Abstract:
A system for acquiring environnemental information measurements. The 5 system (100) utilizes a sensor, (205) a front-end circuit, (310) a loop filter (315), a switch controller (206), and a recuced-oder loop control circuit to provide reliable data measurements while providing robust system behavior. The system further includes a sensor simulator (330) for simulating the operation of the sensor (205) and testing the operation of the front-end circuit (310) nd the loop filter (315).
Abstract:
A system for acquiring environnemental information measurements. The 5 system (100) utilizes a sensor, (205) a front-end circuit, (310) a loop filter (315), a switch controller (206), and a recuced-oder loop control circuit to provide reliable data measurements while providing robust system behavior. The system further includes a sensor simulator (330) for simulating the operation of the sensor (205) and testing the operation of the front-end circuit (310) nd the loop filter (315).
Abstract:
A technique (400) for manufacturing a micro-electro mechanical structure includes a number of steps. Initially, a cavity is formed into a first side of a handling wafer (404), with a sidewall of the cavity forming a first angle greater than about 54.7 degrees with respect to a first side of the handling wafer at an opening of the cavity. Then, a bulk etch is performed on the first side of the handling wafer to modify the sidewall of the cavity to a second angle greater than about 90 degrees (406), with respect to the first side of the handling wafer at the opening of the cavity. Next, a second side of a second wafer is bonded to the first side of the handling wafer (408).
Abstract:
An accelerometer (305) for measuring seismic data. The accelerometer (305) includes an integrated vent hole for use during a vacuum sealing process and a balanced metal pattern for reducing cap wafer bowing. The accelerometer (305) also includes a top cap press frame recess (405) and a bottom cap press frame recess (420) for isolating bonding pressures to specified regions of the accelerometer (305). The accelerometer (305) is vacuum-sealed and includes a balanced metal pattern (730) to prevent degradation of the performance of the accelerometer (305). A dicing process is performed on the accelerometer (305) to isolate the electrical leads of the accelerometer (305). The accelerometer (305) further includes overshock protection bumpers (720) and patterned metal electrodes to reduce stiction during the operation of the accelerometer (305).
Abstract:
A microstructure includes a mass; a base member in which the mass is movably contained. The mass includes a surface, which is exposed out of the base member, and a stopper wire, which is arranged above the surface of the mass so as to inhibit over move of the mass.
Abstract:
A released-beam sensor includes a semiconductor substrate having a layer formed thereon, and an aperture formed in the layer. A beam is mechanically coupled at a first end to the layer and suspended above the layer such that a second end forms a cantilever above the aperture. A boss is coupled to a second end of the beam and suspended at least partially within the aperture. The beam is configured to flex in response to acceleration of the substrate along a vector substantially perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. Parameters of the sensor, such as the dimensions of the beam, the mass of the boss, and the distance between the boss and a contact surface within the aperture, are selected to establish an acceleration threshold at which the boss will make contact with the contact surface. The sensor may be employed to deploy an airbag in a vehicle.
Abstract:
An apparatus for mechanically mounting one or more Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors on a stable, structurally sound base, the base being a generally cubical block formed in a ceramic substrate having a plurality of substantially planar and mutually orthogonal surfaces, wherein a first one of the surfaces is structured for rotationally interfacing with a host structure that is to be monitored, one or more of the remaining surfaces is structured for mechanically mounting of a MEMS sensor and a plurality of electrical signal carriers communicate between each of the MEMS sensor mounting surfaces and a plurality of electrical interface contacts positioned on the interfacing surface.
Abstract:
A vertical offset structure and a method for fabricating the same. The vertical offset structure includes a substrate; a fixed electrode fixing portion formed on the substrate; a fixed electrode moving portion formed at a position away from an upper portion of the substrate by a predetermined distance; a spring portion for connecting the fixed electrode fixing portion and the fixed electrode moving portion to each other so that the fixed electrode moving portion moves into a direction substantially perpendicular to a plate surface of the substrate; a movable electrode located away from the upper portion of the substrate by a predetermined distance to have a predetermined interval horizontal to the fixed electrode moving portion; and a cap wafer bonded to a predetermined area of one of the fixed electrode moving portion and the movable electrode.
Abstract:
A low cost, pendulous, capacitive-sensing Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer is provided. The accelerometer includes a pendulous proof mass, one or more securing pads, and one or more flexures coupled with the pendulous proof mass and the one or more securing pads. The flexures flex linearly with respect to motion of the pendulous proof mass. First and second capacitor plates are positioned relative to the pendulous proof mass for detecting motion of the proof mass according to a sensed difference in capacitance. One or more strain isolation beams are connected between the one or more flexures and the pendulous proof mass or the securing pads. The strain isolation beams protect the flexures from mechanical strain.
Abstract:
An acceleration sensor (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) is disclosed that has a structure in which elastic support arms (10) are not broken even if subjected to an impact that may be caused during a usual handling. The acceleration sensor comprises a mass portion (20), a mass portion top plate (40) fixed onto the mass portion (20), a rectangular thick support frame (30) surrounding the mass portion (20), a frame top plate (50) fixed onto the frame (30), and four elastic support arms (10) hanging the mass portion (20) in the center of the frame (30) and bridging the mass portion top plate (40) and the frame top plate (50). There are provided lateral grooves (72, 74) just below the support arms (10) on side surfaces of the mass portion (20) and on inner side surfaces of the frame (30). Due to the grooves (72, 74), the mass portion top plate (40) and the frame top plate (50) have their portions (42, 52) bonded to the mass portion (20)/ the frame (30) and their portions (44, 54) protruding toward the support arms (10). Cross sections on boundaries between the bonded portions (42, 52) and the protruding portions (44, 54) are larger than those connecting the protruding portions (44, 54) to the support arms (10). Breakage of the elastic support arms (10) is prevented, because the strain caused in the mass portion (20)/the frame (30) by an impact applied from outside is not directly transmitted to the support arms (10) and is released in the protruding portions (44, 54) having a larger cross section than the support arms (10).