Abstract:
A tunneling sensor (10) has a pair of force rebalance capacitors in a push-pull relationship to provide a rebalance force that is a linear function of applied rebalance voltages, which provides an output voltage linearly related to the input acceleration. The tunneling sensor comprises plate electrode (12) attached to a silicon substrate (14) by a pair of torsional flexures (16) providing an axis of rotation for the plate electrode. A pendulous mass (18) is formed on a first end of the plate electrode, and a tunnel-effect contact (20) is formed on the second end of the plate electrode. A pair of torque rebalance bridge electrodes (22) are formed on the substrate and span the plate electrode. A tunnel-effect tip (24) is formed proximate the tunnel-effect contact and in-line with the rotational path of the tunnel-effect contact (20) when the plate electrode is rotated.
Abstract:
A micromachined device is provided that establishes select dimensional relationships between micromachined structures to achieve correlation in dimensional variation among these structures. Such dimensional relationships are achieved through consistent spacing between desired operating structures and by adding new structures (i.e., dimensional control structures) which provide additional consistent spacing at desired locations within the micromachined device.
Abstract:
Bauelement mit einem beweglichen mikromechanischen Funktionselement, das in einem Hohlraum angeordnet ist, der nach oben von einer Abdeckungsschicht 15 abgeschlossen ist, die durch Stege (11) oder pfeilerartige Stützen (12) abgestützt und ggf. mit einer Verschlußschicht (21) zum Verschließen der in dieser Abdeckungsschicht (15) vorhandenen Ätzlöcher bedeckt ist. Elektrische Anschlüsse (10, 14, 22; 7, 16, 22) des beweglichen Teiles, der Abdeckungsschicht und von als Gegenelektrode im Substrat hergestellten dotierten Bereichen ermöglichen die Realisierung eines einfach in einem Gehäuse zu montierenden Beschleunigungssensors.
Abstract:
A micro mechanical component of the present invention comprises a base, and at least one drive portion supported on the base and relatively driving to the base, in which the drive portion is formed from a diamond layer. Thus, because the drive portion has excellent mechanical strength and modulus of elasticity, the operational performance can be greatly improved as a micro mechanical component processed in a fine shape, from the conventional level. Further, because the drive portion exhibits excellent device characteristics under severe circumstances, the range of applications as a micro mechanical component can be widely expanded from the conventional range.
Abstract:
Ce procédé comprend les étapes suivantes : a) réalisation d'un film (32) de silicium monocristallin conducteur sur un substrat (8) en silicium et séparé de ce dernier par une couche isolante (28) ; b) gravure du film de silicium (32) et de la couche isolante (28) jusqu'au substrat (8) pour fixer la forme des éléments mobiles (2, 6) et des moyens de mesure (12, 20, 16) ; c) réalisation de contacts électriques (24, 26) pour les moyens de mesure ; d) élimination partielle de la couche isolante (32) pour dégager les éléments mobiles (2, 6), le restant de la couche isolante (28) rendant les éléments mobiles et le substrat solidaires.
Abstract:
A microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensor, such as an accelerometer, has one more proof masses that respond to movement of the sensor, the movement of which is measured based on a distance between the one or more proof masses and on one or more sense electrodes. The accelerometer also has a plurality of auxiliary electrodes and a signal generator configured to apply an auxiliary signal having a first harmonic frequency to the plurality of auxiliary electrodes. Circuitry receives a sensed signal from the plurality of sense electrodes and identifies a portion of the sensed signal having the first harmonic frequency. Based on this identified portion of the sensed signal, the circuitry determines whether a residual voltage is present on the one or more proof masses or on the one or more sense electrodes, and the circuitry modifies the operation of the accelerometer when the residual voltage is determined to be present in order to compensate for the residual voltage.
Abstract:
A microelectromechanical sensor (MEMS) package includes a gyroscope and an accelerometer. The gyroscope is located within a low-pressure cavity that is sealed from an external pressure. The accelerometer is located within a cavity, and the seal for the accelerometer cavity is entirely within the gyroscope cavity. Under normal operating conditions, the accelerometer seal holds the accelerometer cavity at a higher pressure than the pressure of the enclosing gyroscope cavity. In the event that one of the gyroscope seal or the accelerometer seal is broken, the gyroscope senses the change in pressure and a failure is identified.