular to a signal line.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: NXP B.V.Inventor: Geert Langereis
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Publication number: 20110169106Abstract: A micro electronic mechanical system structure and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A substrate has a plurality of conductive regions is provided. A dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. A plurality of openings and recesses are formed in the dielectric layer, wherein the openings expose the conductive regions. The recesses are located between the openings. A conductive layer is formed on the dielectric layer and the openings and the recesses are filled with the conductive layer. The conductive layer is patterned to form a plurality of strips of the first conductive patterns on the dielectric layer and a second conductive pattern on the sidewall and the bottom of each recess, wherein the first conductive patterns are connected with each other through the second conductive patterns. The dielectric layer is removed. The second conductive patterns between the first conductive patterns are removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: MAXCHIP ELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Tsai-Chiang Nieh, Tung-Ming Lai, Feng-Tsai Tsai
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Publication number: 20110163395Abstract: A method for providing a pressure sensor substrate comprises creating a first cavity that extends inside the substrate in a first direction perpendicular to a main surface of the substrate, and that extends inside the substrate, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, into a first venting area of the substrate; creating a second cavity that extends in the first direction inside the substrate, that extends in parallel to the first cavity in the second direction, and that does not extend into the first venting area; and opening the first cavity in the first venting area.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventors: Thoralf Kautzsch, Marco Müller, Dirk Meinhold, Ben Rosam, Klaus Elian, Stefan Kolb
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Publication number: 20110163398Abstract: A method for manufacturing separated micromechanical components situated on a silicon substrate includes the following steps of a) providing separation trenches on the substrate via an anisotropic plasma deep etching method, b) irradiating the area of the silicon substrate which forms the base of the separation trenches using laser light, the silicon substrate being converted from a crystalline state into an at least partially amorphous state by the irradiation in this area, and c) inducing mechanical stresses in the substrate. In one specific embodiment, cavities are etched simultaneously with the etching of the separation trenches. The etching depths can be controlled via the RIE lag effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2009Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Franz Laermer, Kathrin Van Teeffelen, Christina Leinenbach
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Publication number: 20110163397Abstract: A device includes a substrate (308) and a metallic layer (336) formed over the substrate (308) with a deposition process for which the metallic layer (336) is characterizable as having a pre-determinable as-deposited defect density. As a result of a fabrication process, the defect density of the metallic layer (336) is reduced relative to the pre-determinable as-deposited defect density of the same layer (336) or another layer having like composition and which is formed under like deposition conditions. In a related method, a substrate (308) is provided and a removable layer (330) is formed over the substrate (308). A metallic layer (336) is formed over the removable layer (330) and is patterned and etched to define a structure over the removable layer (330). The removable layer (330) is removed, and the metallic layer (336) is heated for a time beyond that necessary for bonding of a hermetic sealing cap (340) thereover.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Andrew Joseph Detor, Reed Corderman, Christopher Keimel, Marco Aimi
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Publication number: 20110163399Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing a sealed cavity in a microelectronic device, comprising forming a sacrificial layer at least at locations where the cavity is to be provided, depositing a membrane layer over the top of the sacrificial layer, patterning the membrane layer in at least two separate membrane layer blocks, removing the sacrificial layer through the membrane layer, and sealing the cavity by sealing the membrane layer, wherein patterning the membrane layer is performed after removal of the sacrificial layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: IMECInventors: Ann Witvrouw, Luc Haspeslagh, Gert Claes
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Publication number: 20110163396Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for a micromechanical component, a corresponding composite component, and a corresponding micromechanical component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Hubert Benzel, Frank Henning, Armin Scharping, Christoph Schelling
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Publication number: 20110156180Abstract: Proposed is a package structure having a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) element, including a chip having a plurality of electrical connecting pads and a MEMS element formed thereon; a lid disposed on the chip for covering the MEMS element; a stud bump disposed on each of the electrical connecting pads; an encapsulant formed on the chip with part of the stud bumps being exposed from the encapsulant; and a metal conductive layer formed on the encapsulant and connected to the stud bumps. The invention is characterized by completing the packaging process on the wafer directly to enable thinner and cheaper package structures to be fabricated within less time. This invention further provides a method for fabricating the package structure as described above.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: SILICONWARE PRECISION INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Chang-Yueh Chan, Chien-Ping Huang, Chun-Chi Ke, Chun-An Huang, Chih-Ming Huang
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Publication number: 20110156179Abstract: An integrated circuit containing a capacitive microphone with a back side cavity located within the substrate of the integrated circuit. Access holes may be formed through a dielectric support layer at the surface of the substrate to provide access for etchants to the substrate to form the back side cavity. The back side cavity may be etched after a fixed plate and permeable membrane of the capacitive microphone are formed by providing etchants through the permeable membrane and through the access holes to the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventor: Wei-Yan Shih
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Publication number: 20110156178Abstract: A MEMS may integrate movable MEMS parts, such as mechanical elements, flexible membranes, and sensors, with the low-cost device package, leaving the electronics and signal-processing parts in the integrated circuitry of the semiconductor chip. The package may be a leadframe-based plastic molded body having an opening through the thickness of the body. The movable part may be anchored in the body and extend at least partially across the opening. The chip may be flip-assembled to the leads to span across the foil, and may be separated from the foil by a gap. The leadframe may be a prefabricated piece part, or may be fabricated in a process flow with metal deposition on a sacrificial carrier and patterning of the metal layer. The resulting leadframe may be flat or may have an offset structure useful for stacked package-on-package devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Edgar Rolando Zuniga-Ortiz, William R. Krenik
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Publication number: 20110156106Abstract: A hermetic microelectromechanical system (MEMS) package includes a CMOS MEMS chip and a second substrate. The CMOS MEMS Chip has a first substrate, a structural dielectric layer, a CMOS circuit and a MEMS structure. The structural dielectric layer is disposed on a first side of the first structural substrate. The structural dielectric layer has an interconnect structure for electrical interconnection and also has a protection structure layer. The first structural substrate has at least a hole. The hole is under the protection structure layer to form at least a chamber. The chamber is exposed to the environment in the second side of the first structural substrate. The chamber also comprises a MEMS structure. The second substrate is adhered to a second side of the first substrate over the chamber to form a hermetic space and the MEMS structure is within the space.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: SOLID STATE SYSTEM CO., LTD.Inventors: Chien-Hsing Lee, Tsung-Min Hsieh, Jhyy-Cheng Liou
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Publication number: 20110158439Abstract: A capacitive microphone transducer integrated into an integrated circuit includes a fixed plate and a membrane formed in or above an interconnect region of the integrated circuit. A process of forming an integrated circuit containing a capacitive microphone transducer includes etching access trenches through the fixed plate to a region defined for the back cavity, filling the access trenches with a sacrificial material, and removing a portion of the sacrificial material from a back side of the integrated circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Marie Denison, Brian E. Goodlin, Wei-Yan Shih, Lance W. Barron
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Patent number: 7968958Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a sensor element having a plate shape with a surface and including a sensor structure disposed in a surface portion of the sensor element; and a plate-shaped cap element bonded to the surface of the sensor element. The cap element has a wiring pattern portion facing the sensor element. The wiring pattern portion connects an outer periphery of the surface of the sensor element and the sensor structure so that the sensor structure is electrically coupled with an external element via the outer periphery. The sensor element does not have a complicated multi-layered structure, so that the sensor element is simplified. Further, the dimensions of the device are reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Tetsuo Fujii, Kazuhiko Sugiura
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Publication number: 20110147862Abstract: In a micromechanical component having an inclined structure and a corresponding manufacturing method, the component includes a substrate having a surface; a first anchor, which is provided on the surface of the substrate and which extends away from the substrate; and at least one cantilever, which is provided on a lateral surface of the anchor, and which points at an inclination away from the anchor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2008Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Tjalf Pirk, Stefan Pinter, Hubert Benzel, Herbert Weber, Michael Krueger, Robert Sattler, Frederic Njikam Njimonzie, Joerg Muchow, Joachim Fritz, Christoph Schelling, Christoph Friese
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Publication number: 20110147864Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromechanical diaphragm structure having access from the rear of the substrate includes: n-doping at least one contiguous lattice-type area of a p-doped silicon substrate surface; porously etching a substrate area beneath the n-doped lattice structure; producing a cavity in this substrate area beneath the n-doped lattice structure; growing a first monocrystalline silicon epitaxial layer on the n-doped lattice structure; at least one opening in the n-doped lattice structure being dimensioned in such a way that it is not closed by the growing first epitaxial layer but instead forms an access opening to the cavity; an oxide layer being created on the cavity wall; a rear access to the cavity being created, the oxide layer on the cavity wall acting as an etch stop layer; and the oxide layer being removed in the area of the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Torsten Kramer, Marcus Ahles, Armin Grundmann, Kathrin Knese, Hubert Benzel, Gregor Schuermann, Simon Armbruster
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Publication number: 20110147859Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a base substrate made of silicon, a cap substrate and a leading electrode having a metal part. The base substrate has base semiconductor regions being insulated and separated from each other at a predetermined portion of a surface layer thereof. The cap substrate is bonded to the predetermined portion of the surface layer of the base substrate. The leading electrode has a first end connected to one of the plurality of base semiconductor regions of the base substrate and extends through the cap substrate such that a second end of the leading electrode is located adjacent to a surface of the cap substrate for allowing an electrical connection with an external part, the surface being opposite to a bonding surface at which the base substrate and the cap substrate are bonded. The leading electrode defines a groove between an outer surface thereof and the cap substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Masaya TANAKA, Tetsuo Fujii
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Publication number: 20110147860Abstract: Process for producing a micromechanical structure comprising a substrate and a stack of at least two layers arranged on the substrate, a mobile part formed in the stack and a fixed part relative to the substrate formed in the stack, and an opposite surface formed between the fixed part and the mobile part, forming for example stop means to limit displacement of the mobile part in a direction substantially perpendicular to the stack, which process using at least one sacrificial layer between the substrate and the stack made of material suitable to be etched selectively relative to the materials of the stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALTInventors: Philippe ROBERT, Arnaud Walther
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Publication number: 20110147863Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a sensor element having a plate shape with a surface and including a sensor structure disposed in a surface portion of the sensor element; and a plate-shaped cap element bonded to the surface of the sensor element. The cap element has a wiring pattern portion facing the sensor element. The wiring pattern portion connects an outer periphery of the surface of the sensor element and the sensor structure so that the sensor structure is electrically coupled with an external element via the outer periphery. The sensor element does not have a complicated multi-layered structure, so that the sensor element is simplified. Further, the dimensions of the device are reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2011Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Tetsuo FUJII, Kazuhiko Sugiura
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Publication number: 20110140211Abstract: The invention provides a flow sensor structure for sealing the surface of an electric control circuit and a part of a semiconductor device via a manufacturing method capable of preventing occurrence of flash or chip crack when clamping the semiconductor device via a mold. The invention provides a flow sensor structure comprising a semiconductor device having an air flow sensing unit and a diaphragm formed thereto, and a board or a lead frame having an electric control circuit for controlling the semiconductor device disposed thereto, wherein a surface of the electric control circuit and a part of a surface of the semiconductor device is covered with resin while having the air flow sensing unit portion exposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu KONO, Yuuki Okamoto, Takeshi Morino, Keiji Hanzawa
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Publication number: 20110140215Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor comprises: a substrate having a through-hole; a polysilicon film provided on the substrate and having a diaphragm above the through-hole; an insulating film provided on the polysilicon film; first, second, third, and forth polysilicon gauge resistances provided on the insulating film and having a piezoresistor effect; and polysilicon wirings connecting the first, second, third, and forth polysilicon gauge resistances in a bridge shape, wherein each of the first and second polysilicon gauge resistances is disposed on a central portion of the diaphragm and has a plurality of resistors connected in parallel, a structure of the first polysilicon gauge resistance is same as a structure of the second polysilicon gauge resistance, and a direction of the first polysilicon gauge resistance is same as a direction of the second polysilicon gauge resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventor: Kimitoshi SATO
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Publication number: 20110140181Abstract: Methods for removing a masking material, for example, a photoresist, and electronic devices formed by removing a masking material are presented. For example, a method for removing a masking material includes contacting the masking material with a solution comprising cerium. The cerium may be comprised in a salt. The salt may be cerium ammonium nitrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicants: International Business Machines Corporation, Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Emanuel Israel Cooper, Mahmoud Khojasteh, Ronald W. Nunes, George Gabriel Totir
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Publication number: 20110140212Abstract: An electromechanical transducer includes: a conductive substrate; multiple elements which are disposed on a first face side of the substrate and which contain cells; grooves; and insulating films. The substrate has a second face which is opposite from the first face. The grooves run from the second face of the substrate to the first face of the substrate in a manner that electrically isolate the multiple elements from one another, thereby dividing the substrate and forming first electrodes. The insulating films are formed on opposing outer side walls of every two adjacent first electrodes across one of the grooves. The width between the insulating films is narrower on the second face side of the substrate than on the first face side of the substrate. The insulating films are thicker on the second face side than on the first face side.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hideyuki Itoh, Takahiro Ezaki
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Publication number: 20110140213Abstract: A hollow part is formed in a silicon substrate through the front and the back. A vibration electrode plate is arranged on an upper surface of the silicon substrate to cover the opening on the upper surface. A fixed electrode plate covers the upper side of the vibration electrode plate while maintaining a microscopic gap with the vibration electrode plate, where the peripheral part is fixed to the upper surface of the silicon substrate. The fixed electrode plate has the portion facing the upper surface of the silicon substrate through a space supported by a side wall portion arranged on an inner edge of the portion fixed to the upper surface of the silicon substrate without interposing a space. The outer surface of the side wall portion of the fixed electrode plate is covered by a reinforcement film made of metal such as Au, Cr, and Pt.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: OMRON CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Kasia, Nobuyuki Iida, Hidetoshi Nishio