Abstract: A surface mountable condenser microphone (1) comprising a diaphragm (7) spaced by a spacer from a conductive capacitor layer (14), which is arranged on a surface of a back plate (15), wherein the back plate (15) is realized by a ceramic plate that carries the conductive capacitor layer (14) and isolated on another surface area of the same side of the back plate (15) a spacer layer (23) that projects over the conductive capacitor layer (14) and forms the spacer.

Abstract: A small-array MEMS (micro-electro mechanical system) microphone apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes first and second microphone modules. A first microphone of the first microphone module captures a first acoustic signal from a sound source through a first acoustic hole. A second microphone of the second microphone module captures a second acoustic signal from the sound source through a second acoustic hole. A first integrated circuit performs a first logic operation on the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal to generate a first sum acoustic signal. The first integrated circuit performs a sampling delay on the second acoustic signal with a first clock signal, and subtracts the delayed second acoustic signal from the first acoustic signal to obtain a first differential acoustic signal. The first differential acoustic signal has a first directivity. A second integrated circuit bypasses and outputs the second acoustic signal which is omnidirectional.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit comprising a transconductance amplifier which is connectable to a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer. The transconductance amplifier comprises a first input coupled to a first current conveyor and a second input coupled to a second current conveyor for converting a single-ended or differential transducer signal voltage into an intermediate signal current representative of the transducer signal voltage through a shared reference resistor. The transconductance amplifier further comprises first and second output circuits coupled to the shared reference resistor and being configured to convert the intermediate current signal into a corresponding differential output current signal through first and second output terminals for driving a load.

Abstract: A MEMS microphone includes a substrate defining a cavity, a diaphragm being spaced apart from the substrate, covering the cavity, and being configured to generate a displacement thereof in response to an applied acoustic pressure, an anchor extending from an end portion of the diaphragm, the anchor including a lower surface in contact with an upper surface of the substrate to support the diaphragm, a back plate disposed over the diaphragm, the back plate being spaced apart from the diaphragm such that an air gap is maintained between the back plate and the diaphragm, and defining a plurality of acoustic holes and an upper insulation layer provided on the substrate, covering the back plate, and holding the back plate to space the back plate from the diaphragm, the upper insulation layer having a flat plate shape to prevent sagging of the back plate.

Abstract: Provided is an energy harvesting system, including: a first electrode; a second electrode; a non-metalized mono-charged electret diaphragm disposed between the first and second electrodes; a base; a spring extending between the base and the electret diaphragm; and a rod in communication with the electret diaphragm and for manipulating a position of the electret diaphragm relative to the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A microphone assembly includes an acoustic transducer having a back plate and a diaphragm, such that a surface of the back plate includes a plurality of holes. At least a portion of the plurality of holes are arranged in a non-uniform pattern. The non-uniform pattern includes holes of varying sizes spaced apart from neighboring holes by varying distances. The microphone assembly further includes an audio signal electrical circuit configured to receive an acoustic signal from the acoustic transducer.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a sensor package includes an electrically insulating substrate including a cavity in the electrically insulating substrate, an ambient sensor, an integrated circuit die embedded in the electrically insulating substrate, and a plurality of conductive interconnect structures coupling the ambient sensor to the integrated circuit die. The ambient sensor is supported by the electrically insulating substrate and arranged adjacent the cavity.

Abstract: A system method provides for multi-port wind noise protection. A sound may include a desired component such as speech and an undesired component such as wind. Multiple apertures on a housing receive the sound and conduct it to a microphone. The undesired component such as wind is uncorrelated at the apertures and mixes at the microphone, attenuating in amplitude while the desired component such as speech is correlated at the apertures. In this manner, the signal to noise ratio between the desired component and undesired component is improved at the microphone.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone is provided. The MEMS microphone includes a substrate, a backplate disposed on a side of the substrate, and a diaphragm movably disposed between the substrate and the backplate. The diaphragm includes a plurality of implantation portions, and the implantation portions have different concentration-depth profiles.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducer includes a transducer substrate including an opening; a back plate including a plurality of protrusions oriented substantially perpendicular to the back plate; and a diaphragm between the transducer substrate and the back plate. The diaphragm includes a lead and a plurality of spring members. The lead is structured to suspend the diaphragm over the transducer substrate. The spring members are structured to separate the diaphragm from the transducer substrate and the back plate in the absence of a bias voltage.

Abstract: MEMS devices comprise a filter configured and arranged to inhibit the entry of particles into at least a region of the interior of the substrate cavity from a region underlying the substrate.

Abstract: An embodiment device includes a body structure having an interior cavity, a control chip disposed on a first interior surface of the interior cavity, and a sensor attached, at a first side, to a second interior surface of the interior cavity opposite the first interior surface. The sensor has a mounting pad on a second side of the sensor that faces the first interior surface, and the sensor is vertically spaced apart from the control chip by an air gap, with the sensor is aligned at least partially over the control chip. The device further includes an interconnect having a first end mounted on the mounting pad, the interconnect extending through the interior cavity toward the first interior surface, and the control chip is in electrical communication with the sensor by way of the interconnect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement, to a corresponding method of assembling such a sensor arrangement, and to a sensor system. The sensor arrangement comprises at least one transducer element for monitoring at least one measurand and generating an electrical output signal correlated with the at least one measurand; and a sensor substrate comprising the transducer element. The sensor substrate is mountable on a circuit carrier in a way that a media channel penetrating the circuit carrier allows access of the at least one measurand to the transducer element. The circuit carrier has an electrically conductive solderable first sealing pattern which surrounds the media channel at least partly and which is aligned with a solderable second sealing pattern arranged on the sensor substrate, so that a soldered sealing connection, which at least partly surrounds the media channel, is formed between the first sealing pattern and the second sealing pattern.

Abstract: A MEMS microphone including a carrier board and a MEMS chip mounted thereon over a sound opening. A filter chip includes a bulk material with an aperture covered and closed by a mesh. The mesh includes a layer of the filter chip with parallel through-going first holes structured in the layer. The filter chip is arranged in or on the carrier board such that the mesh covers the sound opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a speaker module, comprising a module housing and a speaker unit accommodated in the module housing. The speaker unit partitions a module cavity encircled by the module housing into two cavities, namely a front acoustic cavity and a rear acoustic cavity. A separator component is provided within the rear acoustic cavity. The separator component partitions the rear acoustic cavity into an accommodating cavity and a sound-absorbing cavity. The sound-absorbing cavity is filled with sound-absorbing particles. An antistatic material is added into the housing material of the module housing at where the sound-absorbing cavity is located, or the antistatic material is coated on the surface of the module housing at where the sound-absorbing cavity is located, and the antistatic material is either an electrically-conductive material or an antistatic agent.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromechanical sensor, including the steps: providing a MEMS wafer that includes a MEMS substrate, a defined number of etching trenches being formed in the MEMS substrate in a diaphragm area, the diaphragm area being formed in a first silicon layer that is situated at a defined distance from the MEMS substrate; providing a cap wafer; bonding the MEMS wafer to the cap wafer; and forming a media access point to the diaphragm area by grinding the MEMS substrate.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a multi-wafer stack of a plurality of layers and a measurement chamber. The plurality of layers includes a first layer comprising a sensor element that has a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) membrane; and a second layer comprising an emitter element configured to emit electromagnetic radiation. The measurement chamber is interposed between the first layer and the second layer. The measurement chamber is configured to receive a measurement gas and further receive the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter element as the electromagnetic radiation travels along a radiation path from a first end of the measurement chamber to a second end of the measurement chamber that is opposite to the first end.

Abstract: A MEMS microphone includes a backplate that has a plurality of open areas, and a diaphragm spaced apart from the backplate. The diaphragm is deformable by sound waves to cause gaps between the backplate and the diaphragm being changed at multiple locations on the diaphragm. The diaphragm includes a plurality of anchor areas, located near a boundary of the diaphragm, which is fixed relative to the backplate. The diaphragm also includes multiple vent valves. Examples of the vent valve include a wing vent valve and a vortex vent valve.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer includes: a housing; a fixed electrode; a diaphragm that oscillates in accordance with a potential difference between the diaphragm and the fixed electrode generated based on the electric signal, the diaphragm being provided to face the fixed electrode; and a support part that supports the partial region of the diaphragm toward the fixed electrode, the support part including a displacement part that is displaced in a direction in which the diaphragm is displaced in response to a change in pressure inside the housing, and a contacting part contacts the partial region of the diaphragm, wherein a distance between the diaphragm and the fixed electrode in the partial region is less than a distance between the diaphragm and the fixed electrode outside the partial region.

Abstract: A microphone including a light emitting part can be miniaturized. The microphone includes: a microphone unit; an impedance converter that converts output impedance of the microphone unit; a light source that notifies an operation state of the microphone unit; a conversion substrate on which the impedance converter is mounted; a light source substrate on which the light source is mounted; and a connection substrate to which a signal line for transmitting a signal from the impedance converter and a power line for transmitting power to the light source are connected. The conversion substrate, the light source substrate, and the connection substrate are three-dimensionally connected to one another to constitute one substrate unit.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes a housing, microelectromechanical systems-based (MEMS-based) sensor and microprocessor. The MEMS-based sensor is within the housing and configured to detect a pressure on the MEMS-based sensor caused by airflow through at least a portion of the housing. The MEMS-based sensor is configured to convert the pressure to an electrical signal, and output the electrical signal. The microprocessor is configured to receive the electrical signal from the MEMS-based sensor, and control operation of at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device based thereon.

Abstract: A movable embedded microstructure includes a substrate, a diaphragm, a circuit board, a permanent magnetic element, and a multi-layered coil. The substrate has a hollow chamber. The diaphragm is disposed on the substrate, and covers the hollow chamber. The circuit board is bonded to the substrate. The permanent magnetic element is disposed on the circuit board and in the hollow chamber. The multi-layered coil is embedded in the diaphragm.

Abstract: A hinge between a first part and a second part of a microelectromechanical system including a first element and a second element free to move relative to each other in an out-of-plane direction is disclosed. The hinge includes a first rigid part; a second part fixed to a first face of the first part by one end and anchored to the second element by a second end, the second part deforming in bending in the out-of-plane direction; and a third part fired to a first face of the first part by a second end, and anchored to the first element by a second end, the third part deforming in bending in the out-of-plane direction. In an undeformed state, the second part and the third part each includes one face located in the same plane orthogonal to the out-of-plane direction.

Abstract: A terminal assembly structure of a MEMS microphone, including a signal let out board disposed at a terminal and a silicon microphone disposed at the signal let out board. The silicon microphone includes a housing, a substrate forming an accommodation space with the housing, and an MEMS chip accommodated in the accommodation space. A position of the substrate corresponding to the MEMS chip is disposed with a sound inlet connected to the outside, wherein a position where the signal let out board corresponding to the silicon microphone is disposed with an accommodation hole. The housing is accommodated in the accommodation hole. The substrate abuts a surface of the signal let out board and covers the accommodation hole. A surface of the substrate disposed with the housing is provided with a pad which is electrically connected with the signal let out board.

Abstract: The present application provides a piezoelectric microphone, including a substrate having a back cavity and a piezoelectric cantilever diaphragm fixed to the substrate. The piezoelectric cantilever diaphragm includes a first diaphragm located at its center and suspended above the back cavity, and a second diaphragm fixed to the substrate and provided around the first diaphragm. The second diaphragm includes a fixed end fixed to one side of the substrate and a movable end close to the first diaphragm side and suspended above the back cavity. The piezoelectric microphone further includes one or more elastically stretchable members each connecting the first diaphragm with the movable end. The piezoelectric microphone of the present disclosure has better performance.

Abstract: A combinatorial inner module is installed primarily inside a wireless earphone, including a circuit loop, a lower cover and an upper cover. The circuit loop is provided with a first circuit board and a second circuit board which is extended from the first circuit board. The upper cover is disposed above the lower cover to fix the first circuit board between the upper cover and the lower cover. Moreover, the upper cover includes a first side wall which is formed with an angle with respect to the lower cover and is used to install the second circuit board, forming an included angle between the second circuit board and the first circuit board. Therefore, the inner module is formed into a modularized design to simplify the assembly procedure of the wireless earphone, which reduces the labor cost in assembling the wireless earphone significantly.

Abstract: A MEMS microphone includes a substrate having a cavity, a back plate being disposed over the substrate and having a plurality of acoustic holes, a diaphragm disposed between the substrate and the back plate, the diaphragm being spaced apart from the substrate and the back plate, covering the cavity to form an air gap between the back plate, and being configured to generate a displacement with responding to an acoustic pressure and a plurality of anchors extending from an end portion of the diaphragm to be integrally formed with the diaphragm, the anchors being arranged along a circumference of the diaphragm to be spaced apart from each other, and having lower surfaces making contact with an upper surface of the substrate to support the diaphragm. Thus, the MEMS microphone may have improved rigidity and flexibility.

Abstract: A microphone is provided, including a base having a chamber; and a capacitor system fixed to the base. The capacitor system includes a backplate fixed to the base and a diaphragm located in the chamber. The backplate and the diaphragm form a capacitor structure. The diaphragm is fixed to the backplate and partitions the chamber into a front chamber and a back chamber. The backplate is provided with a sound receiving hole in communication with the front chamber. The base or the backplate is provided with a vent hole for communicating the back chamber with the outside. The microphone provided by the present disclosure has the advantages of high reliability.

Abstract: A portable audio input/output device may include one or more openings that extend through a cover of the device and allow acoustic signals outside a housing of the device to reach a microphone disposed within the housing. The opening(s) may be illuminated by a light guide disposed within the housing, which scatters light emitted from lights disposed within the housing. In some instances, a hole may pass through a printed circuit board to allow acoustic signals to be received by the microphone disposed below the printed circuit board. An input/output (I/O) interface module with multiple buttons and inputs may be installed in the hole. The multiple buttons and I/O ports of the I/O interface module may be aligned along an axis vertical relative to the housing and centered with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a condenser microphone, comprising a substrate, and a back plate and a vibrating diaphragm which are arranged on the substrate; the back plate is arranged on the upper side and/or the lower side of the vibrating diaphragm; and the vibrating diaphragm is provided with a protruding layer or a corrugated membrane structure layer. With the above invention, the area of the vibrating diaphragm and the capacitance at the lateral side of the condenser microphone can be increased, so as to achieve the effect of improving the sensitivity of the condenser microphone.

Abstract: Provided are a pressure sensor which exhibits exceptional performance and a method of producing the same. The pressure sensor includes: a silicon substrate having a cavity; a diaphragm which is formed of a metallic glass and has a tensile stress in a range in which a resonant frequency is higher than an audible range; and a counter electrode which is insulated from the diaphragm and has a plurality of holes. The diaphragm and the counter electrode are disposed on the silicon substrate to face each other with a gap therebetween, the diaphragm and the counter electrode being released from the silicon substrate by the cavity.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a microphone is provided. The microphone includes a case that is vibrated by a vibration signal. A sound inlet through which a sound signal is input is formed at a portion of the case and a first sound element is formed in the case at a position corresponding to the sound inlet. The first sound element receives the sound signal and the vibration signal to output a first initial signal. A second sound element is formed to be adjacent to the first sound element and receives the vibration signal to output a second initial signal. A semiconductor chip is connected to the first sound element and the second sound element and receives the first initial signal and the second initial signal to output a final signal.

Abstract: A method of forming a piezoelectric microphone with an interlock/stopper and a micro-bump and a resulting device are provided. Embodiments include forming a membrane over a Si substrate having a first and second sacrificial layer disposed on opposite surfaces thereof, the membrane being formed on the first sacrificial layer, forming a first HM over the membrane, forming first and second vias through the first HM, forming a first pad layer in the first and second vias and over an exposed top thin film, forming a trench to the first sacrificial layer between the first and second vias and a gap between the trench and second via, patterning a second HM over the membrane, in the first and second vias, the trench and the gap, and forming a second pad layer over the second HM and in exposed areas around the first and second vias to form pad structures.

Abstract: A device for detecting acoustic waves may include a housing having a housing wall with an inner surface, and an acoustic wave sensor provided at least partially inside the housing and configured to detect acoustic waves. The inner surface of the housing wall is made in at least half of its entire area of a thermally insulating material.

Abstract: An electret condenser microphone with a low noise figure and a method for producing the same are disclosed. An electret variable condenser is first installed into a housing, and then an ASIC amplifier and a printed circuit board are installed into the housing. The ASIC amplifier is electrically connected to the electret variable condenser. It reduces the noise figure effectively and ensures the normal transmission of the effective sound. In particular, it ensures the stability and reliability of the ASIC amplifier during use. The process is simple, the production efficiency is high, and the processing cost is low.

Abstract: A MEMS microphone for a frame-free device, comprising a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a first substrate region provided with an acoustic sensor, an ASIC chip, and a MEMS chip, and a second substrate region provided with a plurality of pads; both the first substrate region and the second substrate region are disposed at the same side of the substrate; an acoustic through-hole is disposed at the back of the first substrate region; a microphone connection structure further comprises a flexible circuit board, wherein the flexible circuit board electrically connects the plurality of pads of the MEMS microphone to a circuit board of the frame-free device; the acoustic through-hole is aligned with an acoustic opening of the frame-free device; by adopting the MEMS microphone for a frame-free device, the MEMS microphone may be more widely used in many high-tech industries and has better acoustic performance over the conventional MEMS microphone.

Abstract: A MEMS microphone includes a cavity extending portion that increases the size of the cavity. The cavity extending portion can be sloped or stepped in order to create a desired profile of the extended cavity shape. Thus, the volume of the cavity may be increased in order to decrease the compliance and to increase a Signal to Noise Ratio.

Abstract: A package structure of MEMS microphone is provided. The MEMS microphone includes a MEMS microphone chip disposed on a circuit board. The MEMS microphone chip comprises a first bonding pad, including a metal pad on a top of the MEMS microphone chip; and a protection layer fully enclosing a sidewall of the metal pad and also partially disposed on a top of the metal pad. A circuit chip is disposed on the circuit board, wherein the circuit chip comprises a second bonding pad. A bonding wire is connected between the first bonding pad and the second bonding pad.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a terminal assembly structure of a MEMS microphone, including a signal let out board disposed at a terminal and a silicon microphone disposed on the signal let out board. The silicon microphone includes a housing, a substrate forming an accommodation space with the housing, an MEMS chip and a waterproof member. The substrate is configured with a sound inlet connected to the outside. The waterproof member is sandwiched between the MEMS chip and the substrate. A position where the signal let out board corresponds to the silicon microphone is configured with an accommodation hole. The housing is accommodated in the accommodation hole. The substrate abuts a surface of the signal let out board and covers the accommodation hole. A surface of the substrate where the housing is assembled, is provided with at least one pad electrically connected with the signal let out board.

Abstract: The present application teaches microphones and manufacturing methods therefor and relates to the field of semiconductor technologies. In some implementations, a method may include: providing a substrate structure, the substrate structure including a substrate and a first insulating layer covering a first part of the substrate; forming a first electrode plate layer, the first electrode plate layer covering a part of the first insulating layer; and forming a second insulating layer, the second insulating layer covering a part of a region of the first insulating layer which is not covered by the first electrode plate layer and a part of the first electrode plate layer, where when seen from the top, the first electrode plate layer and the second insulating layer form an angle, the angle exposes a second part of the substrate, and a degree ? of the angle is larger than or equal to 90° and is smaller than or equal to 180°. The present application can improve a problem of unexpected holes formed in the microphone.

Abstract: Shown is a wafer arrangement for a gas sensor including a first substrate and a sescond substrate. The first substrate includes a MEMS membrane associated with a sensor element and an emitter element configured to emit electromagnetic radiation. The second substrate is arranged on top of the first substrate and defines at least a portion of a chamber disposed adjacent to the MEMS membrane.

Abstract: A microphone connector assembly comprises a receptacle and a sleeve. The receptacle includes a housing, a first cavity formed within the housing, a frame, a protrusion formed on the frame, and a first electrical block supported by the frame and positioned within the first cavity. The sleeve includes an outer shell, a second cavity formed within the outer shell, a keyway, and a second electrical block positioned within the second cavity. The sleeve is insertable into the receptacle such that the protrusion enters the keyway and the first and second electrical blocks engage one another.

Abstract: An MEMS microphone is provided, including a base having a back cavity, and a capacitor system disposed on the base, the capacitor system including a backplate and a diaphragm disposed oppositely to the backplate. The diaphragm includes a body portion and a plurality of venting portions connected to the body portion, each of the plurality of venting portions includes a venting aperture penetrating through the diaphragm and a membrane flap partially fixed to the diaphragm and located in the venting aperture. The MEMS microphone further includes an insulation connecting pillar having one end fixedly connected to the backplate and another end fixedly connected to the membrane flap. Compared with the related art, the venting portion is fixedly connected to the backplate through the insulation connecting pillar, so that the venting portion is not easily warped, thereby improving reliability of the MEMS microphone.

Abstract: A structure of micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) microphone package includes a packaging substrate and an integrated circuit disposed on the packaging substrate. In addition, a MEMS microphone is disposed on the packaging substrate, wherein the MEMS microphone is electrically connected to the integrated circuit. A conductive adhesion layer is disposed on the packaging substrate, surrounding the integrated circuit and the MEMS microphone. A cap structure has a bottom part being adhered to the conductive adhesion layer. An underfill layer is disposed on the packaging substrate, covering an outer side of the conductive adhesion layer.

Abstract: The present application discloses a MEMS microphone, including: a substrate having a cavity; and a capacitor system mounted on the substrate. The capacitor includes a back plate connected to the substrate; and a diaphragm forming a capacitor with the back plate. The back plate includes a back plate main body and a first connecting portion extending from the back plate main body toward the substrate, the first connecting portion connects with the substrate, and the diaphragm connects to the back plate main body. The vibration or the stress from the substrate will not transferred to the diaphragm, but released via the first connecting portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitive microphone having a capability of acceleration noise cancelation. The microphone includes (1) a moveable functional membrane comprising a basic functional membrane with an area Ao; and (2) a moveable reference membrane comprising a basic reference membrane. The basic reference membrane has one or more holes through the membrane's thickness, and the moveable reference membrane would be identical to the moveable functional membrane if the basic reference membrane does not have said one or more holes. The total area of said one or more holes is Ah, and a hole density HD is defined as Ah/Ao (%), and HD is in the range of e.g. from 0.012% to 2.647%.

Abstract: A device comprising: a sensor; and a first circuit configured to detect when an input stimulus to the sensor satisfies one or more detection criteria, and further configured to produce a signal upon detection that causes adjustment of performance of the device; and a second circuit for processing input following detection, wherein the second circuit is configured to increase its power level following detection, relative to a power level of the second circuit prior to detection.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an optical MEMS transducer includes a diffraction structure including alternating first reflective elements and openings arranged in a first plane, a reflection structure including second reflective elements and configured to deflect with respect to the diffraction structure, and an optical element configured to direct a first optical signal at the diffraction structure and the reflection structure and to receive a second optical signal from the diffraction structure and the reflection structure. The second reflective elements are arranged in the first plane when the reflection structure is at rest. Other embodiments include corresponding systems and apparatus, each configured to perform various embodiment methods.

Abstract: A MEMS microphone includes a backplate that has a plurality of open areas, and a diaphragm spaced apart from the backplate. The diaphragm is deformable by sound waves to cause gaps between the backplate and the diaphragm being changed at multiple locations on the diaphragm. The diaphragm includes a plurality of anchor areas, located near a boundary of the diaphragm, which is fixed relative to the backplate. The diaphragm also includes multiple vent valves. Examples of the vent valve include a wing vent valve and a vortex vent valve.

Abstract: Representative methods for sealing MEMS devices include depositing insulating material over a substrate, forming conductive vias in a first set of layers of the insulating material, and forming metal structures in a second set of layers of the insulating material. The first and second sets of layers are interleaved in alternation. A dummy insulating layer is provided as an upper-most layer of the first set of layers. Portions of the first and second set of layers are etched to form void regions in the insulating material. A conductive pad is formed on and in a top surface of the insulating material. The void regions are sealed with an encapsulating structure. At least a portion of the encapsulating structure is laterally adjacent the dummy insulating layer, and above a top surface of the conductive pad. An etch is performed to remove at least a portion of the dummy insulating layer.