Abstract:
A method for forming a MEMS structure includes forming, on a MEMS substrate, an interconnect structure having conductive lines and a first conductive plug of a semiconductor material, forming an etch stop layer on the interconnect structure, forming a dielectric layer over the etch stop layer, bonding a silicon substrate over the dielectric layer, forming a second and third conductive plugs of the semiconductor material in the silicon substrate, wherein the second conductive plug is configured to be electrically coupled with the first conductive plug and third conductive plug is configured to function as an anti-stiction bump, forming a MEMS device electrically coupled with the second conductive feature, and forming a bonding pad on the silicon substrate and surrounded by the second conductive plug.
Abstract:
A micromechanical layer system, having at least two mechanically active functional layers patterned independently of each other, which are arranged vertically one on top of the other and are functionally coupled to each other.
Abstract:
A membrane-based sensor in one embodiment includes a membrane layer including an upper surface and a lower surface, a backside trench defined on one side by the lower surface, a central cavity defined on a first side by the upper surface, a cap layer positioned above the central cavity, and a first spacer extending from the upper surface to the cap layer and integrally formed with the cap layer, the first spacer defining a second side of the central cavity and an inner membrane portion of the membrane layer.
Abstract:
A device includes a carrier having a plurality of cavities, a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) substrate bonded on the carrier, wherein the MEMS substrate comprises a shielding layer on the carrier and coupled to ground, a plurality of vias coupled between the shielding layer and a bottom electrode of the MEMS substrate and a moving element over the bottom electrode and a semiconductor substrate bonded on the MEMS substrate, wherein the semiconductor substrate comprises a top electrode, and wherein the moving element is between the top electrode and the bottom electrode.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a silicon-based component with at least one chamfer formed from a method combining at least one oblique side wall etching step with a “Bosch” etching of vertical side walls, thereby enabling aesthetic improvement and improvement in the mechanical strength of components formed by micromachining a silicon-based wafer.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an MEMS structure with a stack made of different layers and a spring-and-mass system varying in its thickness which is formed of the stack, and wherein, starting from a back side of the stack and the substrate, at laterally different positions, the substrate while leaving the first semiconductor layer, or the substrate, the first etch-stop layer and the first semiconductor layer are removed, and to a method for manufacturing such a structure.
Abstract:
Microfluidic devices having superhydrophilic bi-porous interfaces are provided, along with their methods of formation. The device can include a substrate defining a microchannel formed between a pair of side walls and a bottom surface and a plurality of nanowires extending from each of the side walls and the bottom surface. For example, the nanowires can be silicon nanowires (e.g., pure silicon, silicon oxide, silicon carbide, etc., or mixtures thereof).
Abstract:
A pressure sensor having a diaphragm having a boss with a pattern. The diaphragm having a boss may be regarded as a bossed diaphragm. The bossed diaphragm may have higher sensitivity than a flat plate diaphragm having the same area as the bossed diaphragm. The bossed diaphragm may incorporate a simple cross pattern that can further improve the sensitivity and linearity of a pressure response of the diaphragm at low pressures. Reduction of sharp edges and corners of the boss and its legs around the periphery of the diaphragm may reduce high stress points and thus increase the burst pressure rating of the bossed diaphragm.
Abstract:
The present invention discloses a MEMS device with guard ring, and a method for making the MEMS device. The MEMS device comprises a bond pad and a sidewall surrounding and connecting with the bond pad, characterized in that the sidewall forms a guard ring by an etch-resistive material.
Abstract:
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a chip package and fabrication method thereof, which includes a chip protection layer or an additional etching stop layer to cover conducting pads to prevent dicing residue from damaging or scratching the conducting pads. According to another embodiment, a chip protection layer, an additional etching stop layer formed thereon, or a metal etching stop layer level with conducting pads or combinations thereof may be used when etching an intermetal dielectric layer at a structural etching region and a silicon substrate to form an opening for subsequent semiconductor manufacturing processes.