Abstract:
A method of fabricating a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes bonding a transducer wafer to a substrate wafer along a bond interface. An unpatterned transducer layer included within the transducer wafer is patterned. A release etch process is then performed during which a sacrificial layer is exposed to a selected release etchant to remove at a least a portion of the sacrificial layer through the openings in the patterned transducer layer. A release etch stop layer is formed between the sacrificial layer and the bond interface prior to exposing the sacrificial layer to the release etchant. The release etch stop layer prevents the ingress of the selected release etchant into the region of the MEMS device containing the bond interface during the release etch process.
Abstract:
A system and device for detecting yaw and changes in pitch angle for use with navigational and positional devices. The system and device include a multi-axis magnetic field sensing device and a controller. Preferably, the magnetic field sensing device is a multi-axis magnetic compass that is capable of sensing variations in pitch and yaw. The controller is adapted to process yaw and pitch rotational data to determine a positive or a negative change in pitch.
Abstract:
A semiconductor die includes a device structure having a micro-electronic device located at a surface of a substrate and a cap coupled to the device structure with the micro-electronic device positioned in a cavity located between the cap and the substrate. A sacrificial material is provided within the cavity, coupling the cap to the device structure. The sacrificial material is heated in the cavity to cause the sacrificial material to decompose to a gaseous species. The presence of the gaseous species in the cavity increases a pressure level in the cavity from an initial pressure to a final pressure.
Abstract:
A system and device for detecting yaw and changes in pitch angle for use with navigational and positional devices. The system and device include a multi-axis magnetic field sensing device and a controller. Preferably, the magnetic field sensing device is a multi-axis magnetic compass that is capable of sensing variations in pitch and yaw. The controller is adapted to process yaw and pitch rotational data to determine a positive or a negative change in pitch.
Abstract:
A semiconductor die includes a device structure having a micro-electronic device located at a surface of a substrate and a cap coupled to the device structure with the micro-electronic device positioned in a cavity located between the cap and the substrate. A sacrificial material is provided within the cavity, coupling the cap to the device structure. The sacrificial material is heated in the cavity to cause the sacrificial material to decompose to a gaseous species. The presence of the gaseous species in the cavity increases a pressure level in the cavity from an initial pressure to a final pressure.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes bonding a transducer wafer to a substrate wafer along a bond interface. An unpatterned transducer layer included within the transducer wafer is patterned. A release etch process is then performed during which a sacrificial layer is exposed to a selected release etchant to remove at a least a portion of the sacrificial layer through the openings in the patterned transducer layer. A release etch stop layer is formed between the sacrificial layer and the bond interface prior to exposing the sacrificial layer to the release etchant. The release etch stop layer prevents the ingress of the selected release etchant into the region of the MEMS device containing the bond interface during the release etch process.
Abstract:
A multi-axis magnetic field sensing device combines two magnetoresistive sensors to measure the two orthogonal components X, Y of a magnetic field parallel to a system's plane and a Hall sensor to measure the Z component of the magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the system's plane. The two magnetoresistive sensors may be built together in one single chip and then stacked on top of a CMOS die embedding the Hall sensor and associated electronics for the signal processing management of the three sensors and the system's interface.
Abstract:
Methods of packaging systems pressure-sensitive devices that are subject to human contact force are disclosed. The methods include coupling and attaching the sensing devices and at least one other integrated circuit to a substrate; applying and curing a relatively-soft, protective material over the sensing portion of the sensing device; positioning a covering tool over the cured material; applying and curing a relatively-hard, protective coating around the covering tool and the relatively-soft, protective material; and applying a second, relatively-soft, protective material in the void left by the withdrawn covering tool.
Abstract:
Methods of packaging systems pressure-sensitive devices that are subject to human contact force are disclosed. The methods include coupling and attaching the sensing devices and at least one other integrated circuit to a substrate; applying and curing a relatively-soft, protective material over the sensing portion of the sensing device; positioning a covering tool over the cured material; applying and curing a relatively-hard, protective coating around the covering tool and the relatively-soft, protective material; and applying a second, relatively-soft, protective material in the void left by the withdrawn covering tool.